Arras

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• Property for sale around Arras (30 miles)

The city of Arras is located in northern France and is the capital of the Pas-de-Calais department. Arras was renowned for the production of tapestries during the 14th century and the grain trade during the 18th century. Arras is currently considered an industrial centre for the manufacturing of machinery and metal products.

The centre of Arras contains two impressively large squares which include the Grande Place and Petite Place which are surrounded by magnificent buildings that have been restored to their World War I architecture. A few of the main attractions in the squares are the Gothic town hall which exhibits a bust of Robespierre and the 19th century cathedral which replaced the original cathedral constructed in 1030 and destroyed during the French Revolution. The squares also contain interesting buildings and houses that were built in Flemish baroque style.

Nearby the two squares is the Abbaye St-Vaast which is one of the many buildings that has undergone restoration and houses the museum of fine arts, and the Citadel which is a fortress that is occupied by the French Army and listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

If you visit Arras during the holidays you can go to the Christmas Market which contains over 60 vendors for arts and crafts and local cuisine. The market also offers cooking lessons, craft demonstrations, and products from different regions of France. During other times of the year you can experience the colorful markets in both squares, take in the many festivals and exhibitions, and sample a wide variety of cuisine from over 80 gourmet restaurants.

Arras contains an interesting subterranean network that passes through ancient quarries and 16th century cellars underneath the city and there are numerous guided tours that you take to the various points of interest in Arras and the surrounding region.