Weekend in Arras

The two main squares of Arras, surrounded by 155 unique Flemish-Baroque buildings with arched arcades. The Place des Héros has the Gothic belfry at one end.

Tip: Visit early morning or late evening when the squares are quiet and the setting sun lights up the sandstone facades. Tuesday and Saturday markets fill both squares if you want local bustle.

A 75-metre UNESCO-listed Gothic belfry offering panoramic views over the city and surrounding countryside from the top. Climb the 300-odd steps.

Tip: Costs €6 (2024). Skip the queue by visiting on a weekday afternoon. The ticket also covers entry to the nearby Hôtel de Ville, but the belfry view is the main event. Weather-dependent: check visibility before climbing.

A network of medieval chalk tunnels and quarries beneath the city, used as bomb shelters in WW1. Guided tours show carved chambers and shafts.

Tip: €5 entry, but free on the first Sunday of each month (except July-August). Book ahead in summer as groups are limited to 25. Wear stout shoes – the floor can be damp.

An interactive museum focused on food, agriculture and nature, housed in a former art deco water tower. Exhibits include an indoor beehive, a vertical garden and a rooftop greenhouse.

Tip: Adults €7, but the rooftop garden is free to access (no ticket needed). Good for kids or a rainy day. The café on site does decent local flatbreads for under €10.

A restored WW1 underground quarry used by British and New Zealand troops to shelter 24,000 soldiers before the 1917 Battle of Arras. Guided tour includes a short film and a 20-minute walk through the

Tip: €8.50 (2024), but free for under-18s. Book online at least a day ahead – tours sell out. Entry includes a multilingual audio guide. Combine with the Wellington Memorial park just above – it's also free.