Things to do in Arras

The Grand’ Place is the central hub of the city of Arras, where Baroque Flemish buildings loom impressively over restaurant tables and street performers. It initially grew from Arras’ markets in the center of the 11th-century town. Watch the people pass by from your seat at a café in this atmospheric square.

Notre Dame Cathedral in Arras is a magnificent house of worship and a fine example of classical architecture. Explore the majestic interior and view many religious artworks, such as the Gallery of Saints, and the impressive stained-glass windows. Enjoy the cathedral at its best by attending a service and hear the grand organ accompanying the choir.

An array of bars and restaurants make the Place des Héros the more animated of Arras’ two main squares. Both sprang from medieval markets. See the cobblestone plaza teeming with life in the evening, when its Flemish-style buildings are illuminated in golden light.

The Wellington Quarry Museum is an underground site that pays homage to the soldiers who built an intricate network of tunnels beneath Arras during World War I. The site contains historical artifacts that enlighten visitors about the greater context of Arras’ role in the war. Learn about the servicemen who risked their lives to create this important part of the Allies’ strategy.

The Arras War Cemetery is a poignant tribute to soldiers who lost their lives in World War I. It consists of several sections, including the Arras Memorial, which has almost 35,000 stones of those with no known grave who died fighting in the Arras region between 1916 and 1918. Walk along this poignant memorial and think about the brutal war while paying your respects to the dead.