Grand' Place, Central square in Arras, France
Grand'Place is a spacious public square in Arras surrounded by buildings with pale stone and brick facades that feature continuous covered porches beneath them. These colonnaded walkways frame the open square and house shops, cafes, and restaurants on the ground floor.
The square was established in the 16th century as the heart of Arras and was devastated by shellfire during World War I. Its careful reconstruction after the war returned it to its original form, making it a symbol of the city's recovery.
The square maintains a centuries-old tradition with bi-weekly markets every Wednesday and Saturday, where vendors sell regional products and fresh produce.
The square is easy to walk around and accessible from many parts of the city, with parking available nearby. Visitors can find shade under the arcades year-round, and outdoor cafe seating is available when weather permits.
A Timescope installation on the square allows visitors to experience virtual reality views of medieval Arras through digital reconstructions.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
