The city of Arras is one of the most beautiful cities in Northern France (for sure!), rich in history and culture. For visitors and residents looking to discover the city without spending too much money, here’s a list of free things to do in Arras.
Visit the Grand-Place
The Grand-Place is a true jewel in the crown of Arras, and this historic square is surrounded by remarkable buildings such as the Hôtel de Ville and the Place des Héros, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Grand-Place is also famous for its annual Christmas market, one of the largest in northern France, which attracts large numbers of visitors every year. During the festive season, the Grand-Place is transformed into a veritable Christmas village, with market chalets, festive decorations and entertainment for the whole family. Outside the Christmas festivities, the Grand-Place is a pleasant place to stroll, take photos and discover the city’s history.
Discover the British cemetery near the citadel
The British military cemetery near the Arras citadel is one of the city’s most moving free activities. This cemetery was created during the First World War to house the bodies of British soldiers who fell in the Battle of Arras.
Today, it contains several hundred graves, most of them belonging to Commonwealth soldiers. A visit to the cemetery is a poignant tribute to the fallen. Visitors can discover the graves perfectly aligned in the lawns, each stone bearing the soldier’s name, age and date of death.
Visitors can also visit the memorial, which bears the names of British and South African soldiers who lost their lives in the Battle of Arras and have no known grave. A visit to the British military cemetery near the citadel is a moving reminder of the impact of the war on the lives of thousands of soldiers and their families. This free activity is a way of paying tribute to these soldiers and remembering their sacrifice. Visitors can come at any time of day, all year round, to pay tribute to these fallen soldiers and discover the history of the Battle of Arras.
Discover the Belfry (if you’ve never seen it)
The Belfry is undoubtedly one of Arras’ most emblematic symbols. The 75-meter-high tower has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2005, in recognition of its historical and architectural importance. Built in the 15th century, the Belfry was used as a watchtower and bell tower for the Saint-Jean-Baptiste church, before becoming a symbol of the city’s independence and freedom.
Today, the Belfry is one of Arras’ most popular attractions, offering breathtaking views over the city and its surroundings. Visitors can climb the 322 steps to the top of the tower, where they can admire the panoramic view of the city and its surroundings. Visitors can also discover the history of the Belfry through a permanent exhibition presenting the history and traditions of the tower. Visits to the Belfry are free of charge, but advance booking is recommended to avoid long queues. Tours are also available in a range of languages to cater for foreign visitors. In summer, the Belfry also offers night tours to discover the city from a different angle.
The Belfry is a must-see for any visitor to Arras (and one of the best things to do), not only for its magnificent views, but also for its historical and cultural importance. A visit to this emblematic tower is a unique experience that allows you to discover the rich history and culture of the city of Arras.
View of the Belfry at night
Walking in the gardens
Strolling through the parks and gardens of Arras is a free and enjoyable activity for visitors and residents looking to relax and recharge their batteries. Arras is renowned for its magnificent gardens, which offer an oasis of greenery and calm in the heart of the city. Parc de la Citadelle (the famous polygon) is one of Arras’ most beautiful parks, with its large green spaces, majestic trees and picturesque lakes. Visitors can stroll along the winding paths, admire the ducks and swans swimming in the lakes and enjoy the view of the citadel. The Minelle garden is one of Arras’ most charming spots for a leisurely stroll. This small garden close to the town center is the ideal place to relax, recharge your batteries and enjoy the beauty of nature.
The Jardin des Remparts is also a charming place to stroll, with its stone walls, well-manicured lawns and colorful flowerbeds. Here, visitors can admire views of the city walls and learn about the history of this ancient citadel. A stroll through the gardens of Arras is a soothing and enjoyable experience for visitors and residents looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
These parks offer an oasis of greenery and calm, ideal for relaxing, rejuvenating and enjoying the beauty of nature.
