About
WELCOME to Arras-France.com website !
This website aims to share interesting information about Arras and its surrounding region in northern France, which will also be useful for tourists. To enlarge the pictures, click on them.
The owner and editor of this website is Emilie Sergent, a native of Arras, who has also lived and traveled in other countries including the UK, USA, Spain, Germany, India and the Netherlands to name just a few.
For the year 2015, the Bell Tower of Arras has been voted the most preferred monument by the French citizens in the whole of France !
The city of Arras is more than 2,000 years old and is located in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region, France’s fourth most populous region. Arras is the capital of the Artois region. Unlike many French words, the final “s” in the name has to be pronounced !
Photo credit : Stéphane Picot
The city of Arras has over 42,000 inhabitants and its urban community, made up of 24 boroughs, has close to 103,000 inhabitants. Arras was once part of the Spanish Netherlands, a portion of the Low Countries controlled by Spain from 1556 to 1714.
In July 2005, the bell tower of Arras was classified as part of the ‘world inheritance of humanity’ by UNESCO. Visitors can climb it to see numerous sites and monuments around the city.
If you are planning to visit Arras in December, you will enjoy its Christmas market, which is one of the most popular Christmas Markets in northern France.
Arras’ Christmas market 2019
Of Gallo-Roman origin, Arras is famous for various reasons; in the XII century, the city was granted a commercial charter by the crown and enjoyed international importance in banking and trade. By the XIV century, it became a center of wealth and culture, renowned worldwide for its draperies and tapestries, known in Italy as “arazzi”.
The extremely well-preserved military history of Arras and the surrounding Artois region hit you hard when you tour the place. During the First World War, major battles occurred here such as the famous “Battle of Arras”.
The famous underground passages of Arras, called “Boves”, were used to shelter the civilians, and the British soldiers launched a successful attack against the German army from there.
During the Second World War, more than 200 opponents from different nationalities were executed in Arras between August 1941 and July 1944. Their memory is preserved at the ‘Citadel of Arras’, which was classified as part of the ‘world inheritance of humanity’ by UNESCO in 2008.
Today, Arras is famous for its two striking squares, made of 155 houses dating from the XVII and XVIII centuries. The squares were built in a Spanish and Flemish style and are classified as Historical Monuments.
Arras is also appreciated for its beauty and tranquility. Robespierre and Vidocq, two famous and controversial French personalities were born in Arras. Julius Caesar spent two winters in an oppidum. The city has attracted many over the centuries: writers like the great Victor Hugo, playwrights and political figures.
The city of Arras is surrounded with wind energy farms.
For more information, click on the following link :
http://arras-france.com/arras-christmas-market/
From the perspective of a foreign visitor, Arras enjoys a strategic position as the city is just 50 minutes north of Paris by TGV train, 30 minutes from Lille and less than 2 hours away from London and Brussels !
The city of Arras is surrounded with forests and woods, making it a very green city !
Don’t forget to click on the “Sunsets over Arras” gallery to discover more stunning photos !
In addition of being a photogenic place, Arras is also a good site to observe the night sky as the town is relatively free from light pollution.
- To download 4 useful brochures about Arras and the Artois region, click on the following link :
http://arras-france.com/arras-tourism-brochures/
They are written in English and French and were made by the Tourist Office.
We will also share interesting information about other famous regions/sites in France.
- If you are coming to northern France, Notre-Dame-de-Lorette, the Canadian War Memorial of Vimy, the Arras WWI memorial, the Louvre-Lens Museum and Mont-Saint-Eloi abbey should be on your list.
Indeed, during the First World War, Notre-Dame-de-Lorette (Lorette hill) represented a strategic point for the German forces. Intense fighting took place on the hill between the French Army and the German Army from October 1914 to October 1915. Over 100,000 soldiers were killed. A national cemetery comprising 20,000 individual graves was erected on 13 hectares (picture below). Lorette hill has seven other ossuaries, located at the corners of the cemetery, in which lie the bodies of more than 17,000 Unknown Soldiers.
Notre-Dame-de-Lorette is the world’s largest French military cemetery.
To know more about this famous site, click on the following link :
http://arras-france.com/lorette-hill-northern-france/
French President, François Hollande, inaugurated the new international war memorial at Notre-Dame-de-Lorette, called the “Ring of Memory“, on November 11, 2014 (Remembrance Day).
The names of 580,000 soldiers are engraved in alphabetical order, regardless of nationality or rank, at the international memorial for fallen soldiers. Photo credit : (AFP)
For more information about the “Ring of Memory”, click on the following link :
As for the Canadian War Memorial of Vimy, it is the most prestigious Canadian monument in Europe. It stands on Hill 145, overlooking the Canadian battlefield of 1917, at one of the points of fiercest fighting and is located about 20 km north of Arras. The Memorial stands as a tribute to all Canadian soldiers who risked or gave their lives in battle during the First World War and commemorates the 9 April 1917 battle.
For more information about this site, click on the following link :
http://arras-france.com/the-canadian-memorial-of-vimy/
Here is a great video taken on the battlefields of Notre-Dame-de-Lorette, Vimy Ridge and Mont-Saint-Eloi :
The Arras memorial is a World War I memorial, located in the Faubourg d’Amiens British Cemetery, in the western part of the city. It commemorates 34,785 soldiers of the forces of the United Kingdom, South Africa and New Zealand, who died in the Arras sector between the spring of 1916 and 7 August 1918. This war memorial has a unique Greek architecture.
