Until recently, in March 2021, Arras was ranked fourth among the country’s most attractive town centers.
This recognition is not only an honor for Arras, which often ranks highly in French city rankings, but also proof of the growing attractiveness of medium-sized towns in France.
Success attributed to local initiatives
Arras’ ranking as one of France’s most attractive cities is the result of a series of meticulously planned and executed local initiatives. Under the enlightened leadership of Mayor Frédéric Leturque, the town has embarked on an ambitious program to revitalize its historical and cultural heritage, helping to significantly enhance its appeal and attract newcomers to the area.
Rehabilitating our historical heritage
One of the most remarkable aspects of this program was the rehabilitation of historic facades. The town took care to restore old buildings, preserving their historic charm while adapting them to modern needs. Emblematic monuments such as the Casino and the Arras Theatre have been refurbished, bringing these architectural gems back to life.
Enhancing public squares
The Place des Héros, the beating heart of Arras, also received special attention. This square, rich in history, has been redesigned to become a welcoming space, encouraging community gatherings and cultural events. Accessibility has been improved, making the square more attractive to residents and visitors alike.
Enhancing the belfry
The Arras belfry, a landmark and symbol of the city, has not been left to its own devices. Its restoration has been carefully carried out to preserve its historic character while making it more accessible and attractive to the public.
The illumination of the belfry at night makes it a spectacular landmark and tourist attraction.
Other noteworthy projects
In addition to these major projects, the city has also been working on other fronts to enhance its appeal.
Renovating lesser-known but equally important historic buildings, improving public lighting to highlight its unique architecture, and creating green spaces and leisure areas for families and children are just some of the initiatives that have helped make Arras a more lively and welcoming place.
The Arras Belfry illuminated for the famous Christmas market
Significant urban changes
These changes, focused on better traffic flow and an environmentally friendly approach, have considerably improved the quality of life in the city:
Pedestrianization of Place des Héros
The pedestrianization of Place des Héros was a key project in the reorganization of Arras’ urban space. This initiative has transformed the square into a friendly meeting place, free from car traffic. This has not only made the square safer for pedestrians, but also reduced noise and air pollution, creating a more pleasant environment for leisure, shopping and tourism. The square is now a prime venue for cultural and social events, strengthening the city’s community fabric.
Development of bicycle paths
The installation of bicycle lanes was another important step in promoting a healthier, greener lifestyle. By encouraging cycling, Arras has not only reduced its dependence on motorized vehicles, but also offered its residents an active and sustainable transportation alternative. These cycle paths are designed to ensure cyclists’ safety, while enabling them to get around the city efficiently. This well-designed cycling network facilitates access to the city’s main attractions, green spaces and residential neighborhoods.
Green spaces and recreational areas
The city has also focused on creating and improving green spaces and recreational areas. These spaces offer residents places to relax, play and connect with nature, contributing to a better quality of life. Public parks and gardens have been designed to be accessible to all, offering children’s play areas, picnic areas and walking trails.
Sustainable mobility and public transport
To complement these developments, Arras has overhauled its public transport system to make it more efficient and environmentally friendly. The introduction of low-emission buses and improved connectivity between different modes of transport encourage sustainable urban mobility. These measures reduce traffic congestion, improve air quality and make it easier for residents to get around every day.
Pedestrianizing Place des Héros to make the city center more attractive
A commitment to local business and a regional benchmark
Arras’ commitment to local commerce has played an important role in its rise to become one of the most attractive towns in France, particularly in the Hauts-de-France region.
Strengthening local trade
A decisive step was the creation of a dedicated commercial unit, under the direction of a “cœur de ville” project manager. This initiative has stimulated local commercial development, enabling small and medium-sized businesses to flourish and become domiciled here too. By specifically targeting the needs and challenges of local merchants, this unit helped preserve the town’s economic activity, even in the face of the difficulties posed by the pre-Covid period.
This support has been essential in maintaining the diversity and vitality of Arras’ retail landscape, offering residents and visitors a unique and diverse shopping experience.
Attractiveness and record attendance
What’s more, Arras has established itself as a benchmark in the Hauts-de-France region. Its city center has recorded an impressive number of visits, with an average of 1.75 million visits per month since March 2020. This reflects the city’s growing appeal, not only to local residents but also to tourists. The combination of effective urban management, heritage enhancement and strong support for local commerce has transformed Arras into a destination of choice.
A model for urban development
This success makes Arras a model for other cities looking to revitalize their downtowns. Arras’ integrated approach, combining urban revitalization, support for local commerce and improved quality of life, demonstrates that it is possible to create dynamic and prosperous urban spaces. The city has succeeded in creating an environment where commerce, culture and community life feed off each other, contributing to its economic and social development.
To conclude on the attractiveness of the city of Arras
The Arras experience is a source of inspiration, showing how targeted initiatives and a global vision can revitalize a town, making it not only more attractive, but also more vibrant and economically dynamic. Arras’ commitment to its local commerce and its status as a regional benchmark in terms of urban attractiveness mark a significant step forward in the development of medium-sized towns in France, and create a definite buzz for many inhabitants of larger cities such as Paris or some of the region’s beautiful metropolises looking for a new place to move to.
R.C.
