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Noble Tour: A Medieval Sentinel and War Memorial

Explore Lille's medieval past at the Noble Tour, a historic fortress turned poignant war memorial on Rue des Déportés.

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The Noble Tour, dating back to the early 15th century, is the last vestige of Lille's medieval fortifications. Once part of the city's defense during the Hundred Years' War, it now serves as a memorial to the Resistance and Deportation, housing ashes from death camps.

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Local tips

  • Visit during Deportation Day in April or Heritage Days in September for a chance to see inside and take a guided tour.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby belfry at the Hôtel de Ville and the Porte de Paris.
  • Take a stroll through the charming streets and cafes surrounding the tower to soak in the local atmosphere.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Lille's Grand Place, walk towards Rue Nationale. Continue until you reach the intersection with Rue des Déportés. Turn right onto Rue des Déportés; the Noble Tour will be on your left. The walk is approximately 18 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    From Lille Flandres Station, take Bus Line 14 towards Cormontaigne. Get off at the 'Déportés' stop, a short walk from the Noble Tour. Walk back towards Rue des Déportés, and the Noble Tour will be on your right. A single bus ticket costs €1.80 and is valid for one hour. Alternatively, from Lille Europe Station, take Metro Line 2 towards St. Philibert and get off at the Lille Grand Palais station. The Noble Tour is a two-minute walk from the metro stop. A single metro ticket costs €1.80 and is valid for one hour.

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    A taxi or ride-share from either Lille Flandres or Lille Europe train stations to the Noble Tour will typically cost between €8 and €12, depending on traffic and time of day. The journey takes approximately 5-10 minutes.

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Discover more about Noble Tour

The Noble Tour, located on Rue des Déportés in Lille, stands as a poignant reminder of the city's rich history and its sacrifices during World War II. Built between 1402 and 1422 under Philip the Bold, Duke of Burgundy, it was the tallest of the 65 towers that once formed Lille's medieval city walls. These walls were a key part of the city's defense plan during the Hundred Years' War against French invaders. The tower's three-meter-thick walls, constructed from Lezennes stone, feature Gothic vaults and regional architectural elements. In 1667, the tower was partially damaged during the siege of Lille. However, it was restored by Vauban in 1672, who integrated it into his new defensive scheme for the city. In 1803, it was repurposed as a gunpowder storehouse. After the war, in 1959, the Noble Tour was inaugurated by General de Gaulle as a memorial to the Resistance and Deportation. Today, it houses a stone urn containing ashes from death camps, with the names of the camps inscribed on its cover. A sculpture by André Bizette-Lindet stands in memory of the victims. The Noble Tour is accessible to the public during the annual Deportation Day in April and Heritage Days in September, with guided tours available by appointment. Although visitors cannot enter the tower at other times, its exterior can be admired year-round. Its proximity to the belfry at the Hôtel de Ville makes it a worthwhile stop for those exploring this part of the city.

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