Belfry of Dreux, 16th century town hall belfry in Dreux, France

The belfry of Dreux is a 16th-century town hall tower that rises from Métézeau Square in the center of town, displaying both Gothic and Renaissance architectural features across its different levels. The tower stands about 36 meters tall and shows how construction techniques and tastes evolved during the decades it took to complete.

Construction began in 1512 with Pierre Chéron, who struggled to lay foundations because of underground water; the first stone was laid in 1516 by Pierre de Haute-ville, who partly financed the work. Jean des Moulins took over, then Clément Métezeau from 1520, and the building was finished in 1537. Under Louis XIV it served as a guardhouse and prison for prisoners of war, who carved graffiti of ships flying Spanish flags on the stair wall.

This structure embodied the power and independence of Dreux, standing as a physical expression of the town's prosperity and self-governance during the Renaissance. When you walk past it today, you sense that same statement about local pride and strength.

The belfry stands on Place Métezeau in Dreux's historic centre. An underground car park was built at its foot, and cracks later appeared in the tower; it was consolidated and reopened to the public during the 2016 festivities. The square is a convenient starting point for a walk through the old town.

Under Louis XIV the belfry served as a guardhouse and a prison for prisoners of war, who scratched graffiti of ships flying the Spanish flag into the staircase wall. A stone above the central niche carries a bas-relief with the arms and motto of François I and the year 1520.