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Monument

The Bailiwick

Aire-sur-la-Lys, Opal Coast

About this place

Since its construction in 1600, this façade in Aire-sur-la-Lys has become a must-see. Pierre Framery, its architect, was inspired by Amsterdam’s old city hall, which no longer exists. The construction, which took only a single year, was completed so quickly that the building became structurally fragile over time, leading to numerous restorations over the years, including one in 2015.

The Baillage takes its name from the town’s former court; at the time, the Baillis were local authorities. Built in a Flemish-style Renaissance design, it has served as the headquarters of the tourist office since 1970.

A true architectural gem, it features three and four arches supported by slender stone columns; its three facades and attics are adorned with sublime depictions of the theological and cardinal virtues, the four elements, and a statue. The interior, meanwhile, comprises four rooms: the cellar, the main hall, the small hall, and the attic.

Designated a Historic Monument in 1886, this building is sure to delight you, both for its history and its beauty.

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What to do nearby?

Upcoming events in Aire-sur-la-Lys.

category.Découverte 22 October

La Ballastière - Fall Has Arrived

Aire-Sur-La-Lys

La Ballastière, a place where nature is preparing for winter, welcomes visitors at 9:30 a.m. in the La Ballastière parking lot, located on Chemin de la Ballastière in Aire-sur-la-Lys. → Meet at 9:30 a.m. in the La Ballastière parking lot, located on Chemin de la Ballastière in Aire-sur-la-Lys. The walk offers the chance to observe birds that are either leaving or staying, as well as insects still searching for food before winter sets in. The site offers a peaceful setting to contemplate the changing seasons.
Festival 5 September → 6 September

64th Andouille Festival

Aire-sur-la-Lys

Come to Aire-sur-la-Lys on September 5, 2026, for the 64th Andouille Festival. From morning to night, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., the festival features fun runs, an international folk parade, a pyrosymphonic show, and a live concert. Each activity celebrates local traditions and offers a fun-filled experience for people of all ages. The full program awaits you in the charming town of Aire-sur-la-Lys, where the spirit of the andouille blends with culture and music for a memorable day.

Other places to discover

Monument

Former Municipal Prison

Bourbourg

This building was designated a prison in 1550. Its facade, roof, and dungeons are listed as Historic Monuments. The building has served as a prison since the 16th century. Rebuilt in the 18th century, it still contains the jailer’s quarters, as well as the prisoners’ cells and dungeons. A unique and authentic place that immerses you in the prison world of days gone by.
Monument

Les Fontinettes Boat Elevator

Arques

Located in the town of Arques, this boat lift is the only one of its kind in France. Built between 1881 and 1887, it was designed to replace a series of five locks on the Neufossé Canal, as it was impossible for boats to navigate the 13.13-meter elevation difference between the Aa and the Lys rivers.Designed by engineers Bertin and Edwin Clark, the hydraulically operated lift consisted of two water chambers that balanced each other out, allowing barges to be raised and lowered. The last boat passed through the lift in 1967. Designated a Historic Monument in 2014, the site was saved from demolition twelve years after it ceased operations, thanks to an association from Arques. Now open to the public, the museum features three rooms—an exhibition hall, the blacksmith’s shop and video room, and the repair workshop—that are sure to delight visitors.
Monument

Bergues Belfry

Bergues

This is the third belfry built on this site. It was rebuilt in 1961 after being destroyed by fire (May 30, 1940) and then by dynamite (September 16, 1944) by the Germans. It largely follows the design of the previous belfry. As you climb the 206 steps, you can visit four themed exhibition halls. At a height of 47 meters, it features a magnificent open belfry housing the carillon’s 50 bells. At its summit stands Nicolas, the lion from the city’s coat of arms, serving as the weather vane. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since July 15, 2005, and featured in the 2008 film “Bienvenue chez les Ch’tis,” the Belfry now houses the Tourist Office, the Espace Beffroi, and vacation rentals. It is open to visitors in small groups of up to 19 people at a time, by scheduled time slot. For those who do not wish to climb the 206 steps, a virtual tour is available. Exceptional closures on the morning of December 2 and the afternoon of December 5.
Monument

Dunkerque Belfry

Dunkerque

Built of a combination of red brick and stone, the belfry stands 75 meters tall. Above the central balcony stands an equestrian statue of Louis XIV, who repurchased the city from the English in 1662. A large stained-glass window depicting Jean Bart’s triumphant return after his victory at the Battle of Texel in 1694 illuminates the belfry. One elevator ride and 65 steps up, you can admire the carillon.
Monument

Gravelines Belfry

Gravelines

Fully integrated into City Hall, the belfry is visible only from the outside. It once housed the city’s dungeons, which have fortunately been replaced today by the municipal museum. The building, which stands 70 meters tall, rests on a very simple square tower. At the platform level, the first scrollwork decorations appear, and the fourth floor is adorned on each side with a mullioned window decorated with friezes. An octagonal lantern crowns the top and houses a two-metric-ton bell named Danièle, Marie, Pauline, Henriette—the first name of the donor’s mother, who funded the belfry’s reconstruction at the end of the 19th century.
Monument

Temple Tax

Saint-Aubin

This blue stone farmhouse is believed to date from the late 12th century, based on the masonry of its walls, which is similar to that of the church in Dimont and the tower in Saint-Waast-la-Vallée.

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