For more information about this site, click on the following link :
http://arras-france.com/arras-war-memorial/
The Louvre-Lens museum is a branch of the Louvre museum in Paris and has been open to visitors since December 2012. It is located in the industrial city of Lens, near Arras.
Picture: Michel Spingler/AP
For more information about this new art museum, click on the following link :
http://arras-france.com/the-louvre-lens-museum/
Mont-Saint-Eloi abbey was founded in the VII century and entirely rebuilt in the middle of the XVIII century. The First World War damaged it almost entirely. Today, only the two 44 m high towers are left.
For more information about this remarkable ruin, click on the following link :
http://arras-france.com/mont-saint-eloi-abbey/
Arras-France.com has recently crossed 500,000 visitors from 290 countries. Don’t hesitate to leave comments and to ask questions about Arras and its region ! I will happily answer them.
95 responses so far
Hi Emilie,
We are hoping to visit Arras and Vimy in September.
I have tried to determine from which station in Paris the trains leave for Arras and if there is a train station in the city itself, could you please help me with this?
Thank you and we think your city looks absolutley lovely.
Cilla
Hi Cilla, thanks for asking. September will be a nice time to visit Arras and Vimy. You should take the TGV train from Paris (Gare du Nord) to reach Arras. Once you are at Arras, you can hire a taxi at the station, or if you have a hotel booking in Arras, then ask the hotel if they have a van or tourist guide service. Wish you a nice trip!
Just visited 26-5-13 ,the wonderful town/city,Arras….fell in love with the town,people and environ…WILL be back….what could i fault about the place?……………nothing! only went there by chance,whilst staying i n Lille…. the staff at local tourist information,helpful beyond the call of duty…
Hello, do you know the name of a taxi company in Arras? Or direct me to where I could find one online. My uncle is planning a day trip from Paris in September and would like to hire a taxi from the train station at Arras to travel to Bapaume and return by the afternoon. A driver who is willing to spend most of the day would be what he is after. Kind regards, Kate
Hi Kate,
Here is a useful link to find a taxi in Arras : http://www.arras.fr/circulation/taxis/groupements-de-taxis.html
You can also contact the Arras Tourist Information Office :
Phone : +33 (0)3 21 51 26 95
Fax : +33 (0)3 21 71 07 34
Email : arras.tourisme@wanadoo.fr
Best Regards,
Emilie
Hi Emilie
WE are thinking of visiting your city in September>
Is there an aire in arras for camper vans?
If so does it have water etc for us to use?
I look forward to hearing from you
Regards
Huw
Hi Huw,
There are many camping sites around Arras and a small one in Arras itself. I strongly advise you to contact the Arras Tourist Information Office. They will be able to answer all your questions.
Phone : +33 (0)3 21 51 26 95
Fax : +33 (0)3 21 71 07 34
Email : arras.tourisme@wanadoo.fr
Best wishes,
Emilie
Hi. I am visiting Arras on Saturday 14th September 2013. We are returning from the Alps. Last year our motor cycle group (24 riders) visited Vimy and Beaumont Hamel where we were shown round by the Canadian Representatives. We would like to be able to do similar in Arras this year. The group includes ex forces personnel who have served in Iraq and other theatres, and also many who have family members (including myself) who were gassed in WW1 or killed in WW11.
Is there any way we would/could book in to see the tunnels of Arras? where the allies assembled and had field hospitals etc?
Is there a contact or a web site from where I can research for more information?
Many thanks
Andy
Hi Andy!
You don’t need to book in to visit the tunnels of Arras. There is a guided tour that lasts for about 40 minutes. You will need to buy a ticket at the Tourist Information Office.
You can find all the information you need here :
http://www.arras.fr/tourisme/arras-tourist-information-office/guided-tour-of-les-boves.html
If you are planning to visit the tunnels of Arras, you should also plan to climb the bell tower of Arras (from which you will have a panoramic view of the town and its surroundings). The Vimy Memorial is visible from the top of the bell tower.
I strongly advise you to contact the Arras Tourist Information Office. They will be able to answer all your questions.
Phone : +33 (0)3 21 51 26 95
Fax : +33 (0)3 21 71 07 34
Email : arras.tourisme@wanadoo.fr
Wish you a nice stay in Arras!
Emilie
Hello, I am arriving to CDG on Mondau Oct 7 and will be going to Arras via the TGV. Is it easier to go south to Gare Nord via the RER B and then onto Arras via TGV or go to Lille and from Lille back to Arras? I am getting both answers. Thank you
Hello Marg,
The easiest way for you is to take the RER B train from CDG airport to Gare du Nord station (duration: about 30 min) and then the TGV train from Gare du Nord to go to Arras (duration: 55 min). You don’t need to go to Arras via Lille.
Enjoy your trip!
Emilie
Hi Emilie
I am thinking of traveling to Arras in early September with 3 friends and we are looking to hire mountain bikes for 2 days. Do you have any suggestions.
Kind regards
John
Hi John !