Visitors can stroll, picnic, play sports or simply relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
Visit the Musée des Beaux-Arts
The Musée des Beaux-Arts d’Arras is one of the city’s true treasures, offering visitors a fascinating dive into the history of art. The museum houses a collection of over 3,500 works of art, ranging from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. Visitors can discover paintings, sculptures, drawings, engravings, decorative art and much more. Visiting the Musée des Beaux-Arts is free of charge, allowing all visitors to discover the wonders of the collection without paying a cent. The works on display cover a wide range of styles and periods, allowing visitors to discover unique and varied works of art. Among the most outstanding pieces in the collection are paintings from the Italian Renaissance, modern and contemporary artworks and sculptures from the Roman period.
The museum’s cloister
The Musée des Beaux-Arts d’Arras is also known for its unique architecture and its collection of antique furniture and tapestries, which add to the museum’s elegant and refined atmosphere. Visitors can also take advantage of free guided tours to learn more about the works on display and their historical context.
Free concerts and events
Arras is a lively city that regularly offers free events for visitors and residents alike. Open-air concerts, street performances and festivals are an integral part of the city’s cultural life, offering an unforgettable experience for lovers of music, dance and live entertainment. Open-air concerts are one of the most popular events in Arras. During the summer months, the city organizes free concerts in various locations around town, such as the Grand-Place and the Parc de la Citadelle. Visitors can enjoy live music, relax on the grass and meet the locals. Street performances are also very popular in Arras. Local and international artists perform in the city’s streets and squares, offering dance, music, circus and theater performances. Street performances are a unique opportunity to discover the creativity and talent of local artists and to be entertained at the same time. Festivals are also an important part of cultural life in Arras. The city hosts several free festivals throughout the year, such as the Festival du Cinéma.
Discover the city’s architecture
The remarkable Baroque-Flemish architecture is one of the most striking features of the town of Arras.
Two wide rectangular squares, paved and framed by rows of three-storey houses, draw visitors’ attention with their identical appearance. The houses feature a first floor preceded by an arcaded gallery, monolithic columns (345 in all!) and Spanish gables. This unique architectural harmony was imposed by a drastic town-planning scheme drawn up by the town’s aldermen, in response to an edict issued by Philip II in 1583 to ban all timber and cob construction due to the risk of fire. As a result, stone buildings were erected in the characteristic Flemish Baroque style for which the town has since become famous.
Attend a mass at Saint-Vaast Cathedral
Attending mass at the Cathédrale Saint-Vaast is an unforgettable experience for visitors and residents of Arras.
This magnificent Gothic cathedral is one of the city’s jewels, with its immense vaulted ceiling. Saint-Vaast Cathedral is the seat of the diocese of Arras and attracts faithful from all over the world to attend daily masses. Visitors can attend a free mass and discover the beauty of the cathedral’s interior. Colorful stained glass windows, detailed carvings and high vaulted ceilings create a unique atmosphere conducive to reflection and contemplation. Visitors can also discover the cathedral’s history by browsing the exhibitions and art installations. The cathedral also hosts free concerts and events throughout the year, offering a unique opportunity to discover local culture and meet the city’s inhabitants.
Attend a performance at the Arras theatre
Attending a performance at the Théâtre d’Arras is a must for all lovers of theater, dance and music. This historic building dating from 1785 is one of the city’s jewels, with its impressive stage and elegant atmosphere. The Théâtre d’Arras is a landmark of the city’s cultural life. It offers theatrical, dance and musical performances throughout the year, providing a unique opportunity to discover local culture and enjoy quality performances. From time to time, free performances are organized at the Théâtre d’Arras, offering an excellent opportunity to discover local culture without spending a penny. Free performances are a unique opportunity to discover new talent, enjoy quality performances and meet like-minded people. In conclusion, the city of Arras offers many free activities for visitors and residents alike (whether you’re on your own, with family or friends), enabling you to discover the city without spending too much money. Whether you’re a history buff, an art enthusiast or just looking for a nice stroll, the city of Arras has something for everyone. So don’t hesitate to explore this beautiful town in Northern France and discover its hidden treasures.
R.C
