Rising high above the town, Douai’s belfry is one of the most striking in northern France. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it symbolises civic pride and offers wide views over rooftops and waterways.
Douai is famous for its carillon, whose bells mark the rhythm of the town. This musical heritage, still very much alive, gives Douai a unique atmosphere — especially during festivals and special events.
Canals, riversides and bridges structure the townscape. Walking along the Scarpe or beside the canals reveals a softer, calmer side of Douai, closely linked to its history.
Housed in a former Carthusian monastery, the Chartreuse Museum brings together art, archaeology and local history. It’s a place where you can understand Douai’s past while enjoying a peaceful setting.
From the famous Giant Gayant to long-standing festivities, Douai’s traditions are not frozen in time — they remain part of daily life and contribute to the town’s strong sense of identity.
