Located in the heart of the city park, the Town Hall is the site of the former Benedictine abbey of Saint-Martin founded at the end of the XIth century. Most of the building, including the church, have disappeared. The present building is due to the Benedictine abbot Robert Delezenne who reconstructed his abbey-palace in classical style.

 

In 1809, the communal administration was transferred to the abbey. The palace was set on fire during World War II but has been scrupulously restored and rebuilt. Of the former abbey, the impressive romanesque crypt from the XIIth century and part of the cloister in late XVth century Gothic style still survive.