The principal sights in Arras, historic captial of the Artois region, are its two main squares, the…read morehuge Grand Place and the smaller Place des Héros. Both are lined with 17th and 18th century houses, most designed individually, but built to a common overall plan in terms of their height and style. Their facades are lovely compositions of typically Flemish architecture. The Grand Place is, as its name suggests, the larger of the two, and contains some older houses dating back to the 15th Century. It's one of many claiming to be France's largest 'proper' town square, but its size, to my mind, is its undoing: it's just too large to work properly as a public space, feeling empty and bleak, despite the architecture. Much nicer is the smaller and more intimate Place des Héros, which is still spacious, but with more life and bustle to it, with plenty of good bars and restaurants. It's graced by the town's impressive Town Hall, which boasts a 75m belfry. Destroyed in the First World War, it was rebuilt in an elaborate version of the decorated Gothic style, and is beautifully maintained. Guided tours include underground passages constructed in the 10th century, and used for everything from sheltering injured troops in the war, to provided an excellent cellar for wine. You can also climb the belfry for an excellent view of the town (I declined on this occasion!). Both squares suffer badly from being used as car-parks, with constant traffic. The French are well known for building clever underground car parks, so why not here?

a wonderful place.it is a very large space surrender of houses and shops.we can see the beffroi of…read morearras from the grand place.i saw the concert of metallica this summer and it was amazing.15000 people.

From the owner: L'excellence arrageoise Cet établissement -haut-lieu de la gastronomie à Arras- ne reçoit dans sa…read morepetite salle très intimiste qu'une quarantaine de privilégiés. C'est dans une ambiance respectueuse de ce sacro-saint lieu que les mets les plus délicats sont servis à des clients qui communient dans le péché de la gourmandise raffinée. Une adresse incontournable pour les papilles les plus exigeantes.

Every dish enjoyed by someone at the table if not the person ordering it. Very friendly server…read more Regret not leaving enough room to sample the desserts. Get there early if you are set on a specific dish as the duck was finished within 15 minutes of open.

From the owner: Notre restaurant vous propose une cuisine simple et gourmande à base de produits frais, dans une…read moreambiance conviviale.

From the owner: On en bout d'impatience Pour des prix modestes la Marmite propose une honnête cuisine faite…read moreuniquement à partir de produits frais et cela se sent indéniablement. Sans les fioritures récurrentes de la gastronomie, elle en adopte pourtant les exigences tout en préservant à sa carte un large choix, se réservant ainsi une place parmi les adresses à retenir.

From the owner: Allons prendre un pot à la potiniére ! La spécialité de la maison, le cassoulet, particulièrement…read morerecommandé, et pour sa qualité et pour son apport calorifique fort utile en hiver. Une carte bien fournie vous laissera cependant le choix. Tout en mangeant vous pourrez, de la véranda, observez les passants courir à leur occupation et vous réjouir de cette pause reconstituante.