Located on the banks of the River Scarpe, Douai is a historic city that boasts one of the most impressive belfries in northern France. It flourished as a textile market during the Middle Ages when it was ruled by the Dukes of Burgundy and was taken by Louis XIV’s troops in 1667.
Things to do in Douai
Dominating the city skyline is the Beffroi de Douai, a Gothic-style belfry originally established in 1380. In 1871, it was rebuilt on the Realist designs of Camille Corot. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it offers magnificent views across the city from its 61-metre-high lookout. On the quarter hour, its 62 bells ring out across Douai.
Occupying a former Carthusian monastery is the Musee de la Chartreuse de Douai, which serves as the city’s main art gallery. It encompasses several buildings dating from the 16th to 18th centuries that reflect Flemish Renaissance and Classical architectural styles. In addition to paintings by Peter Paul Rubens, Pierre-Auguste Renoir and Camille Pissarro, there are sculptures by Auguste Rodin and Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux on display.
On the edge of the city centre is Parc Charles Bertin, which is named after the mayor who served Douai from 1896 to 1919. It encompasses leafy walking trails and a children’s playground, as well as a duck-filled lake with a central fountain. On the northern edge of the park is the Porte de Valenciennes, a monumental gate through which Louis XIV entered the city.
Getting around Douai
Douai is around 40 minutes’ drive from the centre of Lille and 30 minutes from Lille Airport, which has flights to destinations across Europe and North Africa. Regular trains connect to Douai and buses travel throughout the city. The centre of Douai is compact enough to explore on foot.