Arras

Day 1: First impressions on les places

Arrive in the heart of Arras and let the Flemish-baroque gables frame your first stroll. Today is about getting your bearings, savouring café culture, and reading the city through its two squares.

• Morning: Start on Place des Héros for an orientation loop under the arcades; arrive a minute before the hour to hear the belfry chimes. Ride the lift and climb the final stairs up the beffroi for 360° views; it’s the best way to understand how the two squares knit together.
• Midday: Settle at a terrace under the arcades for a leisurely lunch; linger is the norm here. Greet staff with a simple “Bonjour, madame/monsieur,” and remember the final s in Arras is silent.
• Afternoon: Cross via Rue de la Taillerie, browsing independent boutiques and a fromagerie-bar, then trace the full perimeter of Grand’Place for architectural details and wide-angle photos. Slip over to quieter corners like Place du Théâtre or Place de la Préfecture for a breather.
• Evening: Dine in an estaminet on a nearby side street (think carbonnade flamande or a welsh) and return to Place des Héros at dusk when façades glow. If you’re driving, exit via the underground car park beneath Grand’Place to avoid circling for street spaces.

Day 2: Underground stories and the art of reconstruction

Today reveals the layers beneath the beauty: chalk quarries turned wartime shelters, and a city rebuilt stone-for-stone after WWI. You’ll also spot the subtle artistry that makes each gable unique.

• Morning: Join a guided tour of the boves from the Tourist Office inside the Hôtel de Ville; bring a light layer as the tunnels are cool year-round. You’ll descend into a hidden world that once sheltered thousands of soldiers before the 1917 offensive.

By Air

• Lille (LIL): Closest airport. 45–60 min by car. Public transport: airport shuttle to Lille Flandres (20–25 min) then TER to Arras (40–50 min); total 60–90 min.
• Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG): 1h15–1h30 by car via A1. Some direct TGVs from CDG T2 to Arras in about 50–70 min (limited); otherwise RER B to Paris Gare du Nord, then TGV/TER to Arras (total 1h45–2h15).
• Paris Orly (ORY): 1h50–2h15 by car (traffic dependent). Public transport: Orlyval/Orlybus + RER B to Gare du Nord, then TGV/TER to Arras (about 2–2.5h total).
• Beauvais (BVA): Budget flights. About 1h45–2h by car. Public transport via Beauvais–Paris shuttle (Porte Maillot) + Métro/RER to Gare du Nord, then train (roughly 2.5–3.5h total).

By Train

• Main station: Gare d’Arras (central; TGV inOui and TER Hauts-de-France).
• Key journey times:
  • Paris (Gare du Nord): 45–55 min (TGV).
  • Lille Europe: 20–30 min (TGV); Lille Flandres: 40–50 min (TER).
  • CDG T2: 50–70 min (direct TGV on limited services).
  • Lens: 10–15 min (TER); Douai: 15–25 min (TER); Amiens: about 1h (TER).
  • Brussels and London: via Lille Europe (typical total 1h50–2h30 to Brussels; 2h30–3h to London).
• Tickets: SNCF (TGV/TER); Eurostar for London via Lille.

Arras delivers the beauty and depth of a historic European city—without the crowds—where grand Flemish‑Baroque squares meet everyday local life.

• Atmosphere: Twin squares (Grand’Place and Place des Héros) framed by arcades and 155 gabled facades; café terraces, the belfry’s hourly chime and unhurried promenades give space to linger and people‑watch without queues.
• Culture & Heritage: Climb the UNESCO‑listed Belfry for 360° views, step into the Hôtel de Ville, then descend into the Boves tunnels—an above‑and‑below story of meticulous post‑WWI reconstruction that rivals bigger names for impact.
• Food & Traditions: Shop the Wednesday producers’ and Saturday markets, then duck into side‑street estaminets off Rue de la Taillerie for carbonnade flamande, proper andouillette and a local bière de garde; seasonal highlights include the Giants parades and a superb Christmas Market.
• Authenticity & Value: A walkable centre with friendly prices, quality independent boutiques under the arcades, and photogenic golden hours—think classic European charm, less elbow‑to‑elbow, more genuine everyday Arrageois life.

Arras suits travellers who love atmospheric historic centres layered with stories of resilience. Its twin squares—Grand’Place and Place des Héros—blend Flemish‑Baroque beauty with living markets, café culture and a UNESCO‑listed belfry. Expect authentic northern French warmth and superb value, with fewer crowds than Bruges.

