Things To Do
in Arras
Arras is a historic city in northern France, celebrated for its twin UNESCO-listed beffrois and gracefully arranged Flemish-Baroque squares. Its well-preserved medieval and Renaissance architecture sits beside lively cafés, markets, and museums that reflect its WWI and coal mining heritage. The city serves as a convenient base for day trips to battlefields and verdant countryside along the Scarpe valley.
In Arras, you can wander atmospheric lanes, enjoy hearty regional dishes, and soak up a distinctly northern French ambiance.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a stroll across the Grand' Place, Arras’s iconic square lined with baroque townhouses in soft pastel hues. Listen to the bustling market vendors setting up their stalls and sample freshly baked croissants from a nearby patisserie. As the morning light dances on the cobblestones, climb the Belfry’s winding stairs for panoramic views of the city and surrounding countryside.
Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a cozy café overlooking the square, savoring local specialties like potjevleesch or moules-frites. Explore the Town Hall’s ornate Gothic façade and its intricate tapestries that depict Arras’s storied past. Afterwards, wander into hidden arcades to discover artisan boutiques and charming bookstores tucked between the grand buildings.
As dusk falls, return to the square to witness the light show, when the Gothic façades are bathed in color and shadow. Dine at a traditional brasserie, indulging in a hearty carbonnade flamande paired with a crisp local beer. Cap off the night with a leisurely walk through the illuminated Grand' Place, the Belfry’s silhouette standing sentinel against the twilight sky.
Descend into the mysterious Boves Caves, a labyrinth of chalk galleries carved beneath Arras’s streets. Feel the cool moisture on your skin as you navigate illuminated tunnels and discover ancient carvings. Your guide will reveal tales of medieval craftsmen who used these cellars to store wine and munitions.
Climb the ramparts that once defended the city and appreciate the strategic vantage points over the rolling battlefields. Pack a picnic to enjoy on the verdant terraces while watching paragliders drift overhead. Visit the small exhibits detailing the city’s military history dotted along the walls.
Return to street level and explore the surrounding Saint-Nicolas district, where narrow lanes reveal intimate squares. Dine at an intimate bistro serving refined French cuisine with seasonal ingredients sourced from nearby farms. Conclude with a nightcap at a hidden wine bar, sampling a crisp Picardy cider or a glass of Sancerre.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| 🥖Baguette or bakery item | $1-3 |
| ☕Coffee in café | $3-5 |
| 🚆One-way public transport ticket | $2-3 |
| 💧Bottle of water (1.5L) | $1-2 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Compact, walkable city center with rich Flemish-Baroque architecture
- Rich WWII and medieval history within easy reach
- Delicious, hearty regional cuisine and welcoming cafés
- Easy day trips to battlefields and nature reserves
- Limited nightlife compared to larger cities
- Some attractions require a car or dedicated transport
- Seasonal rain can disrupt outdoor plans
- Prices can be slightly higher in tourist hotspots
- "Bonjour" - Hello
- "S'il vous plaît" - Please
- "Merci" - Thank you
- "Combien ça coûte?" - How much does it cost?
- "Où est...?" - Where is...?
- "Parlez-vous anglais?" - Do you speak English?
- "Je suis végétarien/végétarienne" - I am vegetarian
Places to Visit in Arras
Visit one of these nice places.
A UNESCO-listed pairing of elegant squares framed by gilded townhouses and the city’s iconic belfry—perfect for morning light and dusk silhouettes.
Gothic exterior and quiet interior offer strong lines and stained glass photography opportunities.
Hilltop viewpoint with historic fortifications; dramatic city and rural panorama.
Arcaded streets and shaded passages provide atmospheric street photography.
Narrow lanes, shuttered courtyards, and seasonal façades ideal for mood photography.
Food in Arras
Arras Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A slow-braised beef stew in beer, usually served with pommes frites or crusty bread.
Must-Try!
A Flemish dish of layered jellied meats (pork, chicken, veal) served cold with pickles and bread.
A melted cheese toast dish common in northern France and Belgium, often seasoned with mustard and beer.
Mussels steamed with shallots and white wine, served with fries—popular in coastal-adjacent areas.
A sweet sugar tart representing local pastry traditions.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Weekly market (often on Wednesdays and Saturdays) with fresh produce, cheese, charcuterie, and seasonal bites.
Casual stalls offering crepes, waffles, and locally smoked meats; great for a quick lunch.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Begin interactions with a polite Bonjour and end with Au revoir.
Use formal address until invited to use first names; a handshake is common in meetings; la bise is common among friends.
Safety
Tipping in Arras
Ensure a smooth experience
Service is often included; rounding up or leaving 5-10% for good service is appreciated.
Cards are widely accepted; cash is useful for markets and small vendors; contactless payments are common.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Long days with pleasant evenings; markets and outdoor dining thrive. Expect occasional showers; carry a light layer and an umbrella.
Mild days with colorful foliage; harvest festivals and markets populate the town squares.
Cool to cold with potential frost; Christmas markets light up the squares and cafés feel especially cozy.
Temperatures rise gradually; blossoms in parks and streets provide vibrant photo opportunities and outdoor events.
Arras at Night
Hiking in Arras
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A rewarding climb to fortifications with expansive views over Arras and the surrounding countryside.
Wooded and riverside trails offering varied terrain and wildlife near Arras.
Historic WWI routes with memorials and preserved trenches a short drive from Arras.
Airports
How to reach Arras by plane.
Regional hub about 40-60 minutes by car or train from Arras.
Major international airport roughly 1.5-2 hours away by train or road.
Secondary international airport about 1.5-2 hours away by car.
Alternative option about 2-3 hours away by road.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A mix of locals, families, students from the University of Artois, and cross-border residents from Belgium.
A growing student presence contributes to a lively, international vibe in the center.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Highly popular, with local clubs and match days in the region.
Flat to rolling terrain makes it ideal for day trips and scenic routes.
Played in nearby towns and enjoyed by enthusiasts.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Arras.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are common in most bistros; look for salads, veggie plates, or ask for plat végétarien (vegetarian dish) and several places accommodate dairy-free requests.