Arras Travel Guide

Explore Arras, France with this comprehensive travel guide. Discover the best attractions, hiking/biking routes, food and drink scene, local culture and customs, safety and health, transportation options and more.


Introduction to Arras

Located in the Hauts-de-France region of France, Arras is a charming city rich in history and cultural heritage. With its magnificent architecture, picturesque streets, delicious food and drink scene, and stunning natural scenery, Arras is a must-visit destination for anyone planning a trip to France.

List of Places to Visit in Arras

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Wellington Quarry - Explore the underground tunnels that were used during WWI and learn about their important role in the battle of Arras
  2. Arras Museum of Fine Arts - Admire an impressive collection of paintings, sculptures, and drawings from the 15th to the 21st century.
  3. Place des Héros - Visit this impressive square, lined with 17th-century Flemish-style buildings, and marvel at its impressive architecture.

Natural Attractions of Arras: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Les Jardins De Sericourt - Take a stroll through this beautiful garden and admire its stunning flowers and trees.
  2. Les Marais De La Scarpe - Go on a nature walk and discover the wildlife inhabiting the wetlands surrounding Arras.
  3. Citadelle d’Arras - Enjoy a stunning panoramic view of the city from this imposing fortress built by Vauban in the 17th century.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Arras

  1. Circuit of Sericourt - Explore the lush countryside surrounding Arras on this 13 km hiking trail through the hills and forests.
  2. Circuit of the Seven Ridges - Cycle through stunning panoramic views of Arras on this challenging 38 km ride through the countryside.
  3. Circuit of the Green Valley - Walk or bike this 11 km trail along the scenic banks of the River Scarpe.

Best Things to Do in Arras: Activities and Tours

  1. Visit the famous Arras Christmas Market during the holiday season in December.
  2. Attend a show or concert at the majestic Arras Theatre.
  3. Take a guided tour of the city and learn about its rich history and cultural heritage.

Week-Long Itinerary for Arras

Day Activity
1 Visit the Arras Museum of Fine Arts and explore the Place des Héros
2 Take a bike ride along the Circuit of the Seven Ridges in the morning and visit the Wellington Quarry in the afternoon
3 Spend the day exploring the beautiful Citadelle d’Arras
4 Enjoy a nature walk through Les Marais De La Scarpe in the morning and visit the Arras Theatre in the evening
5 Take a guided tour of the city and learn about its rich history and cultural heritage
6 Enjoy a leisurely stroll through Les Jardins De Sericourt and visit some local shops and markets in the afternoon
7 Departure day

Food and Drink Scene of Arras

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Carbonnade Flamande - A traditional Flemish dish made of beef, onions and beer, served with French fries.
  2. Tarte au Maroilles - A savory pie made with Maroilles cheese, a local specialty.
  3. Pain d’épices - A sweet and spicy gingerbread-style cake, often served with coffee.

Local Beverages

  1. Bierette - A local beer brewed in Arras that is slightly sweet and malty with a hint of cherry.
  2. Oldaj - A white wine made from a blend of local grapes, with notes of citrus and white flowers.
  3. Clacquesin - A local liqueur made from wild strawberries and herbs.

Where to Stay in Arras: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  1. Hotel de l’Univers - A charming 3-star hotel located in the heart of Arras, offering comfortable rooms and a restaurant serving traditional French cuisine.
  2. Le Dome - A beautiful 4-star hotel housed in a historic building, offering luxurious rooms and an outdoor terrace with stunning views of the city.
  3. L’Escale du Louvre - A cozy guesthouse located near the Arras Museum of Fine Arts, offering comfortable rooms and a friendly atmosphere.

What to Buy in Arras: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  1. Lace - Arras is known for its exquisite handmade lace, a traditional craft that has been practiced in the region for centuries.
  2. Maroilles cheese - Made from the milk of local cows, this soft cheese has a strong, pungent flavor and is a local specialty.
  3. Pottery and ceramics - Arras has a long tradition of creating beautiful handmade pottery and ceramics, including plates, bowls, and vases.

Local Culture and Customs of Arras

Arras has a rich cultural heritage, with strong Flemish and French influences. Some local customs and traditions include:

  • The annual Arras Christmas Market in December, featuring traditional crafts, local food and drink, and festive activities.
  • The Fêtes de l’été, a summer festival in July featuring concerts, street performances, and fireworks.
  • The use of the local Picard language, a regional dialect spoken by many locals in addition to French.

Best Time to Visit Arras

The best time to visit Arras is in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller. The summer months can be quite hot and crowded, while the winter months can be cold and rainy.

Do’s and Don’ts of Arras

Do:

  1. Do try the local specialties, including Maroilles cheese and Carbonnade Flamande.
  2. Do explore the historic architecture and cultural heritage of the city by visiting the Wellington Quarry and the Citadelle d’Arras.
  3. Do take a bike ride along one of the scenic trails surrounding the city.

Don’t:

  1. Don’t forget to respect local customs and traditions, such as using the formal “vous” instead of the informal “tu” when addressing someone.
  2. Don’t leave without trying some of the local beverages, such as Bierette or Clacquesin.
  3. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the natural beauty surrounding the city by visiting parks and gardens such as Les Jardins De Sericourt.

Safety and Health

Safety in Arras

Overall, Arras is a safe city to visit. However, as with any tourist destination, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and take basic safety precautions, such as keeping your valuables secure and avoiding walking alone at night.

Health in Arras

Arras has good health care facilities, including hospitals and clinics. However, it’s always a good idea to have travel health insurance and to bring any necessary medications with you.

Getting to Arras: Transportation Options and Logistics

Arras is easily accessible by plane, train, or car.

Airports Near Arras

  1. Lille Airport - Approximately 45 km from Arras, offering flights to major European cities.
  2. Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport - Approximately 170 km from Arras, offering flights to destinations around the world.

Bus Stations Near Arras

The main bus station in Arras is located near the train station.

Other Options

Arras is also easily accessible by train, with regular service to major cities in France and Europe. If you are traveling by car, there are several major highways connecting Arras to other cities in the region.

How to Get Around in Arras

Arras is a walkable city, with many of the main attractions located within easy walking distance of each other. There is also a local bus network that serves the city and surrounding areas, as well as taxi and bike rental options.

Where to Go Next from Arras: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  1. Lille - A vibrant city known for its culture, cuisine, and architecture, located approximately 50 km from Arras.
  2. Lens - Home to the Louvre-Lens museum and other cultural attractions, located approximately 20 km from Arras.
  3. Saint-Quentin - A charming city with a rich history and cultural heritage, located approximately 45 km from Arras.

Conclusion

Arras is a beautiful destination that offers something for everyone, whether you’re interested in history, culture, nature, or just relaxing and enjoying the food and drink scene. With its charming architecture, stunning natural scenery, and rich cultural heritage, Arras is a must-visit destination for anyone planning a trip to France.

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