Arras has two connected squares, the Grand Place and the smaller Place des Héros, lined with Flemish Baroque townhouses whose gabled facades and arcaded ground floors were rebuilt to their original design after near-total destruction in the First World War. The belfry rising over the Place des Héros dates from the same rebuilding and is one of the Belfries of Belgium and France inscribed together as a UNESCO World Heritage group. The squares themselves are unusually large and uniform because they were laid out as a single planned market development centuries before the war damage.
The Grand Place and its neighbour, the Place des Héros, form the historic heart of Arras, the capital of the Pas-de-Calais department in Hauts-de-France, France. The two connected squares are lined with Flemish Baroque townhouses whose gabled facades and arcaded ground floors were rebuilt to their original design after near-total destruction in the First World War. The result is an unusually uniform, large public space that feels more like a stage set than a typical French town square, and walking through it is the main activity of a visit.
The belfry rising over the Place des Héros dates from the same rebuilding and belongs to the group of Belfries of Belgium and France inscribed together as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can ride a lift part of the way up and finish on a narrower staircase to reach the top platform, where views extend across the red-tiled roofs and the squares below. Admission to the belfry is about €3.50, and the lift runs from 10:00 to 12:30 and 14:00 to 18:00, so it is not a fast visit if a queue forms at the top.
The arcaded walkways around both squares let walkers cross the full length of the Grand Place under cover, which is useful in the rain and gives a close view of the carved details above the shopfronts. Cafés and restaurants fill the arcades, making them a convenient stop for a meal. The squares were laid out as a planned market development centuries before the war damage, which explains their consistent proportions.
A saturday morning market fills the Grand Place with stalls, bringing the most atmosphere and the biggest crowds. Weekdays and early mornings are calmer, and the evening light on the facades is good for photography, with warm tones on the stonework. Those wanting an uncluttered view of the gables may prefer a quiet weekday.
A typical visit takes one to two hours. The squares are a five-minute walk from Arras station, with TER trains from Lille taking about 50 minutes. The Boves tunnels, entered through the Hôtel de Ville beside the Place des Héros, make an obvious companion visit.
| Admission | Belfry €3.50 / ~$4 |
|---|---|
| Hours | Always open (Belfry lift: daily 10:00–12:30 / 14:00–18:00) |
| Typical visit | 1–2 hours |
| Best time | Saturday morning when the market is in full swing |
| Getting there | 5-min walk from Arras train station (Gare d'Arras; TER from Lille 50 min) |
| Address | Grand Place, 62000 Arras |
Location
Grand Place, 62000 Arras
50.2927, 2.7785 View on map
Highlights
- The Flemish Baroque gabled facades of both squares
- The UNESCO-listed belfry with its summit viewpoint
- Covered arcades running around the Grand Place
- The Saturday morning market
- Evening light on the stonework
Tips for visiting
- The belfry costs about €3.50 and has a lift plus a final narrow staircase.
- Visit on a Saturday morning for the market, or on a weekday for calm.
- Use the arcades for shelter in rain.
- Combine the belfry with the Boves tunnels, as a combined ticket is cheaper.
- TER trains from Lille take around 50 minutes to Arras station.
When to visit
Saturday morning gives the liveliest atmosphere, while weekday mornings are quieter. Clear evenings suit photography.
Accessibility
The squares are flat with cobbled surfaces that can be uneven for wheelchairs. The belfry has a lift part of the way, but the final stretch involves stairs.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit take?
One to two hours is enough for the squares and the belfry, longer with a meal in the arcades.
Is the Grand Place free to visit?
Yes, the squares are open at all times. Only the belfry requires a ticket.
Is it worth it for kids?
Children often enjoy the lift and the view from the belfry, and the open squares give room to move.
When is the market held?
The market is traditionally held on Saturday mornings.