You should contact the Arras tourism office directly. They should be able to help you. Just see the previous messages, I have already mentioned their contact info. Enjoy your trip! Émilie
Hello,
I have clients coming to see Tour de France. Do you have any idea yet of the starting time?
Many thanks!
Laura
Hello,
No, it has not been finalized yet. You will have to check regularly on the Tour de France official website: http://www.letour.fr/le-tour/2014/us/overall-route.html
Best Regards,
Emilie
Hi Emilie, My husband & I want to visit the Queant Road Cemetery at Buissy where my great uncle is buried from WW1. What would be the easiest way to do this? We will probably be staying in Ypres but can stay somewhere closer to the cemetery as well if that is going to be easier, as we were hoping to be able to do it by train. Any advice would be much appreciated.
Carmel Mahoney
Hi Carmel,
I did a bit of research for you. You can easily reach Arras by train from Ypres. But there is no train from Arras to Buissy, so the best way to reach Buissy is to rent a car in Arras. I know there is a Sixt car rental desk at the Arras train station, which will be the ideal place for you to rent a car. Here is their website: http://www.sixt.com/car-rental/france/arras/arras-train-station
If I were you, I would still phone the Arras Tourism Office because they will surely have the best solution for you :
Phone : +33 (0)3 21 51 26 95
Fax : +33 (0)3 21 71 07 34
Email : contact@explorearras.com
Website : http://www.explorearras.com
I hope this was helpful. Enjoy your stay!
Emilie
Are the underground tunnels open on Sunday April 13 in the morning? What are the opening times and price of admission?
Hi Allison,
I am not sure if the underground tunnels are open to visitors on Sundays. You should phone the Arras Tourism Office or email them :
Phone : +33 (0)3 21 51 26 95
Fax : +33 (0)3 21 71 07 34
Email : contact@explorearras.com
On their website (http://www.explorearras.com/en/visit/heritage.html), this is what I found :
Opening times and days :
The visit lasts for 40 minutes and starts at the Tourist Office.
Regular departures.
Closed :
6th to 25th January 2014
17th to 21st March
on 2nd and 3rd July
on Christmas
on New Year’s Day.
Prices :
Full price: € 5.20
Concessionary price: € 3
I hope this was helpful.
Emilie
Hello Emilie
What a lovely idea to have such a welcome to your town. I am travelling over this Friday to visit the grave of my great grandfather who is buried at ecoivres. Afterwards we intend to come on to Arras. We are coming by motorbike. Is there anything we particularly need to be aware of? We would really like to visit the tunnels but will be in motorbike gear. Would that be a problem do you think.
With very kindest regards
Chris
Hi Chris,
The Arras Main Square Festival will take place from Thursday 3rd July until Sunday 6th July 2014 at the Citadel of Arras. It is a famous international music festival, which will turn 10 this year. So, this means that some roads will be closed (especially around the Citadel) and the city will be extremely busy and crowded this weekend.
Enjoy your stay in Arras!
Emilie
Hi Emilie
I have found your comments very helpful. As a result, my husband and I are planning to visit Arras around Monday 25 and Tuesday 26 August. Do you know if there are regular times for the guided tours of the tunnels? Also is there a list of hotels to stay in Arras? Many thanks
Wendy
Hi Wendy !
For the guided tours of the tunnels, there are regular departures throughout the day. The visit lasts for 40 minutes and starts at the Tourist Office (which is located right below the bell tower). You will buy your tickets there (the full price is : € 5.20 per person).
Regarding the hotels, if you click on the “Arras hotels” section of my website, you will see a list of hotels with their respective website.
Wishing you a pleasant and enriching stay in Arras!
Emilie
Hi Emilie,
Does a taxi from Arras train station take me right to the Vimy Memorial site? I understand there is a museum on site or is it nearby in Vimy itself? I will be coming from Paris.
Thank you very much.
Pete
Alberta, Canada
Hi Pete,
Yes, there are taxis right outside the train station, so going to the Vimy Memorial should not be a problem. I don’t know how much the taxis are charging, so I cannot help you on that (but I don’t think it should be very expensive).
There is indeed a small museum on site. You will have to walk a bit towards the trenches (just follow the road). The museum is located at the entrance (it’s not very far from the Vimy Memorial) and the trenches are behind the museum (you can even walk in them)!
Enjoy your trip!
Emilie
Bonjour Emilie,
We are going to visit Arras next May and would like to find a gravesite at Bucquoy Road cemetary, Ficheux.
Are there any local tour guides or would you recommend hiring a taxi for the trip?
Thanks!
Sharon
Canada
Hi Sharon!
Well, if you are only planning to go to Ficheux, then hiring a taxi is a good idea. You can always contact the Arras Tourist Office for advise. They will be very helpful.
Phone : +33 (0)3 21 51 26 95
Fax : +33 (0)3 21 71 07 34
Email : contact@explorearras.com
Good luck and enjoy your trip!
Emilie
Hello Emilie,
Just visited Arras last weekend with my husband and we literally fell in love with the town…it’s such a beautiful and clean place. On several occasions, we asked people on the streets for directions and even though most of them could not speak English, they all tried to help us as much as they could. We appreciated their kindness.
Your website was very useful to us. We didn’t get the time to cover all places, so a second visit has to be planned!
