July 14, 2007

Msg. 20882A

Arras

It is located in the former Dutch and French province of Artois. For many centuries, Arras was on the border between France and

the Low Countries and it frequently changed hands before firmly becoming French in the late 17th century, the fortifications upgraded by

Vauban helping keep it in French hands. The town was closely linked to the trade of Flanders and later became an important centre for

sugar beet farming and processing as well as a prosperous market.

The centre of the town is marked by three large squares, the Grande Place, the Place des Héros, and the Petite Place.

These are surrounded by buildings largely restored to their pre-war World War One conditions. Most notable are the Gothic town hall

(rebuilt in a slightly less grandiose style after the war) and the 19th-century cathedral.