The capital of the Artois region. The city although badly damaged in both World Wars has been restored to its former glories. In the Entrance to the Town Hall you can inspect some examples of the Giants of local Folklore, Colas and Jacqueline which are kept here. They lead the procession during Festivals.

The Town Hall contains the Tourist Information Office and is the starting point for a tour of ‘Les Boves’ (caves), the underground passages, shafts and galleries that extend under the city. Leaving the August heat of the Place des Héros and descending into these cool (11°C) passages and galleries was most welcome. Les Boves have been used as refuges from invaders down the ages. The last time by the British who used them as a Casualty Clearing Station. A few restaurants and clubs still use some of Les Boves’ shallower vaults.

The Town Hall Belfry is also worth climbing for views of the two main squares and the surrounding area.

The Ancienne Abbaye St-Vaast adjacent to the cathedral contains the Musée des Beaux-Arts. Works by such painters as Rubens, Corot and Delacroix are on display as well as sculptures and artefacts. A display illustrates the history of the town.

Leaving Arras and travelling North, Vimy Ridge and Notre-Dame-de-la-Lorette are well worth visiting if you are interested in World War 1 battlefields.