Best wishes!
Catherine
Hi Catherine,
Yes, people from northern France are said to be very friendly and hospitable (with the exception of Parisians who are often said to be rude but I don’t know if this is true….). Personally, I have only met a few grumpy Parisian waiters but I found that the Parisian people in general are friendly and eager to talk to you to know where you come from.
Thanks for your kind compliment.
Emilie
Is there a Haagen Dazs ice cream factory in Arras?
If yes do they do tours?
A friend of mine loves ice cream and say they would love to visit a factory.
I would like to suprise them with a tour.
Hi Donna,
Yes, there is a Haagen Dazs ice cream factory in Arras but I don’t think visits are allowed. If I were you, I would search for their phone number on the Internet and I would phone them. You have nothing to lose. Explain that you would love to visit their factory and that you want to surprise a friend. If they are nice, they might let you come in!
Emilie
Hello, years ago we stayed in Arras. From what I can remember it was an old monastery or nunnery. It was very old, had high ceilings, old French furniture, slightly spooky. (A ghost was mentioned) I can’t remember it’s name and was wondering whether you may know of such a hotel.
Hi Deborah,
There are many old houses and buildings in Arras, so it’s very difficult for me to think of a particular place where you could have stayed. The oldest house in Arras was built in 1467 and is used as a hotel today (it’s the “hôtel des 3 Luppars”). I haven’t heard any stories about such a ghost, so I cannot help you!
Best Regards,
Emilie
Good afternoon
Are you aware of WW1 tour companies that depart from Arras to visit Peronne, Rancourt, Longueval, Pozieres, Thiepval, Beaumont-Hamel and Albert on either half day or full day tours?
Kind regards
Mark
Hi Mark,
I am not aware of WW1 tour compagnies that go to the places you mentioned. There are shuttles that can take you to the Canadian War Memorial of Vimy (departing from Arras), every Thursday at 2.00pm.
You can visit this website for more information :
http://www.explorearras.com/en/visit/remembrance.html
You should also call the Arras Tourist Office to ask them because I am not fully aware of all the visits that they offer.
Best Regards,
Emilie
Sorry if the question has already been asked, couldn’t find it. My sister and a friend of ours and me want to visit the city when the Festival is there in July, and we would like to cycle from the hotel to the Square. Is there a place we can rent bikes?
Thanks in advance!
Cootje Mombers
Hi Cootje,
Yes, there is a shop near the Arras theatre where you can rent cycles. You can phone them : +33 (0)6 29 71 61 91 or email them : rv2k69@gmail.com
They have a website, which is only available in French : http://www.arrasavelo.com/
I understand from their website that they have a fixed price of 10 euros per day and per cycle. They will also ask for a proof of identity (identity card or passport).
I hope this was helpful,
Emilie
Hi Emilie,
I am wondering if there is still a Benedictine convent in Arras? I am interested in its history.
Many thanks.
Rum
Could you please give me the name and url for the youth hostel in Arras. I plan on visiting the Canadian memorial in July. Merci
Hi Guy,
The translation for “youth hostel” is “Auberge de jeunesse” in French. This website will be helpful for you : http://www.bug.co.uk/reviews/hostels/Europe/France/Nord-Pas-de-Calais/Arras/sbr/date_desc/4402/auberge-de-jeunesse—arras.htm
Emilie
Hi Rum,
The Abbey of Saint Vaast was a Benedictine monastery, founded in 667. Today, it is used as the cathedral of Arras. You can read more about it here :
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abbey_of_St._Vaast
and on my website, in the “Arras’ cathedral” section.
Emilie
Bonjour!
I’m a history student who has been studying and researching Arras’ most misunderstood figure, Maximilien Robespierre, for the past five years of my life. In January, I will finally be able to visit France/Robespierre’s hometown and I couldn’t be more ecstatic! Do you know how far the train station is from Maison de Robespierre? Could you suggest the best way to get there? Also, do you know if it’s possible to go inside the home?
Thank you so much!
Bonjour Star !
The good news for you is that the Arras train station is only 5-10 minutes by walk from Robespierre’s house! So, you just need a pair of legs to get there! Once you come out from the train station, you will walk straight using the street “Rue Saint-Aubert”, which is the main one (right opposite the train station). You will walk for about 5-10 minutes depending on your speed and then you will turn right “Place du theâtre”, where the Arras’ theatre is located. Just opposite the theatre is the street “Rue Maximilien de Robespierre”, where you will find Robespierre’s house.
Yes, you can visit his house, which is used as a Museum today but be aware that there is not much to see regarding Robespierre. You can either visit his house yourself or have a guided tour. If you choose the guided tour with a group of people, then you will have to book it in advance by phoning the Arras Tourist Office : +33-(0)3 21 51 26 95 or by emailing them : contact@explorearras.com
Here is the address :
9, rue Maximilien Robespierre
62 000 Arras
In winter, the house is open to visitors from October 1st to April 30th :
– On Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2.00 pm to 5.30 pm
– On Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays from 3.30 pm to 6.30 pm
It is closed on December 25th and on Jan 1st.
The price is 2 €
Enjoy your stay in Arras!
Emilie
Hello,
I heard there will be a Classic Car show in Arras in early March 2015. Is this true, and if so, could you give me some more details fo teh dates and where it will be? Many thanks.
