Arras not only boasts a rich historical heritage and is widely recognized for its magnificent squares, unique in Europe, it ‘s also an ideal city for shopping. Whether you’re looking for trendy boutiques, antique stores, local produce or handicrafts, Arras town center offers a wide range of possibilities to suit all tastes. Here’s a quick roundup of the best shopping streets and squares to stroll and shop.
Downtown squares: Grand-Place and Place des Héros
Ah, the squares of downtown Arras… Just step into the Grand-Place or Place des Héros and you’re transported to another time, another world. They’re magical, almost fairytale-like, squares, where history can be felt around every corner. Their lacy stone facades, in the Flemish Baroque style, seem straight out of a storybook, each gable telling its own tale. Here, commerce has a whiff of yesteryear, and every store, every sign, hides its treasures, to be discovered as you walk along, a bit like a treasure hunt. Imagine strolling under the arcades of the Grand-Place. You’re surrounded by glittering shop windows, clothing stores where you can almost smell the fabrics of another century, perfume shops with bewitching scents reminiscent of the precious fragrances of the Renaissance. Jewelry shops, meanwhile, display jewels that might have adorned the noble ladies of yesteryear. Here, each boutique seems to be a door opening onto a different universe, sometimes refined, sometimes mysterious, but always charming.
And what about the Place des Héros ? This is a real jewel for luxury lovers. Here you’ll find all the big-name brands, as if the shop windows themselves were windows into a world of sophistication and refinement. It’s like entering the city’s secret boudoir, where you can indulge your cravings for high-end items, from delicate leather to exquisite silks. But the experience doesn’t stop at the boutiques. There’s the sweet, almost ritualistic tradition of sitting on the terrace of a café between two shopping sprees. There, you can enjoy the atmosphere, that unique blend of modernity and nostalgia, while the belfry watches over passers-by. Beneath the cobblestones of the Grand-Place and Place des Héros, you can imagine the tales of medieval merchants and craftsmen. Perhaps, somewhere within the walls of these ancient buildings, the echoes of the fairs of yesteryear still resonate, markets where spices, fabrics and laughter mingled. Today’s stores have been modernized, but they’ve kept that soul, that authentic little je-ne-sais-quoi. It’s not just shopping here, it’s exploring, discovering the secrets that Arras holds so dear.
Arras town center:
Rue de la Taillerie
The Rue de la Taillerie… What an evocative name, don’t you think? Its origins can be traced back to the word “taille,” a measurement used in the wool trade, which was one of the main activities in Arras during the Middle Ages. This street was the bustling heart of the cloth trade, and as you walk along its cobblestones, you can still feel the echoes of its vibrant past. At number 10, where the former cloth hall once stood, you can admire a sculpted cartouche on the façade depicting a cloth, a lasting symbol of the trade that once thrived here.
Further along the street, the houses at numbers 6 and 8 bear cartouches inscribed with names like “Saint Julien” and “Les Trois Rois” (The Three Kings). These cartouches once served as markers, giving names to the houses at a time when street numbering didn’t exist. The buildings have no projections, in line with the regulations of 1761, giving the street its distinctive, uniform appearance. The Rue de la Taillerie is remarkable not only for its width but also for its harmonious architecture, which has been preserved through the centuries.
Today, the street retains its authentic, artisanal charm. The independent shops lining Rue de la Taillerie pay homage to this rich heritage while catering to modern tastes. Here, you’ll find boutiques offering ready-to-wear fashion and local designers showcasing unique clothing and accessories, almost like works of art. Further along, the quaint stores brimming with decorations and handcrafted items seem to capture the spirit of the artisans of yesteryear. With these shops and the sculpted relics adorning the façades, Rue de la Taillerie feels alive with the centuries of history and craftsmanship hidden behind every door.
