Belfry of Bergues

Whether you arrive in Bergues by waterway or by road, it is always to the sound of the Bergues carillon that you will be welcomed. A symbol of communal freedoms and the town, the Belfry proudly rises in the sky of Flanders facing the Town Hall.

The third belfry built on the same site (the first was constructed in 1112), this one was rebuilt in 1961 after its destruction by fire (May 30, 1940) and then by dynamiting (September 16, 1944) by the Germans. It broadly resembles the previous belfry.

Inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since July 15, 2005, the Belfry now houses the carillon, the Tourist Office, the Belfry Space, as well as lodgings. The last survivor of the three existing carillons before the French Revolution of 1789 chimes its tune every quarter of an hour, thus rhythmically marking the city and all its activities. Bergues and the people of Bergues are very attached to their carillon, which was particularly highlighted in Dany Boon's film, "Bienvenue chez les Ch'tis" (February 2008)

It is open for paid visits, in small groups of a maximum of 19 people, by time slot. Book online at our online shop

Guided tours are available on the first Saturdays of the month at the end of the day. Advance reservations are required

Functions of the Bergues Belfry:

Over the centuries, the belfry of Bergues has had various functions:

• City Gate: presumably, the first tower also served as the city gate facing Mount Groenberg.
• Watchtower: the belfry retained this function until 1914. Until that date, two watchers living in the roof monitored the city and its surroundings (enemies and fires).
• Town Hall: the mayor and his aldermen met on the first floor of the tower until 1586, when Philip II decided to merge the town with the lordship. The municipal administration then left the belfry to integrate into the Landhuys, on the other side of the square.
• Bell Tower: Originally the "Banklocke" tower (official bell of the municipality) and then the bell tower, the belfry retains this function today.

Characteristics of the Bergues Belfry:

• Current height: 47 meters
• Height of the former Belfry: 54 meters
• Inauguration: July 2, 1961
• Number of steps (terrace): 193
• Number of bells in the carillon: 50
• Weather vane: Lion "Nicolas"
• Materials: yellow bricks, known as "sand" bricks
• Tunes:
  • Hour: "Reuze Lied"
  • Quarter: "La mère poireau"
  • ½: "Le mari Complaisant"
  • 3/4: "Kermis Lied"

Terre de Flandre Tourisme