Kind regards
Hello Graham,
Yes, you are right, there will be an exhibition of ancient cars and bikes on March 15, 2015. Be careful, this event will not take place in Arras but in Saint-Laurent-Blangy, which is a small town (5 minutes away from Arras). This exhibition is called the “38e bourse d’échanges” and will take place from 9.00 am to 6.00 pm at the Artois Expo.
The entrance fee is 5 € (2 € for children). This show is organized by the “Club Ravera”. They have a website with photos of their previous car shows : http://ravera.pagesperso-orange.fr/
Here is the address to go to the Car show :
Artois Expo
50 avenue Roger Salengro
62223 Saint-Laurent-Blangy
Phone : 00 33 3 21 60 77 77
Best Regards,
Emilie
6 of us are visiting Arras in May hoping while there to visit our grandfather’s grave who was killed in action in 1918. We have booked Eurostar to Lille and then understand plenty of trains from there to Arras. We have booked Ibis hotel in Arras during our stay which we understand is fairly close to railway station. The grave we wish to visit is at Noeux – les – Mines Communal Cemetery and Extension. I believe that we can get to this cemetery by train from Arras. I believe train goes to Bethune and the cemetery place is one stop before Bethune. Does this seem a reasonable way to get to Noeux – les – Mines.
Hello,
Yes, you are absolutely right. The best way to go to Noeux-les-Mines Communal Cemetery is by train from Arras. You will indeed get down one stop before Béthune but you have to figure out how you will get to the cemetery once you exit the train. You can either rent a car or book a taxi but you have to plan for that well in advance.
Emilie
Hello Emilie,
I’m traveling to Arras for work on February 4th (this coming Wednesday). I will only have one afternoon and evening to visit your city and was wondering if you could give a suggestion regarding a hotel? I’d like to be walking distance to the citadel and places to eat. Is there anything else you’d recommend for my short visit to your town? Anything going on this week? I’ve already looked online, but found this website and hoping you could give advice. In my travels, I’ve had much better luck getting good ideas from people that actually live in the area’s, rather than finding online.
Thank you,
Aaron
Hi Aaron,
Most hotels in Arras are located in the city center. Any of them will be fine. You will be able to visit the famous squares with the imposing bell tower. I recommend that you do the ascent of the belfry as it offers an imposing view over Arras and its surrounding countryside. You can also do the guided visit of the underground tunnels (which are just below the bell tower). It doesn’t take much time (about 30 min) and it is a unique experience. The citadel is about 1.4 km from the town hall, so you will need to walk for a while to get there.
Just check on the following link, you will find all the places of interest in Arras :
http://www.explorearras.com/en/visit/heritage.html
Here is a post about the Arras underground tunnels :
http://arras-france.com/the-arras-undergound-tunnels/
Enjoy your stay in Arras!
Emilie
Please could you tell me the Mass times on Saturday evening and Sunday Morning at Arras Cathedral.
Thank you very much.
Best wishes
Hello Elizabeth,
Here are the Mass times for the Arras Cathedral :
– Saturday : 9.00 am
– Sunday : 10.30 am (and in July/August at 6.00 pm)
– From Monday to Friday : 5.30 pm
– Every evening at 6.00 pm (the evening Mass).
Best wishes,
Emilie
Dear Emilie
This is so helpful – thank you very much.
Best wishes
Juliet
Hello!
I am a Canadian student abroad, I want to visit Vimy ridge and was planning to bike there from Arras. Are there city bikes for rent? I am planning on doing this on Sunday and I know most shops are closed that day.
Thank you!
Hi Alexis!
I just saw your message…you are right, shops are closed on Sundays, so renting a bike in Arras has to be well planned in advance. There is a shop that is located just next to the Arras’ theater where you can rent a bike. Here is their website :
http://www.arrasavelo.com/
Best Regards,
Emilie
Monsieur, madame,
Je veux passer mon vacance dans votre region, dans le mois juin.
Avez vous pour moi, d’informations de votre region et un plan de ville. ( Arras )
Des adresses de campings, et une carte routiere de votre region, et carte d’environs.
Et avez vous informations de plus belles villages dans Picardie et le nord de la France.
Merci pour votre informations.
J.M.J. Smulders
Weserhof 4
5504 AK Veldhoven
Pays-Bas
Hello,
You will find all the information you need here :
http://www.explorearras.com/nl/bereid-uw-verblijf/waar-te-verblijven.html
Best Regards,
Emilie
What is the story behind the “giant family” in the lobby of the Arras visitor’s center?
Colas and Jacqueline were born as giants in 1891. They have been part of the Arras’ folklore since 1812, when they were first mentioned in a humorous song by Leguay, composed for the Arras’ festival.
Each year, at the end of August, the giants are paraded through the streets as part of the festivities celebrating the end of the Spanish occupation in the 17th century (1654).
The giants were destroyed during the two World Wars. They were only rebuilt in 1981.
In 1995, they got a son, nicknamed Dédé.
When they are not at the festival, you can see them in the hall of the Town Hall.
Hi there,
I am going to visit Lille and was wondering how far Arras is from Lille and what is the best mode of transport to get from Lille to Arras?
Thank you.