• History lovers: Walk two millennia of stories—from the UNESCO belfry and Hôtel de Ville to the WWI tunnels of the Boves used by 24,000 Commonwealth soldiers.
• Architecture buffs: Savour 155 curvaceous gables, continuous arcades and meticulous post‑WWI “reconstruction identically” that makes the squares a rare Flemish‑Baroque showpiece.
• Foodies: Graze the Wednesday/Saturday markets, sip bière de garde under the arcades, and try local classics like andouillette in cosy estaminets just off the squares.
• Scenery seekers/Photographers: Climb the belfry for 360° views, chase golden hour along the arcades, and capture the Grand’Place transformed by one of France’s best Christmas markets.
• Active travellers: Combine the belfry ascent with a guided Boves tour, then loop both squares (and quiet side plazas) on an easy, architecture‑rich urban stroll.
• City‑breakers: With a pedestrian heart, easy TGV access and central parking, Arras delivers a refined, walkable getaway—beautiful like Bruges but blissfully less crowded.

If you see only one thing in Arras, make it the historic heart around its twin squares. These are the unmissable highlights to experience their beauty and spirit.

• Walk the Grand’Place and Place des Héros under the arcades, admiring 17th‑century Flemish‑Baroque gables and lively café terraces.
• Explore the Boves, vast chalk tunnels used by 24,000 WWI soldiers, on a guided tour starting at the Tourist Office in the Hôtel de Ville.
• Visit the Hôtel de Ville to marvel at its reconstructed Art Deco salons and step straight onto Place des Héros for market day buzz.
• Take the lift and final steps up the UNESCO‑listed Beffroi for sweeping 360° views and the hourly carillon over the rooftops.
• Hike the full perimeter of the Grand’Place at dawn for quiet, wide‑angle photos and close‑up details of the baroque facades.

If you see only one thing in Arras, make it the historic heart around its twin squares. These are the unmissable highlights to experience their beauty and spirit.

• Walk the Grand’Place and Place des Héros under the arcades, admiring 17th‑century Flemish‑Baroque gables and lively café terraces.
• Explore the Boves, vast chalk tunnels used by 24,000 WWI soldiers, on a guided tour starting at the Tourist Office in the Hôtel de Ville.
• Visit the Hôtel de Ville to marvel at its reconstructed Art Deco salons and step straight onto Place des Héros for market day buzz.
• Take the lift and final steps up the UNESCO‑listed Beffroi for sweeping 360° views and the hourly carillon over the rooftops.
• Hike the full perimeter of the Grand’Place at dawn for quiet, wide‑angle photos and close‑up details of the baroque facades.

Arras blends Flemish warmth with French finesse: hearty plates, artisan cheeses, and farmhouse beers. Under the baroque arcades, cafés, brasseries and estaminets keep things relaxed, while the weekly markets fill the squares with local produce.

• Andouillette d’Arras – coarse‑grained tripe sausage, grilled with mustard or shallot sauce; a local icon best savoured in lively brasseries on Place des Héros.
• Carbonnade flamande – beef slow‑braised in regional beer with onions; comforting and slightly sweet, perfect in snug estaminets under the arcades.
• Welsh – thick bread and ham smothered in beer‑melted cheese, often with frites; classic pub fare in convivial bars and casual cafés.
• Bière de garde – malty farmhouse ale from the region; sip on a sunny terrace while the Saturday market hums across the squares.

Arras blends Flemish warmth with French finesse: hearty plates, artisan cheeses, and farmhouse beers. Under the baroque arcades, cafés, brasseries and estaminets keep things relaxed, while the weekly markets fill the squares with local produce.

• Andouillette d’Arras – coarse‑grained tripe sausage, grilled with mustard or shallot sauce; a local icon best savoured in lively brasseries on Place des Héros.
• Carbonnade flamande – beef slow‑braised in regional beer with onions; comforting and slightly sweet, perfect in snug estaminets under the arcades.
• Welsh – thick bread and ham smothered in beer‑melted cheese, often with frites; classic pub fare in convivial bars and casual cafés.
• Bière de garde – malty farmhouse ale from the region; sip on a sunny terrace while the Saturday market hums across the squares.

Choosing the right area in Arras shapes your stay more than the hotel itself. Each neighbourhood has a distinct feel—from café‑lined squares to leafy ramparts—so match the vibe to your plans and pace.

