Belfry - Charleville-Mézières

The belfry was built around 1620 , by order of Charles de Gonzague, the Duke of Nevers and founder of Charleville.

The belfry reflects the classic French architectural style and fits perfectly with the aesthetics of the surrounding square. It served as a bell tower and a symbol of the city's autonomy. Over the centuries, the belfry was used to sound the alarm, tell the time , and mark important events.

It is part of the collection of belfries in Belgium and France that are included on the UNESCO World Heritage List under the title "Belfries of Belgium and France."

Since 1842, the belfry has housed a carillon of 10 bells weighing between 32 and 225 kg. They are tuned to the F-sharp major scale, a technical rather than musical choice because of the weight of the whole. The carillon has sounded more than 2.45 million times , in particular to the sound of the “Song of Departure” composed by Ardennes Méhul. This essential song of French commemoration is considered to be “the second Marseillaise”.

From the 35 m high tower that you can visit (150 steps) you have a beautiful view of Place Ducale.

Willem Vandenameele