Bethune (Pas-de Calais)

Grand Place de Bethune

The Belfry of Bethune

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Bethune (Pas-de Calais) mini guide

Bethune’s Belfry has not been left unscathed over the centuries since it was built in 1376. It stands majestically by itself in the Grand-Place, town square. Originally there stood a wooden watch tower which burnt down, in fact in 1664 it was burnt again but was reconstructed. It is square structure with a wooden bell tower containing 36 bells which still chime every hour. The Tourist Office is in the base of the tower and visitors are able to climb to the top.

Due to its rich coal mining industry in the 19th century, the medieval town of Bethune blossomed. Other industrial grew out of this including distilling oil and tanning. After the destruction of the First World war much of the reconstruction that took place in the 1920’s was in the Flemish style, with their typical stepped gables and attractive red brick buildings, also some unusual art-deco houses appeared. When the Town Hall was rebuilt it was constructed with a stone façade which depicts various events and triumphs of the town.

For the shopaholic Bethune has a selection of designer clothing shops, interior design shops and exceptional delicatessens. Every Monday morning is market day which is held in and around the Market Square.