- The city's two main squares contain 155 distinct gabled houses, a result of strict architectural guidelines enforced since the 17th century.
- During the First World War, the city was almost entirely leveled by artillery fire and had to be meticulously reconstructed according to its original blueprints.
- The underground 'boves' or quarries beneath the city were utilized by British troops to hide thousands of soldiers before the Battle of Arras in 1917.
- The name of the fabric 'arras', a type of ornate tapestry often associated with wall hangings in medieval literature, originates from this city's historical textile industry.
About Arras
Arras is a historic capital of the Pas-de-Calais region, renowned for its remarkably preserved Flemish-style architecture and complex network of underground tunnels. The city center is dominated by the twin focal points of the Grand' Place and the Place des Héros, which exemplify the 17th-century civic design of the region. Visitors can explore the deep history of the area by descending into the Carrière Wellington or admiring the city from the heights of the Beffroi d'Arras. The cultural core includes the extensive Beaux-Arts Museum of Arras, housed within the monumental remains of the former Saint-Vaast Abbey.
Highlights of Arras
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Historical places
Admire the uniform Flemish-baroque architecture that defines these expansive, interconnected merchant squares.
Historical places
Visit the site of the town hall to observe the architectural transition between the squares and the iconic city tower.
Historical places
Walk through the subterranean tunnels where thousands of soldiers once prepared for a major spring offensive.
Historical places
Ascend this UNESCO-listed belfry for an unobstructed view over the entire Artois region.
Historical places
Explore the expansive star-shaped fortification designed by Vauban to protect the city's borders.
Museums
View a vast collection of fine arts and artifacts displayed within the austere, elegant halls of a former Benedictine abbey.
Temples
Examine the neoclassical design of this cathedral, which serves as a significant example of religious architecture in northern France.
Top things to do in Arras
The 54 highest-rated places in Arras, ranked by travellers.
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Historical places
The Grand' Place in Arras is a historic Flemish-Baroque square characterized by 155 identical houses built with arcaded...
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Historical places
Place des Héros is the historic central square of Arras, characterized by its distinctive Flemish-Baroque architectural...
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Historical places
Carrière Wellington is a network of underground chalk quarries in Arras, France, repurposed by Allied forces as a secret...
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Historical places
The Beffroi d'Arras is a 75-meter-high Gothic belfry overlooking the Place des Héros in Arras, France. Built between 146...
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Historical places
The Citadelle d'Arras, designed by Sébastien Le Prestre de Vauban, is a 17th-century fortification forming part of the U...
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Museums
The Beaux-Arts Museum of Arras is housed within the 18th-century Saint-Vaast Abbey, a former Benedictine monastery. It f...
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Temples
The Cathedral of the Assumption of Our Lady and St Foster in Arras is a neoclassical structure built between 1778 and 18...
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Arras on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Arras
Late spring to early autumn, as the outdoor squares and the proximity to the rolling northern French countryside are most accessible during these months.
2 days, which provides sufficient time to explore the city squares, the underground tunnels, and the primary museum collections.
The city center is highly compact and best navigated on foot, with a local bus network serving the outer districts.
The area surrounding the Place des Héros and the Grand' Place is the most convenient for visitors to remain within walking distance of primary historical sites.
Arras is considered a mid-range destination, offering accessible pricing compared to major French tourist hubs.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 54 curated attractions in and around Arras, ranked by traveller ratings.
Grand' Place is the highest-rated place to visit in Arras right now.
The largest category is venues, with 16 places to explore.
Travellers also explore Paris, Lyon, Lormont.
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Other cities ranked by number of curated places.
