Arras, Prefecture city in Pas-de-Calais, France
Description
Arras is a prefecture town in the Pas-de-Calais department of northern France, known for its Flemish-inspired squares and Baroque architecture. The old town stretches between the Grand Place and Place des Héros, both lined by continuous rows of houses with arched arcades on the ground floor.
History
The town became famous during the Middle Ages as a center for tapestry weaving, with works prized across Europe. It was nearly destroyed during the First World War and faithfully rebuilt in the 1920s.
Culture
The name comes from the Atrebates, a Celtic tribe that settled here over two millennia ago. Locals speak French with a slight northern accent and maintain culinary traditions such as andouillette sausages and local beers from small breweries.
Practical
The central railway station offers regular train connections to Paris, Lille and other towns in the north of the country. The two main squares lie close together and can be easily reached on foot, with the historic center remaining compact.
Did you know?
The underground quarry galleries stretch for several kilometers beneath the streets and served as shelters for thousands of soldiers during the First World War. A large section of these vaults is now open to visitors and shows traces from different centuries.
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Fortifications of Vauban
1.6 km
Belfry of Arras
17 m
Arras citadel
1.6 km
Grand' Place
249 m
Arras Cathedral
288 m
Carrière Wellington
1.2 km
Arras Memorial
1.3 km
Heroes Square
43 m
Abbey of St. Vaast
294 m
Town hall of Arras
6 m
Cathédrale Notre-Dame-en-Cité d'Arras
839 m
Arras Flying Services Memorial
1.3 km
Église Saint-Nicolas-en-Cité d'Arras
827 m
Musée des Beaux-Arts d'Arras
294 m
Immeuble, 49 Grand'Place
306 m
City walls of Arras
742 m
Théâtre d'Arras
269 m
Fontaine du Pont-de-Cité
658 m
Église Notre-Dame-des-Ardents d'Arras
555 m
Funny Parc
1 km
Église Saint-Géry d'Arras
451 m
Abbaye d'Henin-Liétard
750 m
Abbaye Sainte-Claire
961 m
Base Nautique de Saint-Laurent-Blangy
2.1 km
Jardin botanique Floralpina
1.5 km
Temple protestant d'Arras
769 m
Hospice Sainte-Agnès d'Arras
503 m
Chapelle des Chariottes
295 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
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