Are you in our beautiful city and looking for the perfect place for a first date ? Arras, with its cobbled streets and architectural heritage, is full of charming places to create a romantic atmosphere right from the first date. Whether you’re a fan of open-air walks, elegant restaurants or cultural venues, this Pas-de-Calais town has it all. Here are a few suggestions of places in Arras for an unforgettable first meeting, especially if you decide to use the services of the Arras dating agency.
Parks and gardens for a romantic stroll
If you love nature and green spaces, Arras’ parks and gardens are ideal places for a first meeting, offering an atmosphere that’s both intimate and relaxing. The Jardin de la Légion d’Honneur, nestled near Saint-Vaast Abbey and the Cathedral, is a haven of peace in the heart of the city. The hundred-year-old trees that surround it form a kind of natural cocoon, creating shady areas ideal for private moments. The garden’s paths invite you to stroll, and the public benches scattered here and there are perfect for sitting back and letting yourself be carried away by the surrounding beauty. The gentle melody of rustling leaves, combined with the scent of flowers and the elegance of the statues adorning the garden, provide a romantic setting, ideal for conversation and self-discovery. The proximity of historic buildings adds an extra touch of charm, making this spot a wise choice for a first meeting. Another not-to-be-missed spot for nature lovers, Jardin Minelle, located not far from the Vaclav Havel traffic circle, reveals a different but equally seductive atmosphere. With its two hectares of greenery, this park offers a bucolic and soothing setting, marked by the presence of a pond around which ducks and other aquatic birds frolic. This little corner of nature offers an escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life, while remaining close to the city’s historic districts.
The murmur of the water and the wildlife that inhabit it reinforce the peaceful aspect of this place, transforming a simple stroll into a moment almost out of time. The varied vegetation, with its mix of trees, shrubs and wild flowers, forms a landscape that changes with the seasons, making each visit unique. A stroll for two, hand in hand, is also an opportunity to rediscover the charms of nature, while soaking up the serene atmosphere that reigns here.
For those more inclined to long walks, the Citadelle Vauban polygon offers another, equally romantic setting.
This historic site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of Arras’ jewels. Here, military architecture blends harmoniously with nature, creating an unusual and enchanting landscape. Vast avenues lined with century-old trees invite you to take a leisurely stroll, while the bastions and ramparts erected in the 17th century stand proudly, silent witnesses to a rich history. To walk together along these paths steeped in history is to immerse yourself in a setting worthy of a novel, where every corner of the wall and every vantage point offers a new perspective. Far from the hustle and bustle of the city center, La Citadelle is the perfect place to get away from it all, chat in complete privacy and discover each other in a grandiose setting.
For couples seeking a little more discretion, the Bastion des Chouettes is a haven of tranquillity. Set away from the most frequented paths, this little corner of greenery is surrounded by dense vegetation, making it an almost secret spot. The panoramic view of the surrounding area, with the roofs of Arras looming on the horizon, adds a touch of magic to the moment. By choosing this place for a first meeting, you’re opting for a walk that combines discovery, nature and heritage, all in an atmosphere that’s both peaceful and romantic.
Le Jardin de la Légion d’Honneur near St Vaast Abbey
Places and restaurants for gourmet dining
Arras is also known for its magnificent cobbled squares, the jewels of the town center. The Place des Héros and the Grand Place, with their typical Flemish facades, give the town a romantic, timeless atmosphere.
A stroll along these cobblestones immediately transports you to another era, making them the perfect setting for a first date. Whether in spring, when the terraces start to come alive, or in winter, under the warm lights of the Christmas markets, these squares always offer an idyllic backdrop. Settling down on a terrace overlooking the majestic Belfry for a coffee or hot chocolate is an excellent idea for breaking the ice and striking up a conversation in pleasant surroundings. For those who enjoy the conviviality of a good meal, Arras abounds in restaurants to suit all tastes and occasions.
The elegant Anagramme offers refined, creative cuisine in an intimate setting, ideal for a candlelit dinner. The dishes, prepared with seasonal produce and beautifully presented, bring a touch of sophistication to your evening. For an Italian ambience, Le Venezia By Via Sapori welcomes you in a warm atmosphere to enjoy crispy pizzas and fresh pasta, the perfect occasion to share a simple but delicious meal. Lovers of French cuisine will be delighted by Arras’ gastronomic offerings. La Dame Jeanne, with its menu featuring local and seasonal produce, offers a cosy and chic setting, perfect for a romantic dinner. La Signature, meanwhile, is a must for those looking to impress with an elegant setting and a carefully-crafted menu. The restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience, with creative dishes and carefully selected wines to accompany each course. If you’d like to discover other addresses, L’Épicurien is a sure bet, particularly for its tasty dishes and cosy atmosphere. Prefer something more exotic ? Le Mamounia transports you to Morocco with its oriental decor and spicy dishes, ideal for adding a touch of escape to your evening.
