Arras is a charming town in the heart of the Hauts-de-France region, famous for its beautiful squares, UNESCO World Heritage-listed belfry and rich historical heritage. If you’re considering moving to Arras using a removal service, here’s a guide to help you plan your transition and integrate into this welcoming community.
Why move to Arras?
Nestled in the heart of the Hauts-de-France region, Arras is a town on a human scale, home to almost 40,000 residents. The quality of life here is exceptional, mainly due to a cost of living significantly lower than that of major metropolises such as Paris or Lyon. What really sets Arras apart is the harmonious fusion between its modern infrastructure and its rich historical heritage. For history buffs, Arras is a veritable treasure trove. Iconic sites such as the Wellington Quarry, an underground network used during the First World War, and the Canadian Vimy Memorial, commemorating the eponymous battle, are gems that will amaze period enthusiasts.
These monuments bear witness to the city’s remarkable heritage and history. Alongside its rich past, Arras is also a lively city that vibrates to the rhythm of contemporary culture. Music lovers will be delighted by the Festival de Musique d’Arras, which brings together internationally renowned artists every year. What’s more, the Arras Christmas market is a not-to-be-missed event, attracting visitors from all over the region to celebrate the festive spirit.
Arras offers the best of both worlds: a city that embraces the present while cherishing its past, where the cost of living is affordable and the quality of life is high.
Planning a move to Arras
Step 1: Preparation and organization
- Moving schedule: Set a date and plan the preparatory tasks ;
- Goods inventory: Decide what you’re going to take away, sell, give away or throw away.
Step 2: Selecting a moving company
- Search and compare: Get and compare quotes from different companies ;
- Booking: Choose your moving company and book in advance.
Step 3: Administrative management
- Change of address: Inform the relevant institutions of your new address ;
- Service transfer: Organize the transfer or subscription of essential services (electricity, internet, etc.).
Stage 4: Packing and sorting
- Moving supplies: Buy the necessary materials (cardboard boxes, tape, etc.) ;
- Packing: Pack your belongings systematically, labelling them by room.
Step 5: Preparing the new home
- Visit the new home: If possible, arrange a visit to plan the layout ;
- Safety checks: Check locks, alarms and smoke detectors.
Step 6: Moving day
- Coordination: Work closely with the movers to ensure that everything runs smoothly ;
- Final check: Make sure everything is packed and ready before the movers arrive.
By following these steps, your move to Arras will be smooth and stress-free.
Plan your move
in Arras
Housing in Arras, Pas-de-Calais
One of the most attractive aspects of Arras is undoubtedly its real estate market. Whether you want to become a homeowner or prefer the flexibility of renting, Arras offers a wide variety of housing options to suit all needs and budgets. In the heart of the city, the historic center abounds with apartments of incomparable charm. These accommodations, often housed in old buildings, are steeped in the history and character of the city. Their proximity to shops, restaurants and cultural sites makes these apartments an ideal choice for those who enjoy a lively city life. However, if you’re more interested in serenity and space, Arras’ outlying residential neighborhoods will appeal to you.
These areas are dotted with detached houses, often offering large gardens and a tranquility you won’t find in the city center. These areas are ideal for families or those who prefer a more peaceful lifestyle. Another major advantage of Arras real estate is its “affordability”. Compared with major French cities such as Paris, Lyon or Marseille, the price per square meter in Arras is significantly lower. Whether you’re looking to invest in real estate or simply to find a home at a reasonable cost, Arras is an option to consider.
Downtown Arras
Transport in Arras is easy
The ease and efficiency of transportation in Arras is remarkable, making the city extremely accessible for residents and visitors alike. Arras’ public transport network is well-developed, with a multitude of bus routes serving various parts of the city as well as the surrounding rural areas. Meanwhile, the Arras train station offers frequent, fast rail connections to major French cities, including Paris and Lille.
The Arras bus network is particularly well designed to meet the needs of local residents. For example, the line linking the Arras shopping center to St-Nicolas Cruppes offers convenient access to commercial and residential areas. Similarly, the bus line from Gare Urbaine d’Arras to Beaurains Varlet facilitates travel to suburban areas.
These bus routes, with their regular timetables and well-planned routes, make navigating the city a breeze.
For those who work or study in the immediate vicinity of the city, routes such as Arras Gare Urbaine to Neuvilles-St-Vaast La Targette or Arras Gare Urbaine to Farbus Moulin are examples of how the bus network integrates rural areas, offering essential connectivity for people living in the surrounding villages. This demonstrates Arras’ commitment to providing an inclusive and extensive transport service. In addition, Arras railway station is a central point for rail travel. With trains leaving regularly for Paris, Lille, Amiens, and Valenciennes, among others, residents and visitors benefit from fast, comfortable access to other major cities. TGV INOUI services, for example, offer high-speed connections to Paris, considerably reducing journey times. These rail links are not only convenient for daily commuting, they also make Arras attractive to those who wish to live in a quieter town while working in larger metropolises.
Bringing up children when moving to Arras
Education in Arras is a crucial aspect for families considering a move here. This historic and culturally rich city offers a diverse range of educational establishments, from elementary school to institutions of higher learning, guaranteeing quality education for all ages. For the very youngest, Arras is home to numerous public and private elementary school, such as the École élémentaire d’application Anatole France, located at 23 rue de Justice, and the École maternelle Charles Péguy, on rue Albert Camus, which offer a stimulating and caring learning environment.
These elementary school are spread throughout the town, enabling families to choose a school close to home.
The secondary education sector in Arras is not to be outdone, with collèges and lycées renowned for their academic excellence and diversity of programs. Among them, Collège Baudimont Saint-Vincent at 32 rue Baudimont and Lycée Gambetta Carnot at 25 boulevard Carnot stand out. These establishments offer a wide range of educational options, from general courses to vocational training, tailored to the different needs and aspirations of students.
For higher education, the Université d’Artois is a major institution, offering a variety of programs in various fields of study. Located in the heart of the city, it attracts students from all over the region and contributes to Arras’ dynamic, youthful atmosphere. What’s more, Arras’ proximity to Lille gives students easy access to other major universities and colleges, broadening their educational horizons. In addition, Arras has a number of administrative departments dedicated to education, such as the 1st grade inspection districts located at 16 rue Abel Bergaigne, which play an essential role in managing and maintaining the quality of education in the city. These services ensure that educational standards are respected and that pupils benefit from the best possible learning conditions.
Social and cultural life
Arras is a city that vibrates to the rhythm of a dynamic and varied cultural scene. Throughout the year, the city hosts a multitude of festivals celebrating music, film and the arts, creating a buzz that attracts residents and visitors from all walks of life. Whether you’re a fervent music fan, a curious film buff or an art enthusiast, you’ll find an event in Arras that’s sure to captivate you. One of Arras’ jewels is without doubt its historic squares (the Place des Héros in particular). Lined with flamboyant Baroque facades, these squares are the beating heart of the town.
Regular markets provide a lively, friendly atmosphere, where locals and tourists alike enjoy strolling, shopping or simply enjoying the atmosphere. The terraces of the cafés and restaurants that surround them are ideal meeting places for sharing a meal, a drink or simply observing the incessant ballet of passers-by.
THE Saint-Vaast cloister
To conclude and go further
Moving to Arras can be a rewarding experience for those looking to immerse themselves in a French city that offers a high quality of life, a rich historical and cultural heritage and a welcoming community. With careful planning and an open mind, you can make Arras your new home and enjoy all that this charming town has to offer.
C.S.
