Arras: the phoenix of the North
Arras by night / Photo chosen by monsieurdefrance.com: Image by Peter H de Pixabay
Arras is a real trip back in time. Yes, I can hear you now: "It sounds like an old tourist brochure!" But sometimes these ready-made phrases hit the nail on the head. And this is certainly the case here: visiting Arras means crossing 2000 years of history. And I'm not even talking about the prehistoric tribes who already appreciated this region.
2000 years ago, the Gallo-Romans founded Nemetacum Atrébatum, named after the Atrébates, the people who gave their name to the Artois region. Since then, each era has left its mark. The Middle Ages gave us Saint-Vaast Abbey and the cathedral. The 15th and 16th centuries saw the birth of flamboyant Gothic masterpieces like the town hall and its belfry. At 75 meters, the belfry remains the city's tallest monument and a jewel among the belfries of Hauts-de-France and Belgium, listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The Arras belfry is 75 metres high / Photo chosen by monsieurdefrance.com : Image by DEZALB de Pixabay
The 17th century, marked by Louis XIV, saw the construction of the famous citadel, also listed at UNESCO. At the same time, the bourgeoisie of Arras shaped two emblematic squares: the Grand-Place and the Place des Héros, two harmonious and unique ensembles. These squares embody the soul of Arras, a city that rose from the ashes after the ravages of the First World War, which saw 75% of the city destroyed by fire.
Louis XIV's entry into Arras / By Adam François van der Meulen - https://www.histoire-image.org/etudes/entree-louis-xiv-reine-marie-therese-arras, Domaine public, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=59767221
Rebuilt in its original style, with some 1920s Art Deco touches, the town also withstood the destruction of the Second World War. Through each ordeal, Arras rose to the occasion, rebuilding again and again. A resilience that makes it the true phoenix of the North.
Arras destroyed in 1914 / Image selected by monsieurdefrance.com: By Jarienzale - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=151322555
5 places to see in Arras
1 The Grote Markt and Heroes' Square
These two emblematic squares of Arras, surrounded by stone and brick arcaded houses, are a true architectural masterpiece. Each façade has its own unique character, and the whole reflects a timeless elegance.
The houses on Arras' Place des Héros are impressive / Photo chosen by monsieurdefrance.com Pecold via depositphotos
2 The Arras Belfry and Arras Town Hall
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this flamboyant Gothic monument offers a panoramic view of the city from its 75-metre height. It embodies the history and identity of Arras. Adjacent to the belfry, this spectacular edifice blends refinement and grandeur. Its richly decorated rooms bear witness to the city's prestigious history.
The Arras Belfry and Town Hall / Photo chosen by monsieurdefrance.com: perig76 via depositphotos
3 Les Boves d'Arras
Beneath the streets of Arras, a network of underground galleries dug as far back as the Middle Ages once served as a stone quarry. These mysterious galleries, used as shelters during wars, today offer a unique experience to explore.
4 La Citadelle d'Arras
Built in the 17th century under Louis XIV, the Arras Citadel is a masterpiece of military architecture by Vauban. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, today it's a peaceful place that combines history and nature.
5 The Musée des Beaux-Arts d'Arras
Installed in the former Saint-Vaast Abbey, this museum houses a rich collection of paintings, sculptures and objets d'art, ranging from the Renaissance to the 20th century. A perfect place for culture and history lovers.
Arras : Geo / Web
Arras is particularly beautiful at Christmas with one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Northern France / Photo chosen by monsieurderfrance.com Willy Mobilo via depositphotos
Arras by train:
1H40 from Paris on average. The station is located place du Maréchal Foch / 62 000 ARRAS
Arras by car
2H30 from Paris / 2H from Brussels / 42 minutes from Lille.
Websites
The Arras tourist office website
The Pas de Calais tourism website
The Hauts de France tourism website
