Arras Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids

Arras

Place des Héros

Coat of arms

Arras

Location in France

Arras

Location in Hauts-de-France

Country

Arras

Arras

Area

11.63 km² (4.49 sq mi)

Population

(2012)

41,239

• Density

3,545.9/km² (9,184/sq mi)

Time zone

UTC+01:00 (CET)

• Summer (DST)

UTC+02:00 (CEST)

INSEE/Postal code

62041 /62000

Elevation

52–99 m (171–325 ft)
(avg. 72 m or 236 ft)

¹ French Land Register data, which excludes lakes, ponds, glaciers > 1 km² (0.386 sq mi or 247 acres) and river estuaries.

Arras ( Dutch: Atrecht) is a city in France. It is the main city, or prefecture, of the Pas-de-Calais area. This area is called a department. Arras is located in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region of France. It's a place with a lot of history and interesting sights.

Where is Arras?
A Look at Arras's History
- Arras in the Middle Ages
- World War I and II
What to See in Arras
Famous People from Arras
Sister Cities
Images for kids
See also

Where is Arras?

Arras is in northern France. It's about 182 kilometers (113 miles) north of Paris. The city is built on the Scarpe River. This river flows into the Scheldt River.

A Look at Arras's History

Arras has a very long and rich history. It was first settled by a Celtic tribe called the Atrebates. The Romans later built a city here. They called it Nemetacum.

Arras in the Middle Ages

During the Middle Ages, Arras became very important. It was known for its wool and tapestry making. People from all over Europe came to trade here. The city was also a center for art and literature. Many famous poets and writers lived in Arras.

World War I and II

Arras was heavily damaged during both World War I and World War II. It was very close to the front lines in World War I. Many buildings were destroyed. After the wars, the city was rebuilt. People worked hard to restore its historic look.

What to See in Arras

Arras has many beautiful and historic places to visit.

The Grand'Place and Place des Héros

These are two large, beautiful squares in the city center. They are surrounded by old buildings. Many of these buildings have a special Flemish-Baroque style. This means they have fancy decorations and stepped roofs. The squares are great places to walk around. You can also find many shops and cafes here.

The Belfry of Arras

The Belfry is a tall tower in the Place des Héros. It is part of the city hall. You can climb to the top of the Belfry. From there, you get amazing views of Arras. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Arras Cathedral

The Arras Cathedral is a large and impressive church. It was rebuilt after being destroyed in World War I. It's a peaceful place to visit.

The Boves

Underneath the city, there is a network of underground tunnels and cellars. These are called "the Boves." They were used for storage and shelter in the past. You can take a tour to explore them.

The Vauban Citadel

This is a large fortress built in the 17th century. It was designed by a famous military engineer named Vauban. It's another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today, it's a nice place for walks and events.