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Key figures

Origin and history

The belfry of Lille City Hall, located in Roger-Salengro Square in the Saint-Sauveur district, replaces the former town hall destroyed by a fire in 1916. After World War I, the socialist municipality led by Gustave Delory launched an ambitious reconstruction project, entrusted to architect Émile Dubuisson. The choice of the site, formerly military, is part of a desire to modernize the working-class and unhealthy neighbourhood of Saint-Sauveur, with Haussmannian inspirations. The belfry, the first reinforced concrete building of more than 100 metres in France, was added at the request of Mayor Roger Salengro and built between 1929 and 1932.

The belfry is inspired by the 17th century 'Lillian spans' and the Chamber of Commerce, combining Flemish neo-Renaissance style and regionalist art, typical of the inter-war period. Its 104 meters make it the highest belfry in Flanders and the highest municipal building in France. At its base, two concrete statues of legendary giants Lydéric and Phinaert, carved by Carlo Sarrabezolles, symbolize the mythical origins of Lille. The interior, organized around a 143-metre gallery, includes floral decorations, aluminum capitals and patterns reproducing the fleur de lys of the Lille coat of arms.

The construction, originally planned with three wings, finally saw only two wings completed before 1932, due to lack of sufficient funding (the war repairs were tarnished). The missing wing, including an honorary lounge, will never be built. The building was completed only in 1992, with a modern extension closing the initial quadrilateral. The office of Roger Salengro, left vacant since his suicide in 1936, bears witness to the turbulent political history of the monument.

Ranked a historic monument in 2002 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005, the belfry embodies both the architectural innovation of the 1930s and the reconstruction of Lille after the war. Its regionalist Art Deco style, marked by local materials (brick, Béthisy stone, varnished ceramic), makes it a strong symbol of Lille identity. Today, it remains a central place in municipal life, with its public counters, council hall and spaces decorated with historical motifs.

The initial project of Émile Dubuisson also provided for a complete redevelopment of the Saint-Sauveur district, inspired by the Haussmannian principles, but only part of the urban breakthroughs was achieved. The belfry, with its 400 steps, offers a panoramic view of the city and recalls, by its height and style, Lille's desire for rebirth after the destructions of 1916. Its inscription in UNESCO underlines its importance in the heritage of the belfries of Flanders and Artois.

Future

Since August 3, 20101, the belfry can be visited on open visits from 9.30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 2 to 5.30 p.m. An audio guide allows you to follow the tour with binoculars to discover the city of Lille at 360°.

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