From the owner: Arras, site classé et historiquement stratégique Cette citadelle construite par Vauban illustre à…read moremerveille le positionnement géostratégique d'Arras. Plus spécifiquement, cette citadelle est une merveilleuse illustration de la maîtrise de la castramétation dont Vauban fit preuve dans la concrétisation du concept louis-quatorzien de pré-carré (manifestation militaire de la politique de grandeur de la monarchie française). Elle reste encore aujourd'hui aux mains des militaires, le 601e régiment de circulation y cantonnant. Depuis juillet 2008, elle est classée au patrimoine mondial de l'Unesco.

Well, this was a little secret that I knew nothing about until I actually arrived in Arras…read more Actually, as soon as I arrived my first question was - why am I here. As it turned out it was to visit this place, which is a huge network of caves underneath Arras. Originally it was a limestone quarry from the 17th Century but during World War I the Kiwis went down here and dug a huge network of caves to hide something live 24000 troops for eight days as they prepared for an assault on the German lines. Since there is something like 20kms of caves down here they only take you down in guided tours, and also give you a helmet because it is easy to hit your head. There is a multi-media presentation in parts of the caves, as well as reconstructed sections such as the bunk house. There are also lots of signs pointing to where the toilet is (for the troops that is, not the visitors). At the end they also have a short film that gives an outline of the outcome of the battle. Pretty cool place is you're not claustrophobic.

Since it carries the name Bourse it suggests that this used to the the former stock exchange,…read morethough considering that were are now in France I would have thought that the Stock Exchange would have been located in Paris. However, what this place actually is is a market place, and when we wandered through here on Sunday discovered that all of the regional booksellers had descended upon the town to begin selling their wares. Basically you could find quite a number of second-hand French books as well as numerous posters and other things (such as records). There are also a number of shops around the outside that are basically regular shops, but if you are looking for a bargain then definitely step inside and have a bit of a look around.

A brilliant building to check out in the middle of Lille. Inside there is also a book market and…read moresome art works sold which is quite a wonderful use of space in the Old Stock Exchange!

Lille is a visually spectacular city, and the Grand Place, for me, was the icing on the cake. To…read morejust sit in this square and marvel at the buildings and soak in the atmosphere is really quite a wonderful thing to do. It's a wonderful place to sit in the sun, and there's a number of bars and eateries in the area too, well worth checking out.