In the heart of Arras’ Grand’Place, the imposing House-Hôtel of the 3 Luppars stands proudly, bearing witness to the town’s centuries-long history. Originally built in the 14th century and rebuilt in 1467, it is the oldest house on the square. Through its walls and ornamentation, this exceptional building tells the story of Arras, a city of rich Flemish and Gothic influences.
A building emblematic of the Flemish style
At first glance, the Maison des Trois Luppars stands out from the other buildings on the Grand’Place for its unique façade. Unlike the other houses on the square, which often feature gables in the Flemish Baroque style, this house has a redentant gable, also known as “à pas-de-moine”. This architectural feature, typical of Northern Europe in the 15th and 16th centuries, lends the building a special charm. The house is built of brick, a material rarely used at a time when houses were generally timber-framed. Its watchtower (a small overhanging turret inspired by military architecture) has no defensive function here. It is purely decorative and symbolizes the prestige of its owner, a sign of social status in the medieval urban landscape.
The 3 luppars : A name borrowed from history
The mansion owes its name to a 14th-century sign, Les Trois Lupars, a name that has stood the test of time and whose origin is no coincidence. The term “Luppars” is derived from the word “Leopards”, and these majestic animals are depicted in bas-relief on the building’s façade. At the time, signs were commonly used to designate houses and businesses, often with animal symbols or coats of arms, reflecting the status or aspirations of their owners. The image of leopards evokes strength, nobility and prestige, qualities that people wanted to associate with their homes. This meticulous ornamentation testifies to the importance that the inhabitants of Arras attached to the aesthetics and identity of their buildings.
In the Middle Ages and Renaissance, ornamentation on house facades was not just decorative; it also had social and cultural significance. Sculpted reliefs, often inspired by animals, mythological figures or floral motifs, were a means of displaying wealth and rank. In the case of the Maison des Trois Luppars, the leopard bas-reliefs adorning the façade have been carefully preserved, adding a touch of authenticity and mystery to the building. In those days, it was not uncommon for homeowners to compete creatively to decorate their homes, galleries and arcades, contributing to the elegance of the public squares. The Maison des Trois Luppars, with its distinctive motifs, perfectly illustrates this tradition of ornamentation, giving the Grand’Place d’Arras its unique character.
This house also played a key role in the architecture of the Grand’Place. Its alignment served as a model for the construction of the other houses lining the square, establishing the typical architectural pattern of Arras’ galleries and arcades. In contrast to the Flemish Baroque gables found on the square’s other buildings, the Maison des Trois Luppars features a stepped gable, typical of Northern European architecture in the 15th and 16th centuries. The combination of these architectural and ornamental elements has marked the identity of the site, making this mansion a historical and visual landmark in the city.
Today, the building houses the hotel of the 3 Luppars, perpetuating its heritage. The presence of the three leopards on the façade reminds visitors and residents of Arras of the city’s rich past, where architecture blends with the stories of its occupants. The façade, listed as a historic monument since 1920, bears witness to the architectural and social influences that have spanned the centuries. Just a stone’s throw from the Maison des Trois Luppars, you’ll find other remarkable monuments such as the Town Hall and the Belfry. However, it is this house, with its distinctive ornamentation and history, that illustrates the subtlety of Arras’ architectural evolution, symbolizing both the power and richness of its past.
Location of Hôtel des 3 Luppars, 49 Grand’Place, Arras :
A landmark to discover in Arras
The House of the three Luppars is not just an old building, it’s also an emblematic landmark on Arras’ Grand’Place. As you cross this historic square, the harmony of the facades inevitably catches your eye. The houses are carefully aligned, following the model imposed by the Maison des Trois Luppars, which served as a reference for the square’s urban planning. Unlike the other buildings, which feature Flemish Baroque-style gables, this house imposes its singularity with its redentant gable, or “à pas-de-moine”. This subtle contrast highlights the diversity of architectural styles that have shaped Arras over the centuries.
The Grand’Place becomes a veritable open-air museum, where each building tells a part of the city’s history. Today, the former medieval residence is home to the Hotel The 3 Luppars, perpetuating its role as a place of welcome and hospitality. Its brick walls bear witness to the town’s past, and visitors are immersed in a unique atmosphere, where every detail of the structure, from the gable to the turret, evokes a fragment of life in the Middle Ages. More than just an accommodation, this hotel offers an experience, a true journey back in time. For visitors, it’s a chance to experience local heritage at first hand, and to imagine the stories of the former owners who once lived here. The Maison des Trois Luppars is an integral part of Arras’ urban landscape and living heritage. Its surroundings, like the cobbled streets and arcades that line it, invite you to stroll and discover. The presence of the hotel also brings this space back to life, welcoming travellers from all over the world. Day or night, the building becomes a rallying point, a geographical marker for all those who stroll along the Grand’Place. It’s impossible to miss, such is its presence and distinguished allure among the other buildings.
To stand in front of this monument is to contemplate over five centuries of Arrage life, from medieval times to the present day. The house has seen centuries, wars and urban transformations, while retaining its unique character. Its listed façade is a reminder of the importance of preserving these witnesses to the past. It is part of the collective memory of the people of Arras, while continuing to leave its mark on the minds of passing visitors. Through its walls and its history, the Maison des Trois Luppars embodies the soul of the town and the attachment of the people of Arras to their heritage.
R.C.
