Monuments to visit Dreux

The main vestige of the th century drouaise architecture, the belfry was built by Clément Métézeau, who also gave his name to the place behind the building. Located in the heart of Dreux, this monument is the old town hall. It dominates the Grand Street Maurice Viollette, the city's main shopping street. Today it is used during the Flambarts, a local feast celebrating the winter solstice. From the window of the belfry, the mayor makes a speech and declares the Flambarts open. " Coco balls ", candy made with meringue and coconut, are then launched symbolizing mistletoe balls. The belfry also has bells whose sound is heard several times in the day. These bells bear a frise depicting the VI Flambarts procession. Currently under renovation, the belfry visits are unfortunately forbidden.

Founded in the th century under the decision of Louis VI le Gros, Earl of Dreux, the Hotel-Dieu was a place to treat the sick until the th century. This building consists of a chapel reconstructed from the th century. It is complemented by a campanile built in 1999, whose carillon gently delude the city at some hours of the day. There is also a "Tour of Found Children" used for the reception of abandoned children from 1812 to 1837. Today, the former Hôtel-Dieu is used to host temporary exhibitions and presents the «Valley Coeur» project to expand its city centre, energize and reorganize the city. Since 2008, the old Hotel-Dieu is part of the Historical Monuments Inventory.