Arras parks and gardens for a stroll

Do you feel like strolling around Arras and, after visiting a few places or taking part in some events, would like to go to some green spaces? Arras’ parks and gardens are waiting for you, with some not-to-be-missed nuggets to be found both in the town center and a little further afield. Zoom in on Arras’ green zones.

The Citadel polygon known as the “Hautes-Fontaine green space”, the city’s green lung

The Citadelle, built by Vauban, is surrounded by a large green space and former moat, which is a delight for Sunday strollers and those who enjoy jogging or cycling in the countryside. Ideal for strolling, it is commonly known as the polygon and is traversed by the Crinchon, which flows into the Scarpe. Nature has taken its rightful place around water ponds, and here and there you can observe vegetation typical of the region, as well as wild animals such as foxes and roe deer. Biodiversity is also present, with species such as Bee Ophrys, Daphne Laurel, Sardony Buttercup, Umbelliferae Butoma and Panicaut champêtre.

 

The Governor’s garden

Near the polygon, you’ll also find the Jardin du Gouverneur, where lycée Robespierre students sometimes go for a stroll during breaks between classes. Located along  Boulevard Crespel, this park-garden is remarkably well laid out and, next to the Tételin sports hall, features a small area for city basketball and a boulodrome. Also of note is the bandstand overlooking the boulevard, which sometimes hosts concerts by the town’s Harmonie and other musicians.

The park features ancient trees, chestnut trees and benches where you can sit down and ease your mind during your visit to the ancient city. The lawn areas are also ideal for group ball games, and if you’ve got kids, there’s a play area on a sand carpet. It’s also within easy reach of the Citadelle via the gateway to the Turenne district.

The Minelle’s Garden

Near the Tchécoslovaquie roundabout, renamed Václav Havel, which is undoubtedly the epicenter of traffic in Arras, you’ll find the Jardin Minelle. The latter is fed by spring water, and the body of water central to the park is a meeting place for birds (moorhens, ducks, swans, etc.). The area is wooded, but there are also lawns where you can take a refreshing break when you’re coming in from the city or, from nearby Rue Roger Salengro, you’ve just done an esape game.

 

The Jardin de la Légion d’Honneur and the squares around the cathedral

In old Arras, close to the present-day cathedral and the city’s museum on the Abbey of Saint-Vaast, you’ll find the Légion d’Honneur garden. Quite small at 1.2 hectares, this park is located on the flank of the historic building and next to the nursery school on rue Paul Doumer. There are play areas for children and benches for admiring the majestic trees. The park is open during the day, but closes from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Nearby, you’ll also find the squares that border the cathedral, called Square Saint-Nicolas and Square Jeanne d’Arc (places where local residents pass through rather than take a stroll); they offer a beautiful view of the Méaulens district and the cathedral.

 

The owl bastion

On Boulevard Georges Besnier, you’ll see the remains of Vauban once again. This is the Bastion des Chouettes. Opposite the hospital, along Boulevard Allende which leads to the Turenne district, this green space is made up of lawns below and a small wood on the heights. Very quiet, it is occasionally awakened by the sound of the nearby Artois Carabinieri club. It’s a great opportunity to see Vauban’s work in detail, but also to enjoy some family time, as there’s a play area.

Le Rietz Saint-Sauveur and the Clusius garden

Between Arras railway station and the Université D’Artois on rue du Temple, along the route de Cambrai, you’ll find a long park called the Rietz Saint-Sauveur. It begins with the Clusius garden, featuring flowerbeds. At Le Rietz, as the people of Arrage like to call it, you’ll find lawns and a tree-lined path, a playground, a boulodrome, a basketball court and various festive activities organized throughout the year.

The Great Prairies

They are aptly named, with large expanses of lawn awaiting you. For woodland lovers, you’ll also have the pleasure of following the Crinchon. In the evening, deer and squirrels can be seen in the trees, especially near the tennis courts. A basketball court and playgrounds are also available; fireworks displays are often held here in August, and the area is an ideal place for a long jog (it’s almost an obligatory passage from the east to the west of the city).

Rosati Park

Very close to the town center, next to the Saint-Michel residence, you’ll find the Parc des Rosati (a former Arrage literary association). There are few trees, but plenty of green space for lawn games and basketball. Children will be delighted to find a sizeable play area.

Gardens of the Scarpe Valley

The gardens of the Scarpe valley, which were laid out fairly recently, are close to the Aquarena swimming pool and the esplanade parking lot. They allow you to follow the course of the river towards Saint-Nicolas-lez-Arras and Saint-Laurent-Blangy. In the vicinity, you’ll find shared gardens and, above all, a pond with stilted banks. Nearby is the Cité Nature and a lock.

 

Cousteau Square

Close to the university on rue du Temple, the Square Cousteau is also a great place to stop in the south of town, behind the train station. Close to the Elie Desbin swimming pool, this park is an expanse of lawn with trees for strolling. There’s also a children’s playground. It’s also a meeting place for lunch breakers.

X.D.