Noble Tour, Lille Travel Guide

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Discover Lille's medieval past at the Noble Tour, a historic landmark and poignant memorial in the heart of the city.

The Noble Tour, a remnant of Lille's medieval fortifications, stands as a stoic reminder of the city's rich history. Built in the early 15th century, this imposing tower has served as a defensive structure, a gunpowder storehouse, and now, a memorial to the Resistance and Deportation during World War II.

A brief summary to Noble Tour

Rue des Déportés, Lille, 59800, FR
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Monday 10 am-12:30 pm
Tuesday 10 am-12:30 pm
Wednesday 10 am-12:30 pm
Thursday 10 am-12:30 pm
Friday 10 am-12:30 pm
Saturday 10 am-12:30 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Noble Tour.

Visit during Deportation Day in April or Heritage Days in September for a chance to see inside and learn more about the tower's history.
Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Lille Town Hall and its belfry for a comprehensive historical experience.
Take a stroll along Rue des Déportés to appreciate the modern cycling infrastructure alongside this ancient monument.

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Explore Noble Tour on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Noble Tour, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

From Lille's Grand Place, head towards Rue Nationale. Walk straight until you reach the intersection with Rue des Déportés. Turn right onto Rue des Déportés and continue walking for about 10 minutes. The Noble Tour will be on your left. This is a free way to reach the tower.
Public Transport

From Lille Flandres station, take Bus Line 14 towards Cormontaigne. Get off at the 'Déportés' stop, which is a short walk from the Noble Tour. Walk back towards Rue des Déportés, and the Noble Tour will be on your right. A single trip on the bus costs €1.80 and is valid for 1 hour on the whole network.
Public Transport

From Lille Europe station, take Metro Line 2 towards St. Philibert. Get off at the Lille Grand Palais station, which is a two-minute walk from the tower. A single metro ticket costs €1.80 and is valid for one hour.

Discover more about Noble Tour

The Noble Tour, or Noble Tower, is the last vestige of Lille's medieval fortifications, offering a glimpse into the city's storied past. Constructed between 1402 and 1422 under Philip the Bold, Duke of Burgundy, it was once the tallest of 65 towers that formed the city's defensive wall. The tower's thick walls, built from Lezennes stone, feature Gothic vaults and regional architectural elements.Originally designed to protect Lille from French armies during the Hundred Years’ War, the tower later served various purposes. In 1667, it was damaged during the siege of Lille but was subsequently restored by Vauban, a renowned military engineer, who integrated it into his new defensive scheme for the city. For a time, it was even used as a gunpowder storehouse.Today, the Noble Tour functions as a memorial to the Resistance and Deportation of World War II. Inaugurated by General de Gaulle in 1959, it houses an urn containing ashes from deportation camps, with the names of the camps inscribed on its cover. A sculpture by André Bizette-Lindet serves as a poignant reminder of the victims. The tower 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 historical significance and imposing presence make it a worthwhile stop.