"BAILLEUL- FULL OF SAD MEMORIE'S!" Bailleul by balhannah

Bailleul Travel Guide: 4 reviews and 11 photos

BAILLEUL

Was briefly occupied by the Germans in October 1914, then the British Army, then in 1918, the Germans once again took the town as they advanced westwards.

For more than three months, until its liberation on 31 July, Bailleul was shelled almost everyday by the British and, later, the French.

More than 100,000 shells landed on the town, destroying 98% of its buildings.

Among the most prominent architectural features to be destroyed was the bell tower, built in 1686, which was crowned with a statue of the town's legendary protectoress, the Mélusine the Fairy.

Today, the Mélusine the Fairy still guards over the town.

If you would like to continue with me to my final City in France, please click on the town name below

CALAIS

Pros and Cons

In a nutshell:Good to have a look around

Last visit to Bailleul: Jul 2011
Intro Updated Dec 26, 2012
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Reviews (4)

TOWN HALL & BELFRY Things to Do (4)

Probably the main interest of the Town Hall is climbing the 200 step's to the top of the 62 metre high Belfry. Declared... more travel advice

WATER TANK'S Things to Do (4)

If you happen to see the building in my photo, and like me, wonder what historical building this is, you will be very... more travel advice

CHURCH OF ST. VAAST Things to Do (4)

The Church of St. Vaast was another building that was rebuilt after the War. Destroyed in 1918, it was rebuilt in 1932... more travel advice

MONUMENT AUX MORTS Things to Do (4)

When I first set eye's on this War Memorial, I thought "What a striking Memorial!' Located in a well tended garden, I... more travel advice

Comments (2)

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Basaic Feb 1, 2012 at 10:35 AM

What a neat thing to do with water towers!
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hunterV Jan 22, 2012 at 11:39 AM

I'd like to visit France some day....