Arras France Tourism Guide

Posted under Arras, Arras History, Arras Memorials, Arras monuments, Arras-Battles, Arras-Surroundings, France, North France, Pas-de-Calais, World War 1

HELLO and WELCOME to Arras-France.com website, which aims to present a variety of interesting information on Arras and its surroundings. We have also written a book on Arras and its surrounding places (see the “book” section).

Arras is a 2000 year-old, but modern, city in northern France, and is the préfecture (capital) of the Pas-de-Calais department. It has been the historic centre of the Artois region. Unlike many French words, the final “s” in Arras has to be pronounced.

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. In April 1917, The Canadian army launched a valiant attack to seize the Vimy Ridge, which represented a strategic point for the German defense system.

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!

The following map shows the location of Arras:

Arras Location

Here is a glimpse of what we will present in our subsequent posts:

The Arras town centre is marked by two large squares, the Grand’ Place, and the Petite Place, also called the “Place des Héros“. In addition, the Gothic-style town hall and the 19th-century Cathedral are most notable. Following is a picture of the Arras Tourism office.

Arras Tourist Information Office

Arras Tourist Information Office
Arras Town Hall, Place des Héros
62000 Arras
Ph: +33 (0)3 21 51 26 95 ; Fax: +33 (0)3 21 71 07 34
Email: arras.tourisme@wanadoo.fr

Many of Arras’s most notable structures, including the museum and several government buildings, occupy the site of the old Saint-Vaast Abbaye. The abbey’s church was demolished and rebuilt in fashionable classical style in 1833, and now serves as the town’s cathedral.

Arras and its surroundings have a rich military history from both WWI and WWII. For example, the Vimy Memorial honours a major World War I battle, the Battle of Vimy Ridge, which marked the first time Canada sent an entire army of its own. Vimy was the only victory the Allies would “enjoy” during their 1917 spring offensive.

And there is the Basilica of Notre-Dame-de-Lorette, nearby the village of Ablain-Saint-Nazaire, which pays homage to one of the largest number of French soldiers from WWI.

Notre Dame de Lorette

In addition, there are many beautiful gardens and castles near Arras, which provide a refreshing experience away from the crowded cities worldwide.

Le jardin Minelle