Rue de la Taillerie on market day
Gambetta Street
Here, modern elegance mingles with the charm of boutiques in a resolutely Art Deco and sometimes almost “industrial” style. This shopping thoroughfare, a must in downtown Arras, has retained the retro flair that makes it so unique. It’s an almost nostalgic pleasure to stroll along, admiring the facades adorned with geometric motifs and refined details, evidence of an era when aesthetics were as important as functionality. The shop windows, lined up on either side, seem to whisper stories of fashion and trends, inviting passers-by to linger over the collections of the ready-to-wear boutiques, chic perfumeries and bookshops where people like to stroll. But rue Gambetta isn’t just about trendy clothes and accessories. It’s also a veritable ode to gourmet delights ! Between two shopping sprees, it’s impossible to resist the delicious temptations of the patisseries and chocolate shops that dot the street. As for the delicatessens, they reveal culinary treasures, from local specialties to refined products for gift-giving. In this street, shopping becomes a multi-sensory experience, a journey between refinement and the pleasure of the senses, all in a warm and decidedly convivial atmosphere.
Gambetta street, the downtown artery running from Saint-Aubert street and (much) further from Baudimont street
Ernestale street and its surroundings
A little removed from the hustle and bustle of the main squares, Via Ernestale and its surroundings offer a gentle shopping experience, far from the hustle and bustle. Here, the atmosphere is more serene, inviting you to stroll and discover. Designer boutiques unveil one-of-a-kind pieces, clothes and accessories with original, meticulous designs.
The area is also home to antique stores brimming with rare objects and furniture of undeniable charm, as well as art galleries where you can admire and acquire a variety of works. Rue Ernestale is also a must for lovers of vintage fashion. Specialized boutiques offer a meticulous selection of retro clothing and accessories, ideal for unearthing authentic and singular pieces. The peaceful, relaxed atmosphere makes it the perfect place for a stroll, whether you’re looking for a specific treasure or simply curious to discover the surprises hidden in these alleyways.
Ronville Street
Rue Ronville is an emblematic artery in downtown Arras, linking the lively squares with such must-sees as Place d’Ipswich and Rue Gambetta. Its undeniable charm lies in its cobblestones and pedestrian character, inviting you to take a relaxed stroll through the heart of the commercial activity. Flanked by a variety of stores and boutiques, it embodies the very essence of Arras shopping, offering a mix of ready-to-wear, accessories, beauty products and small independent shops. Since the 1980s, rue Ronville has become one of Arras’ most popular shopping streets.
This is where you’ll find the latest trends, quality merchandise and eye-catching window displays. Its development as a pedestrian zone has enhanced its appeal, making it a must for shoppers and strollers alike. The liveliness of this street, combined with its unusual cobblestone surface compared to other pedestrian arteries, creates a friendly and dynamic atmosphere, ideal for a successful shopping experience in the heart of the city.
Ronville street photographed in the morning before the hustle and bustle.
Saint-Aubert street
Rue Saint-Aubert, just a stone’s throw from Place des Héros, is a must for shopping enthusiasts in Arras. Here you’ll find a variety of ready-to-wear stores, offering trendy collections to suit all tastes, home decoration stores brimming with objects to enhance the interior, and beauty stores offering a selection of quality cosmetics. This lively street, a veritable “shopping lung” until a few years ago, also attracts with its small independent boutiques, real treasures for those looking for unique and authentic items. Whether you’re looking for an original fashion accessory, a decorative object or a beauty treatment, rue Saint-Aubert offers a diversity of choices in a pleasant atmosphere, making every visit an experience in itself.
The long rue Saint-Aubert :
Markets and stores selling local produce
For an authentic, typically Arrage shopping experience, don’t miss the markets held regularly on the Place des Héros and the Grand-Place. At these markets, you can discover and buy local products such as cheeses, charcuterie, fresh fruit and vegetables, as well as flowers and handicrafts. They’re perfect for those who want to bring a little of Arras’ soul home with them. Finally, as you stroll through the streets of the town center, including Place du Théâtre and Rue Méaulens, you’ll also find a number of boutiques selling regional products, specializing in craft beers, local produce and sweet treats like the famous Bêtises d’Arras. These stores are the perfect place to discover the flavors of the region and bring back gourmet souvenirs.
R.C
