Flanders and UNESCO Belfries
UNESCO-listed Flemish belfries, grand squares, craft beers and northern carnivals.
Three days discovering Flanders and its UNESCO-listed belfries. The route links Lille and its Grand-Place, Arras and its Baroque squares of Flemish architecture, Douai and its carillon, and Bergues, a fortified village made famous by cinema. It's a journey through the authentic North, of red brick, cosy estaminets and living traditions (giants, carnivals). The belfries, symbols of communal freedoms, can often be climbed to the top for a view over the roofs. The heritage comes with a genuine food culture: carbonnade, potjevleesch, local beer. Accessible year-round; the late-winter and spring carnivals offer a unique atmosphere. Bring an umbrella — the northern sky is changeable.
Practical info
- Stops
- 5
- Duration
- 3 days
- Transport
- 🚗 Car
- Distance
- ≈ 180 km
- Best time
- Spring and autumn
Itinerary
- 1
Lille
Vieux-Lille flamand, beffroi de l'hôtel de ville et Palais des Beaux-Arts.
- 2
Arras
Deux places à arcades baroques, beffroi UNESCO et boves souterraines.
- 3
Douai
Beffroi le plus célèbre du Nord, carillon de 62 cloches et géants.
- 4
Bergues
Beffroi flamand, ville de Bienvenue chez les Ch'tis et remparts Vauban.
- 5
Bailleul
Beffroi reconstruit, carnaval de Mardi-Gras et mont des Cats.