Hi Andri,
Arras is about 43 km from Lille and the best way to go to Arras from Lille is to take the train at the Lille station. The train tickets can be bought online here :
http://uk.voyages-sncf.com/en/
You have two train stations in Lille : the Lille-Europe Station and the Lille-Flandres Station. You can use any of the two.
Best Regards,
Emilie
Emilie,
Thanks for sharing this information.
We are planning to be in Arras from July 8 to July 12. My nephew is getting married in Pelves
The 8 we plan for the departure of the stage of the Tour. The weeding is the 11
What would you recommend to see / visit for the 9 and 10?
What transport is available?
How do we move from Arras to Pelves?
Many thanks
Hi Juan,
If you are staying in Arras, then I recommend that you visit :
– the Bell Tower as it offers an imposing view over the city and its surrounding countryside.
– the underground tunnels, called “Boves”. The guided visit of the Boves is a tourist circuit laid out in the underground levels of the town, offering an insight into Arras’s “subterranean history”. Initially a place of chalk extraction and sweated toil, these underground galleries became cellars, storeplaces for the merchants of the town’s squares, and later a shelter for the town’s people during the Second World War bombardments.
– The Squares. Their architecture is unique in Europe, with 155 facades of Flemish Baroque style.
– The Saint-Vaast Abbey and The Arras’ Cathedral.
– The Arras’ Citadel.
You can visit the following page for more details :
http://www.explorearras.com/en/visit/heritage.html
There is a train station in Arras. Taxis are available right outside the station as well as buses. There is no train station in Pelves, so I only see taxis as an option. The nearest train station from Pelves is located in Roeux (2.24 km). Maybe you can take the train from Arras to Roeux and have a family member waiting for you there.
Best wishes,
Emilie
Fantastic web site. A lot of helpful information here.
I am sending it to some buddies ans also sharing in delicious.
And certainly, thanks on your effort!
Emilie,
I am bringing a party of young people to Arras next July. They are dancers and musicians and we are performing at various locations. Where would be a good place to stay? We are coming July 14th – 18th, 2016 and there will be about 18 in the group.
Joseph
Hi Joseph,
Well, it depends on your budget! I suggest that you check several hotels to get an idea of their prices before you finalize your hotel booking. Please, see the pages :
http://arras-france.com/hotels-in-arras/
http://www.explorearras.com/en/prepare-your-stay/where-to-stay.html
Enjoy your stay in Arras!
Emilie
Bonjour Emilie,
Je suis en train de planifier un voyage pour nos amis qui seront à Arras vers le 15 juillet. Y aura-t-il des évènements spéciaux, surtout à Arras, durant la semaine pour la fête nationale?
Votre site est très bien organisé, très utile pour les anglophones avec un tas d’info! Moi et mon mari avons passé trois jours supers à Arras il y a 15 ans, et nous y retournerons l’année prochaine avec nos deux filles, Emilie et Rachel, faisant un tour des sites historiques (et canadiennes).
Bonne chance avec votre site, et continuez d’encourager le tourisme dans cette région si belle!
Merci bien,
Lisa
Bonjour Lisa,
Merci pour votre gentil message. Le Main Square Festival vient de se terminer et le Tour de France sera à Arras demain! Pour les événements culturels sur Arras, il faut regarder régulièrement sur le site de la ville d’Arras : http://www.arras.fr/culture/agenda-culturel.html
Pour le moment, je vois juste une exposition sur le thème de la Première Guerre Mondiale.
Cordialement,
Emilie
Hello Emilie,
We are visiting Arras in September next, are The Boves open to visitors at that time? Also can you give me a link to any information regarding them, and The Ring of Memory.
Many thanks,
Regards Graham
Hello Graham,
Yes, the Boves will be open to visitors in September. Here are two links to know more about them :
http://arras-france.com/the-arras-undergound-tunnels/
http://www.arras.fr/tourisme/arras-tourist-information-office/guided-tour-of-les-boves.html
And for the Ring of Memory :
http://arras-france.com/remembrance-day-new-war-memorial-pays-tribute-to-all-soldiers-who-perished-in-the-first-world-war/
http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/remembrance-day-memorial-pays-tribute-fallen-all-sides-first-world-war-1473722
http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowUserReviews-g6813529-d7296506-r243090252-Musee_Vivant_14_18-Ablain_Saint_Nazaire_Pas_de_Calais_Nord_Pas_de_Calais.html
http://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2014/nov/02/notre-dame-de-lorette-international-memorial-review
Enjoy your stay in Arras!
Best wishes,
Emilie
Hi. Emilie
We will be visiting Arras late September(15) have read your replies with interest
hope to meet you.
Mervyn & Marie. Batson
Geelong. Victoria. Australia
Hi Mervyn,
Thanks a lot for your nice comment. Actually, I don’t work for the Arras Tourist Office. I am working as a primary school teacher but during my free time, I like writing articles on my website and answering people’s questions.
Have a nice time in Arras!
Emilie
Hi Emilie,
Many thanks for the links.
Graham
Hi Graham,
You are welcome!
Emilie
Hello,
i will be in your region July 2016 and would like to find cooking classes. I have been unsuccessful searching the web I would really appreciate any information on classes for any type of cooking, we will be staying in Mont-Saint-Eloi.