For an authentic dinner, Le Péché Gourmand offers inventive and gourmet French cuisine, served in a bright and welcoming room.
For a date with simplicity, Arras’ cafés offer casual options. Le Rat Porteur, opposite the Hôtel de Guînes, is one of the most popular places to meet for a drink. Its warm, relaxed atmosphere makes it the ideal place for an unpretentious first tête-à-tête. The atmosphere is always convivial, and the drinks menu is varied enough to satisfy all tastes. The Brasserie du Quai, located near the station, is also an excellent choice for a more relaxed moment. With its terrace overlooking the busy streets, it’s a great place to watch the life of Arras while enjoying a drink or a simple meal. For those wishing to extend their evening in a festive atmosphere, wine bars like L’Ambassade d’Arras offer cosy, intimate settings, perfect for sharing a drink while chatting. This cozy venue offers a selection of wines and craft beers, perfectly complemented by boards of charcuterie and cheeses to share. For a livelier atmosphere, Le Comptoir is a convivial brasserie where you can enjoy tasty cuisine and themed evenings in a cheerful atmosphere.
Place des Héros and the Belfry in the evening
Cultural activities for an original first date: A great alternative
Arras also offers a wide range of cultural activities for those looking for an original rendezvous, adding a special dimension to a first meeting. The city, rich in history and culture, offers ideal alternatives for those who prefer to exchange ideas in a different setting.
For starters, the Megarama cinema on the Grand Place is a must for a romantic evening. The hushed ambience of the room, the subdued lighting and the shared pleasure of watching a good film always have an effect. The magic of the cinema is a natural ice-breaker, and the discussion that follows can easily focus on the film, offering a common topic on which to start getting to know each other better. The Megarama’s proximity to the terraces of the Grand Place makes it easy to extend the evening by debriefing over a coffee or a drink.
Visit Arras Theatre managed by Tandem Scène, is another interesting option for lovers of live entertainment. With an eclectic program of plays, concerts, dance and comedy shows, this venue is a great place to discover and share. Opting for an appointment in this theater is an opportunity to reveal one’s artistic tastes and exchange impressions, while experiencing a unique moment together. The theater’s architecture, with its blend of classical and contemporary styles, adds a touch of charm to the experience, and the hushed atmosphere of the auditorium creates a natural complicity between spectators.
If you prefer exhibitions, the Musée de l’Abbaye Saint-Vaast is an interesting option. Its permanent collections, featuring sacred art, painting, sculpture and archaeology, offer a varied and stimulating terrain for conversation. The abbey itself, with its imposing vaults and peaceful ambience, lends the place a romantic aura. For a first meeting, wandering through its halls together allows you to learn a great deal about each other: their tastes, their emotions when faced with works of art, and their interest in history. Not far away, the Hôtel de Guînes regularly hosts cultural events and temporary exhibitions, often more modern and avant-garde, offering an alternative for those who enjoy contemporary artistic discoveries.
For those with a passion for history and unusual places, Arras also offers some unusual sites, such as the boves under the Belfry. These ancient underground quarries, dug right out of the chalk, plunge visitors into the city’s secret history. A guided tour through these mysterious galleries, once used as shelters during conflicts, creates an intimate and captivating atmosphere. The play of light and shadow in these tunnels adds an almost magical touch, conducive to confidences and passionate exchanges. Discovering this underground labyrinth together is an experience that can bring people closer together and offer shared moments of amazement. The Wellington quarry, a little further south, is another fascinating option for a history-focused rendezvous. A poignant reminder of the First World War, this emotionally-charged site gives an idea of the scale of the events that marked Arras. Immersing oneself in this page of history by following in the footsteps of soldiers and discovering their stories is a powerful experience, which can spark in-depth discussions and reveal shared interests. What’s more, the rich heritage of Arras and the special atmosphere of these historic sites add a touch of solemnity and authenticity to the encounter.
R.C.
