Arras & France Tourism Guide

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This website aims to share interesting information about Arras and its surrounding region in Northern France.

Arras is a 2000 year-old city located in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region. 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 hits 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 Historical Monuments.

In July 2005, the belfry of Arras was classified as part of the ‘world inheritance of humanity’ by UNESCO. Visitors can climb the belfry to see numerous sites and monuments around the city.

Arras is also famous for its beauty and tranquillity. 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.

From the perspective of a foreign visitor, Arras enjoys a strategic position as the city is just 45 minutes north of Paris by TGV train!

We will also share interesting information about other famous regions in France.

The main contributor to this website is Emilie Sergent, a native of Arras, who has also lived and traveled in other countries including the UK, USA, Spain, Germany and India. She has a great interest in tennis as she is a former University tennis player.

Arras-France.com has recently crossed visitors from 100 countries. Don’t hesitate to leave comments and to ask questions about France! I will happily answer them!

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