Thanks
Robyne
Hello Robyne,
I googled “Ateliers culinaires sur Arras” and here is what I found :
http://www.cuisineetcouleurs.fr/index.php/cours-de-cuisinetop.html
They are expensive. The fee for one lesson is 50 euros. Their shop is located at the heart of Arras.
Here is an association located in Dainville (near Arras) and that gives cooking classes:
Contact : association Cuisine, nature et tradition, Tél : 03 21 71 31 26
I think it would make sense to phone them (I assume you can speak French :-)
Emilie
Hello Whilst staying in Arras this weekend on Sunday morning at 8am a very loud siren noise was heard in the square do you know what this was.
Hello Sue,
Yes, the siren noise you heard was a test as part of the National defense programme to protect our populations (to warn the inhabitants in case of an attack etc).
Best wishes,
Emilie
Sir
would it be possible to place some information onto website?
I am organising a memorial ceremony in the village of Blairville for a British soldier who was the Recipient of the Victoria Cross during WW1. He died during action at Blairville and so with Le Souvenir Francais I am arranging for a memorial to be built. The date for the ceremony is Saturday 30th April 2016. if you wish to have more information please contact me or view my web page for Lieutenant Edward Felix Baxtert VC.
Regards, David.
Will be visiting next weekend and wondered if any events were taking place. Also, approximately how long does the “Heart of the City” walk take, is it clearly signposted and does the tourist office have a map? Finally, what is the cost of Les Boves and bell tower (adult and student)?
Merci!
Hi Emilie
Although it is a ways off.. April 24,2017 will be 100 years since my great uncle died in the battle of Arras. He is buried at Duisens British Cemetary, Etrun. What are the closest hotels to there and how is the transportation for getting to the cemetary. I will be in Arras from April 23-April 26… what are the must see things in your city for a short visit such as this. Also how long by train would it be from the Paris Airport to Arras
Kind Regards
Donna
Emilie,
My family will be in Lille for some Euro Cup games. While there, we plan to visit Arras and some of the memorials. My question…we will be renting a car, is there available parking nearby so we can walk to most of the sites? Also, how difficult will it be for an American to drive in Arras? I have never drove in a different country. Thanks for your help. Oh, can we see most of the sites in one day without feeling rushed? We have a game in Lens that we will need to get to.
Brian
Hi Brian,
Sorry for the late reply…yes, there are plenty of parkings in the Arras center, so parking your car should not be a problem. The roads in France are not as wide as in the USA, so this might create some discomfort to you at the beginning but you will adjust fast! Yes, you can see most of the sites in one day in Arras but not around Arras.
Have a nice stay in Arras!
Emilie
Hi Emillie,
My husband and I are planning to visit Arras in September to do a WW1 tour and to visit the grave site of our uncle who a Australian.. Do you know of any tours that operate from Arras. We will also be spending a few nights in town so would love a list of the 5 most things to do in and arround Arras. Thanks Ricki
We are visiting Arras at the end of June beginning July and would like to know the address of the Tourist Office in Arras. Thank you, Ron
Hi Ron,
Here is the address of the Tourist Office in Arras :
Hôtel de ville
Place des Héros
62 000 ARRAS
Phone : +33 (0)3 21 51 26 95
Email : contact@explorearras.com
And here is their official website (available in English also) : http://www.explorearras.com
Enjoy your stay in Arras !
Emilie
Bonjour!
J’ai visité ton jolie ville avec ma fille en 2007. Nous marchions au centre ville et nous
aimons beaucoup le style d’architecture. Maintenant, j’ai pensé est-ce que les grand maisons l’original des siècles plus agé ou étaient-elles renouveler après la guerre?
J’ai acheté les pantalons court au marché et chaque fois que je porte j’ai pensé d’Arras et le bon jour là!
Merci en avance,
Mary Herman, à Oregon, U.S.A.
blukazam@yahoo.com
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me how you feel.
Bonjour Émilie,
J’ai lu avec beaucoup d’intérêt les informations touristiques et historiques dans ce site/blog. Vous y allez avec brio…merci! Fascinant! Je compte visiter la ville d’Arras pour la première fois (quoique je connaisse assez bien la France en tant que Canadien franco/Anglophone ayant beaucoup voyagé dans votre beau pays) en avril prochain pour la Commémoration du Centenaire de la Bataille de la Crête de Vimy qui aura lieu, comme vous le savez bien, sans doute, le 09 avril 2017. Je voudrais savoir s’il serait assez facile ou plutôt compliqué pour me rendre (sans voiture de location) du centre d’Arras jusqu’à la Crête de Vimy assez tôt le dimanche matin 09 avril 2017 pour les cérémonies. Sauriez-vous peut-être quel mode de transport en commun je pourrais emprunter ce jour-là pour m’y rendre? ou assez tôt le dimanche matin en general?
Avez-vous entendu dire peut-être qu’il y aurait des transports spéciaux ou exceptionnels dédiés à cet effet ce jour-là étant donné le grand nombre de visiteurs qui seront au rendez-vous sans doute pour ce grand événement si important pour tant de gens?
Je vous serais très reconnaissant pour tout renseignement ou conseil que vous pourriez me fournir en plus des renseignements généraux que je pourrais peut-être obtenir auprès de l’Office de Tourisme d’Arras.