• Historic Centre (Les Places: Grand’Place & Place des Héros) — Lively, postcard‑pretty arcades, markets and belfry; perfect for first‑timers and café lovers who want everything on the doorstep (expect weekend and Christmas‑market buzz).
• Citadelle & Vauban Ramparts — Leafy, heritage fortifications and parkland with easy walks; suits runners, dog owners and those seeking quiet, yet only a 10–15‑minute stroll from the squares (busier during Main Square Festival in July).
• Gare/Station Quarter — Practical and good value with modern stays and quick TGV access; ideal for short breaks, early trains and drivers, with a straightforward 10–12‑minute walk to the historic centre.
• Cathedral & Saint-Vaast Abbey area — Culture‑focused, near the Musée des Beaux‑Arts and serene cloisters; best for museum‑goers and families who prefer calmer evenings and cobbled streets.

Choosing the right area in Arras shapes your stay more than the hotel itself. Each neighbourhood has a distinct feel—from café‑lined squares to leafy ramparts—so match the vibe to your plans and pace.

• Historic Centre (Les Places: Grand’Place & Place des Héros) — Lively, postcard‑pretty arcades, markets and belfry; perfect for first‑timers and café lovers who want everything on the doorstep (expect weekend and Christmas‑market buzz).
• Citadelle & Vauban Ramparts — Leafy, heritage fortifications and parkland with easy walks; suits runners, dog owners and those seeking quiet, yet only a 10–15‑minute stroll from the squares (busier during Main Square Festival in July).
• Gare/Station Quarter — Practical and good value with modern stays and quick TGV access; ideal for short breaks, early trains and drivers, with a straightforward 10–12‑minute walk to the historic centre.
• Cathedral & Saint-Vaast Abbey area — Culture‑focused, near the Musée des Beaux‑Arts and serene cloisters; best for museum‑goers and families who prefer calmer evenings and cobbled streets.

Arras is straightforward to visit: a compact historic centre with most sights clustered around the two squares and a rail hub within walking distance. Planning is simple, but a few details on costs, transport, language and timing will help you make the most of it.

• Affordability: Good value by French city standards—coffee €2.5–4, mains €15–30, mid‑range hotels roughly €90–140 per night (boutique €140–200+), with plenty that’s free (the squares) and low‑cost entries like the belfry (~€4).
• Transport: Very walkable; the TGV station is 10–15 minutes from Place des Héros, there’s underground parking beneath Grand’Place, trains/buses reach Lille, Lens (Louvre‑Lens) and Amiens, while a car is best for Vimy Ridge and WWI sites (no ferries relevant).
• Language: French is spoken; English is generally understood in hotels, tourist sites and many cafés, but less so in small shops and markets—polite bonjour/merci helps.
• Safety & comfort: A safe, relaxed city that suits families and solo travellers; use normal awareness for petty theft in the busy Saturday/Christmas markets and mind the uneven cobbles under the arcades if mobility is a concern.
• Crowds: Busiest at the Christmas market (late Nov–Dec), during summer festivals (early July) and on Saturday market mornings; quieter on weekdays, in autumn, and early mornings year‑round.

Arras is straightforward to visit: a compact historic centre with most sights clustered around the two squares and a rail hub within walking distance. Planning is simple, but a few details on costs, transport, language and timing will help you make the most of it.

• Affordability: Good value by French city standards—coffee €2.5–4, mains €15–30, mid‑range hotels roughly €90–140 per night (boutique €140–200+), with plenty that’s free (the squares) and low‑cost entries like the belfry (~€4).
• Transport: Very walkable; the TGV station is 10–15 minutes from Place des Héros, there’s underground parking beneath Grand’Place, trains/buses reach Lille, Lens (Louvre‑Lens) and Amiens, while a car is best for Vimy Ridge and WWI sites (no ferries relevant).
• Language: French is spoken; English is generally understood in hotels, tourist sites and many cafés, but less so in small shops and markets—polite bonjour/merci helps.
• Safety & comfort: A safe, relaxed city that suits families and solo travellers; use normal awareness for petty theft in the busy Saturday/Christmas markets and mind the uneven cobbles under the arcades if mobility is a concern.
• Crowds: Busiest at the Christmas market (late Nov–Dec), during summer festivals (early July) and on Saturday market mornings; quieter on weekdays, in autumn, and early mornings year‑round.

