Hôtel de Ville and its belfry

Lille’s Hôtel de Ville (town hall) was built between 1924 and 1932, combining elements of neo-Flemish and neo-Renaissance architectural styles, evoking a sense of grandeur and elegance.

The Hôtel de Ville serves as the administrative centre for the city of Lille, housing municipal offices and council chambers. Its ornate façade features intricate carvings, decorative motifs, and a distinctive belfry (bell tower).

For most visitors, the main attraction is the town hall’s belfry, which offers panoramic views over Lille. The belfry is a major landmark and part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site that also includes other notable belfries in Belgium and elsewhere in northeastern France. However, it should not be confused with the more iconic belfry above the Chamber of Commerce building in the city centre.

What to see at the Hôtel de Ville

Visitors can see parts of the interior of the Hôtel de Ville; however, it is a working town hall so you can’t just wander around anywhere.

The building’s 143m-long Great Gallery is like an internal street providing access to various parts of the town hall. It has concrete pillars with marble and wrought iron decorative features.

However, it is a relatively modern building in comparison to other city halls elsewhere in France and most people don’t visit to see the building. Instead, the main attraction is the 104m-tall belfry, which was added to the town hall in the 1930s, making this the tallest municipal building in France and visitors can climb the 400 steps to the top for a spectacular view of the city.

It’s said to be the best vantage point in Lille, giving you panoramic views of the city centre and its suburbs. From here, you can see the Pierre Mauroy stadium, the Lys Valley and the Monts de Flandres.

Visiting the Hôtel de Ville

The town hall is around a 10-minute walk south of the city centre and the closest metro station is Mairie de Lille (line 2), which is around a four-minute walk.

It is very close to Porte de Paris and nearby points of interest include the Musée de l’Institut Pasteur de Lille and the Palais des Beaux-Arts de Lille, which are both around a 10-minute walk away.

You can gain access to the belfry by ringing the bell on the wooden door on Place Simon Vollant.

The belfry is open Tuesday to Sunday, with a one-hour closure between 1pm and 2pm.

Admission is €7.50, although entry is free of charge with the Lille City Pass or if you visit on the first Wednesday of the month.

For an additional charge, you can rent audio guides (€2) or binoculars (€1).

It’s important to note that the belfry is not accessible for visitors with mobility issues. While there is the option of taking a lift to the top of the belfry for those who would rather not climb the 400 steps, you first have to climb four flights of stairs (109 steps) to get to the lift.

Allow 45 minutes for your visit.

Place Simon Vollant, 59000 Lille
Metro Mairie de Lille (line 2) Bus 14, L5 (stop: Mairie de Lille); 14, 18, L1, L5 (stop: Liberté)
Admission €7.50, children (under 5) free, free with Lille City Pass; audio tour €2; binocular rental €1
Open 2 Jan–3 Sep Tue–Sun 11am–1pm & 2pm–5.30pm; 8 Sep–31 Dec Tue–Sun 11am–1pm & 2pm–5.30pm