The belfry of Douai houses a carillon consisting of 62 bells with a total weight of 18 tonnes. The decision to build the belfry was made in 1380 so that the town's bells could be housed there. The “Beffroi, Carillon et Hôtel de Ville” ensemble in Douai is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A spiral staircase with 195 steps leads to the belfry's platform at a height of around 40 metres and offers panoramic views over the Douaisis.
Those who choose Douai for their stay may wish to rent a holiday apartment.
Culture and History
The Musée de la Chartreuse preserves a collection of almost 4,000 ceramics. The Musée de la Chartreuse de Douai has been housed in the former Carthusian monastery since 1958.
The Arkéos Musée-Parc archéologique is located on the border between Douai and Râches. Arkéos comprises a museum and a park with archaeological reconstructions. The permanent exhibition follows a chronological presentation from prehistory to the present day and explores everyday life, forms of housing, activities and the development of the landscape.
Boat trips through Vieux-Douai also offer the opportunity to visit Vidocq's cell.
Active Pursuits
The high ropes course in Parc Jacques Vernier includes a red course at heights of up to 12 metres; the longest zip line measures 111 metres. The same park also has four orienteering courses, ranging from 1.5 to 3 kilometres in length, themed around farm animals, monsters, flora and Douai's cultural heritage.
The guided e-bike tour “Au fil de la Scarpe” is a 22-kilometre circular route lasting 2 hours and 30 minutes. It starts at the tourist office on Place d'Armes in Douai. The tour includes the provision of a bicycle and safety equipment, as well as guiding information via a Bluetooth earpiece.
The “Chemin des Eaux” is a 20-kilometre hiking trail along the Scarpe, its canal and the Escrebieux River. Among the sights along the route in Douai are the Augustins locks.
Surrounding Area
The Abbaye des Prés de Douai is located in the immediate vicinity of Douai. The Artothèque d'Hénin-Beaumont, Abbaye de Flines and Anchin Abbey are located in the surrounding area of Douai.
Other places: Quaëdypre, Hem, Douchy-Les-Mines, Fontaine-Notre-Dame, Saint-Saulve, Aubers, Louvignies-Quesnoy, Potelle
_30.jpg){kind=link}