A Guide to Arras

Arras is the capital of the district of Artois. Much like many of the other towns and cities in the area Arras has seen and been part of many battles and wars throughout the centuries, and is still the military, religious centre and the administrative centre of the region.

Arras is typical of a northern French town with the typical French ambience of the area with a mixture of architectural styles and quaint buildings. Like many of the other towns in the area it is the prefect place to escape the business of Paris though is close enough that day trips to Paris are perfect.

When the First World War broke out in 1914 and the Germans swept through Belgium into Northern France they were halted at the Battle of the Marne. After this a base was set up in Arras and become one of the most important bases for the Allies on the Western Front.