Bonne journée, très cordialement,
Marc
Bonjour Marc,
Oui, il est plus prudent de se renseigner auprès de l’Office de Tourisme de la ville d’Arras pour les cérémonies du 9 avril 2017 au Mémorial canadien de Vimy. J’ai entendu dire que les routes à proximité du Mémorial allaient être barrées et qu’il faudra marcher pour s’y rendre car de grandes personnalités vont s’y rendre, dont la Reine d’Angleterre peut-être.
Cordialement,
Emilie
Hi Mary,
Yes, the tall houses on the two squares were rebuilt after WWII as they were almost completely destroyed. They were faithfully rebuilt to look like the originals.
Am glad to know that you enjoyed your visit to Arras.
Best Wishes,
Emilie
Bonjour Emilie,
Nous vous contactons ce jour pour vous féliciter à propos de votre site/blog sur Arras et les sites de mémoire de l’Artois.
L’Office de Tourisme de Lens gère depuis Juin 2015, un nouveau Centre d’Interprétation de la Première Guerre Mondiale au pied de la colline de Notre-Dame de Lorette à Souchez et en lien avec l’Anneau de la mémoire inauguré le 11 novembre 2014.
Ce nouveau musée appelé Lens 14-18 présente les faits historiques survenus entre 1914 et 1918 dans le Nord-Pas de Calais en 4 langues et gratuitement. Peut-être vous le connaissez déjà.
Nous serions ravis de vous accueillir pour une découverte du Lens 14-18 et un échange au sujet de votre site Internet et vos activités.
Au plaisir, Justin.
Lens 14-18, Centre d’Histoire Guerre et Paix
Tel 03.21.74.83.15
http://www.lens14-18.com
Hi, I will be visiting Arras in September of 2017 I would like to visit the Memorial that is being built to honor the men that fought in the Battle for Hill 70 100 years ago my grandfather was killed on the first day of that battle on August 15th 1917. How far is that from Arras ?
Merci Ron
Hello from Australia,
I am traveling to Arras in May 17 to lay to rest from Grandfathers ashes at the gravesite of his Father who was killed in action in 1918 and is buried at the Queant British Cemetery. In order to do this i require the services of a Funeral provider in Arras and i am having difficulty contacting one. If you would be able to provide any assistance in this matter it would be extremely appreciated.
We had a great trip to Arras last year. Visited the grave of an uncle in a small war grave near Arras. The war grave was kept in beautiful condition which our NZ family completely appreciate ..and the whole experience well worth while.
One of the things we will remember was meeting Bruno Lecuyer… the best taxi driver ever!! He as very welcoming and friendly.. showed us around and looked after us in Arras as if he was family. Meeting and talking to local people is a highlight of travel and I suggest you should refer and visitors to Arras to Bruno , He is outstanding and will help make you visit more memorable. Bruno’s email address is brunolecuyer0536@orange.fr.
Jon & Angela
Christchurch NZ
Hi!
I’m planning to visit Arras in early May and wondered if there is anything being done to mark Maximilien Robespierre’s 260th birthday? I would love to visit his house that weekend, and wondered if there are any commemorations for him?
Marianne (and yes, that’s my real name!)
Bonjour,
I hope this email finds you and your families well. My wife and I had a wonderful opportunity to visit Arras some years ago and we are very happy to say that we are “HOPING” to come back later this spring for 3 or 4 days. We were very impressed with its charm and made sure we put Arras on our list of towns that we wished to return to. We would be interested in receiving any tourist information such as local maps, accommodations, restaurants, historic sites and any cultural events that you feel would be helpful to us for our upcoming visit. Would you be so kind to mail this information to my below address. We are looking forward to our visit.
I am very proud to say that as a 19 year old when most American young men were getting drafted into the Army they being sent to Viet Nam and I lucked out and was stationed in the in Chinon back in 1966. I am very happy to say that I fell in love with the Country, the people, food and the wine and fortunately married a woman 34 years ago that loves France as much as I do. 14 years ago we purchased a beautiful 300 year old home in Riviere located across the river from Chinon. It has changed our lives! We “normally” come twice a year and spend 2 months in the spring and 2 months in the fall. We love to travel for a week or so when we arrive and we choose an area that we have not visited for awhile and hopefully our return will allow us to make it back into your region.
I must admit it has been very frustrating, especially being home owners, that we have not been allowed to fly back to France. I totally understood trying to cut back on tourism during these very difficult times but as a second homeowner this was very disappointing. We would have gladly been tested before flying and agreed to self guaranteeing for 2 weeks if needed. I would especially appreciate if you can pass that thought on to your elected officials. I have tried and it has fallen on deaf ears.
Thanking you in advance for your assistance and looking forward to our return visit to Arras.
Respectfully,
Richard G. Gober
PS. Just in case you or any of your fellow employees are planning a future trip to the USA please give Key West, Florida a consideration. Please check out our web site http://www.rgoberkeywest.com. We have a “Special” Family & Friends rate (-15%) which is of course available to our French friends.
Mailing address:
Richard G. Gober
26 North Hillside Avenue
Ventnor, New Jersey 08406 USA
Email: richardgober@comcast.net