Tour du Leughenaer à Dunkerque

Tour du Leughenaer is the oldest surviving monument in Dunkirk — an octagonal defensive tower dating from the mid-15th century, standing today as a solitary reminder of the ring of twenty-eight towers that once protected the city.

Where does the name "Tower of the Liar" come from?

Leughenaer comes from an old Flemish spelling of "leugenaar," meaning "liar." The nickname stuck after a series of shipwrecks on the sandbars of the roadstead, even though vessels were supposedly guided by signals from the tower's summit — the light seemed to "lie." Over time this grew into a local legend of wreckers: townspeople were said to have deliberately sent false signals to lure ships onto the sandbanks and plunder their cargo. A more down-to-earth explanation points to the strong sea wind, which is said to have spun the hands of the clock mounted on the tower, so it never showed the correct time. The historical truth is probably simpler than the legend, but it's precisely this story that makes the tower stand out among the region's monuments.

What is the history behind the tower?

The tower was built around 1450 on the initiative of Jacques Desfontaines as part of Dunkirk's medieval fortifications. It was originally one of twenty-eight towers encircling the city — today it is the only one still standing, making it an invaluable witness to Dunkirk's earliest history, predating the growth of its commercial and military port. In the 18th century a platform was added around its base for monitoring port traffic, reflecting how its role shifted over time from defense to surveillance as the city evolved. Another major change came in 1814, when the tower was raised and fitted with a lighthouse lantern at its top — from then on the Leughenaer served as a navigational aid for ships entering the harbor. Today it stands around 30 meters tall. In 1995 it was listed as a French historic monument, confirming its status as a unique relic of the old defensive architecture of maritime Flanders.

How do you get there?

The tower stands in the historic port district of Dunkirk, within easy walking distance of the city centre. It makes a natural stop on a walking tour alongside the city's other old landmarks — strolling along the quays gives a real sense of a place that lived off the sea and port trade for centuries. Dunkirk has good rail connections to Lille and Calais, and the tower is a short walk or a quick bus ride from the train station.

What will you see on site?

The tower's rough-hewn mass makes an impression on its own — thick walls, an octagonal footprint, and a distinctly archaic silhouette that sets it apart from the much newer port buildings around it. It's a good spot for photos and for a moment of reflection on the city's history: Dunkirk was almost entirely destroyed during the Second World War, and the Leughenaer is one of the few structures from before that period to have survived. It's worth looking around the surrounding area too, since other traces of the old harbor and quays remain nearby.

When is the best time to visit?

The tower can be viewed year-round, and its austere architecture looks particularly striking in the soft light of early morning or late afternoon. Spring and summer are ideal for longer walks along Dunkirk's waterfront, while autumn and winter bring out the tower's stark, fortress-like character — pick the season that suits what you're after, whether that's photography or a quieter visit without the crowds.

Frequently asked questions

How old is the Tour du Leughenaer? It dates from around 1450, making it the oldest surviving monument in Dunkirk.

Where does the tower's name come from? From the Flemish word "leugenaar" ("liar"), tied to a legend about false signals that supposedly lured ships onto the sandbanks.

Has the tower always looked the same? No — it began as part of the city's fortifications, gained an observation platform in the 18th century, and was raised and topped with a lighthouse lantern in 1814.

Is it the only tower of its kind left in Dunkirk? Yes — of the twenty-eight medieval towers that once ringed the city, only this one survives, making it a unique relic of Dunkirk's earliest history.