The third biggest city in Pas-de-Calais, Arras is famous for its two magnificent cobbled squares: Grand'Place and Place des Héros (Heroes Square). Surrounded by 155 Flemish Baroque-style houses, they are the pride of Arras residents and are greatly admired by visitors. Lined with covered galleries housing fine food shops and cafés, Place des Héros is dominated by the city hall's impressive belfry, a UNESCO listed site. From a height of 75 metres, the view it offers of the city and surrounding countryside is superb!
Another building worthy of your attention is the old Benedictine Abbey of St. Vedast, whose origins date back to the 7th century. In the 18th century, reconstruction and renovation work was undertaken, resulting in this extremely elegant style, like in the main courtyard. The former abbey church has been converted into a cathedral, whereas the abbey houses the Museum of Fine Arts, devoted to painting and sculpture.
You can also discover Arras from its depths. Located 12 metres underground, the boves are former chalk quarries dug in the 10th century to form a very extensive network of tunnels. They provided shelter for Allied soldiers in the First World War before they valiantly went to fight in the Battle of Arras in April 1917. Yet the boves are not the only reminder of that victorious battle. A system of tunnels dug by New Zealand miners, the Carrière Wellington was a hiding place for 24,000 English soldiers, making the place a first-rate remembrance site.
Continue your tour of the city via the citadel. Built by Vauban in the 17th century, today it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you have brought the family, the Cité Nature is a great attraction for children with its exhibitions about the environment, food and agricultural history. They can take part in workshops and activities, too.
Before you leave Arras, above all remember to sample one of its delicious specialities: Arras hearts (cœurs d'Arras), little heart-shaped gingerbread biscuits. And if you are visiting in March, the carnival is an unmissable event.
