Noble Tour: A Medieval Sentinel in Lille

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.