Seasonality in Arras revolves around life on its two squares: spring–summer bring terrace culture and long evenings, autumn is quieter and atmospheric, and winter transforms the Grand’Place into a major Christmas market. Pick your timing based on whether you want buzzy events or contemplative architecture.

• Spring (Apr–Jun): Mild to warm with longer days; café terraces buzz without heavy crowds; relaxed, photogenic vibe.
• High Summer (Jul–Aug): Warmest weather and long evenings; busiest period, especially around Main Square Festival; lively, social atmosphere.
• Winter & Christmas Market (late Nov–Dec; Jan–Feb quiet): Cold, crisp days; festive village on the Grand’Place draws peak weekend crowds; post‑New Year is calm and great for unhurried visits.

Seasonality in Arras revolves around life on its two squares: spring–summer bring terrace culture and long evenings, autumn is quieter and atmospheric, and winter transforms the Grand’Place into a major Christmas market. Pick your timing based on whether you want buzzy events or contemplative architecture.

• Spring (Apr–Jun): Mild to warm with longer days; café terraces buzz without heavy crowds; relaxed, photogenic vibe.
• High Summer (Jul–Aug): Warmest weather and long evenings; busiest period, especially around Main Square Festival; lively, social atmosphere.
• Winter & Christmas Market (late Nov–Dec; Jan–Feb quiet): Cold, crisp days; festive village on the Grand’Place draws peak weekend crowds; post‑New Year is calm and great for unhurried visits.

Day 3: Markets, flavours and seasonal sparkle

Your final day is for living like an Arrageois: market shopping, local specialities, and time to simply be on the squares. Build in seasonal moments, whether festive lights in winter or festival buzz in summer.

• Morning: If it’s Saturday (biggest) or Wednesday (smaller), arrive early to the markets on Place des Héros and Grand’Place; follow the longest local queues for the best breads and cheeses. Bring a tote, small notes, and try simple courtesies—smiles go a long way.
• Midday: Picnic with market finds on a bench or choose a hearty plate featuring the local andouillette (late August weekends often feature celebrations around it). Non-market days, graze under the arcades with a bière de garde and people-watch.
• Afternoon: Shop arcaded chocolatiers and indie boutiques, then take one last slow lap under the arcades—you miss half the architecture if you only cross the open cobbles. If you loved the view, pop back up the beffroi for a final look in afternoon light.
• Evening: Summer: join the pre-festival social buzz if you’re in town for early-July’s Main Square Festival (concerts are at the Citadelle, but the squares are the living room). Winter: lose yourself in the Grand’Place Christmas Market—big wheel, skating and vin chaud—going earlier on weekdays to beat the crowds.

• Motorways: A1 (Paris–Lille) and A26 (Calais–Reims) intersect near Arras; N25 to Amiens.
• Approximate drive times: Lille 45–55 min; Paris 1h50–2h15; Calais 1h30; Amiens ~1h; Brussels 2–2.5h.
• Parking: Large underground car park beneath the Grand’Place in the city centre.

Who should go to Arras?

Arras suits travellers who love atmospheric historic centres layered with stories of resilience. Its twin squares—Grand’Place and Place des Héros—blend Flemish‑Baroque beauty with living markets, café culture and a UNESCO‑listed belfry. Expect authentic northern French warmth and superb value, with fewer crowds than Bruges.

• History lovers: Walk two millennia of stories—from the UNESCO belfry and Hôtel de Ville to the WWI tunnels of the Boves used by 24,000 Commonwealth soldiers.
• Architecture buffs: Savour 155 curvaceous gables, continuous arcades and meticulous post‑WWI “reconstruction identically” that makes the squares a rare Flemish‑Baroque showpiece.
• Foodies: Graze the Wednesday/Saturday markets, sip bière de garde under the arcades, and try local classics like andouillette in cosy estaminets just off the squares.
• Scenery seekers/Photographers: Climb the belfry for 360° views, chase golden hour along the arcades, and capture the Grand’Place transformed by one of France’s best Christmas markets.
• Active travellers: Combine the belfry ascent with a guided Boves tour, then loop both squares (and quiet side plazas) on an easy, architecture‑rich urban stroll.
• City‑breakers: With a pedestrian heart, easy TGV access and central parking, Arras delivers a refined, walkable getaway—beautiful like Bruges but blissfully less crowded.