Arras Attractions
Arras (pop. 43,566), once the capital of the old County of Artois and now chief town of the département of Pas-de-Calais and the see of a bishop, lies between Amiens and Lille on the right bank of the Scarpe. With its spacious arcaded squares and high-gabled burghers' houses, it has preserved much of the character of an old Flemish commercial town. The town was famed for its tapestries (hence the English word "arras"). During World War I the Arras area was the scene of heavy fighting, commemorated by many military cemeteries and memorials, particularly in the hilly country north of the town.
Place des Héros
In the center of Arras is the arcaded Place des Héros, with the Hôtel de Ville (Town Hall; 15th- 16th C., rebuilt after the First World War). The belfry, which also served as a watch tower, displays the lion of Arras. The Grande Place to the northeast, which is also arcaded, has preserved its 17th C. aspect with its high-gabled houses.
Arras Cathedral
In Arras, northwest of the Hôtel de Ville is the cathedral, originally the abbey church of St-Vaast, which was rebuilt in the 18th C. in neo-classical style. It contains a 15th C. head of Christ in wood and a 17th C. "Scourging". South of the church is the former abbey of St-Vaast (18th C.), now housing the Musée des Beaux-Arts (medieval sculpture, pictures of the 16th-18th C. and French 19th C. masters, including Corot and Delacroix). Farther south again is the birthplace of Maximilien Robespierre (1758-1794).
Musée des Beaux Arts
The Musée des Beaux Arts is situated in the former Benedictine abbey of Saine-Vaast. It houses a collection of medieval sculptures, 17th C paintings, porcelain and works by 19th C artists as well as an archaeology exhibit.
Hours
April 1 to October 15
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 9:30 | Closed | 9:30 | 9:30 | 9:30 | 15:00 | 9:30 |
| Close | 12:00 | 12:00 | 12:00 | 12:00 | 12:00 | 12:00 | |
| Open | 14:00 | 14:00 | 14:00 | 14:00 | 14:00 | 14:00 | |
| Close | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 |
October 16 to March 31
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 9:30 | Closed | 9:30 | 9:30 | 9:30 | 9:30 | 9:30 |
| Close | 12:00 | 12:00 | 12:00 | 12:00 | 18:00 | 12:00 | |
| Open | 14:00 | 14:00 | 14:00 | 14:00 | 14:00 | 14:00 | |
| Close | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 |
Always closed on:
New Year's Day (January 1)
1945 Victory Day (May 8)
May Day / Labor Day (May 1)
Bastille Day - France (July 14)
Assumption Day - Christian (August 15)
All Saints' Day - Christian (November 1)
Remembrance Day / 1918 Armistice Day (November 11)
Christmas - Christian (December 25)
Pentecost Monday (Whit Monday) - Christian (May 28)
Ascension Thursday - Christian (May 17)
1945 Victory Day (May 8)
May Day / Labor Day (May 1)
Bastille Day - France (July 14)
Assumption Day - Christian (August 15)
All Saints' Day - Christian (November 1)
Remembrance Day / 1918 Armistice Day (November 11)
Christmas - Christian (December 25)
Pentecost Monday (Whit Monday) - Christian (May 28)
Ascension Thursday - Christian (May 17)
Vimy Ridge
Atop the site once known as 'The Pimple', is the stirring Vimy Memorial. Its two white pillars reaching up high over the crest of the ridge mark the spot where the final German defensive in the battle for Vimy Ridge was overcome.
Its importance is marked by the fact that this land was donated to Canada for their accomplishment in capturing what was considered the most heavily fortified position on the western front in World War I.
Its importance is marked by the fact that this land was donated to Canada for their accomplishment in capturing what was considered the most heavily fortified position on the western front in World War I.
