Discover Arras: belfry, citadel and gardens

Arras reveals its history through its buildings, underground sites and landscaped grounds. The Belfry and the Squares of Arras represent architecture and urban heritage, while the Boves and Wellington Quarry take you beneath the surface. The Citadel combines historical significance with walking paths; Cité Nature focuses on science, nature and food. When planning your stay, it is worth distinguishing between these different themes: they range from urban history and the First World War to gardens and outdoor recreation.

Belfry and Squares: architecture layered with history

The Belfry of Arras was built between 1463 and 1554, stands 75 metres tall and symbolises the city’s municipal freedoms. Its history also includes its destruction by German artillery in October 1914. From 1924 to 1932, architect Pierre Paquet oversaw its faithful reconstruction. The original construction and reconstruction mark two distinct historical periods, making the tower a striking point of reference for the history of architecture and the city.

The Belfry is accessed by lift, followed by around 40 steps; advance booking is not required. As practical access details can change, it is best to check the conditions before your visit. The Squares of Arras make their own architectural statement: 155 façades are defined by 345 columns, and the houses are listed as historic monuments. While the Belfry, as a single tower, symbolises municipal freedoms, the façades and columns draw attention to the design of the squares.

Underground sites and the history of the First World War

The Boves of Arras are former chalk quarries that form an underground labyrinth twelve metres below the surface. Their history as extraction sites and their unusual location beneath the city give them a different focus from the above-ground buildings. Wellington Quarry lies 20 metres beneath the streets of Arras and offers visitors a moving insight into the history of the First World War.

A visit to Wellington Quarry begins with a ride 20 metres down in a glass lift. The underground galleries are brought to life with a guide and an audio guide. The visitor experience may change, so check the latest information about tours before making plans. The two underground sites therefore have distinct themes: the Boves focus on the former chalk quarries and their labyrinth, while Wellington Quarry focuses on presenting the history of the war.

Citadel: UNESCO heritage and landscape

The Citadel of Arras was built by Vauban in the 17th century and added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2008. Walking routes follow the bastions and moats and pass through the forest; there are also six notable viewpoints. The Citadel covers 72 hectares, including 45 hectares of forest and twelve hectares within the walls. The grounds are used by walkers, joggers and cyclists.

The Citadel offers a different way to explore the city’s history than the Belfry: here, Vauban’s heritage is combined with extensive grounds featuring walking paths and viewpoints. The area figures give an impression of its layout: the forest and areas within the walls are part of the 72-hectare site. Those looking to discover Arras beyond its architecture will find a distinct focus here, between historic buildings and landscape.

Cité Nature: science, food and gardens

Cité Nature is a science and culture centre housed in a former lamp factory belonging to a mine. Workshops and exhibitions explore agriculture, nature and food. Science and everyday life are the focus here, while the Belfry and Citadel are more closely associated with architecture and history.

Cité Nature includes a kitchen garden, an orchard and a rose garden. It also has 650 Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier vines, as well as beds of aquatic, medicinal and exotic plants. The different garden areas and plant groups add another dimension to a visit, alongside the exhibitions. Cité Nature can therefore be explored both through the topics it covers and its gardens, without losing sight of the centre’s scientific focus.

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