Mar 3, 2023
TOWN OF ARRAS IN FRANCE’S PAS DE CALAIS REGION TOPS FOR WW 1 & 2 SITES …
Arras is a charming town located in the northern region of France that was the site of fierce fighting during both World War I and World War II. With a wealth of war memorials and historical sites, it has become a popular destination for visitors interested in exploring this significant period in history.
Location and Transportation
Arras is situated 182 kilometers (113 miles) northeast of Paris, 110 kilometers (68 miles) from the English Channel, and 152 kilometers (94 miles) from Brussels, the capital of Belgium. The town is easily accessible by train, with a journey time of approximately 50 minutes from Paris. Visitors can purchase a return ticket for around €40 in advance from the railway’s website or from ticket machines at the station.
Arras May 2015 – town hall 1
Arras Town Hall – and tourist office. (cc Marilyn Z.Tomlins)
Exploring the War Memorials and Cemeteries
Arras is a must-visit destination for war memorial and cemetery buffs. The town is home to the Arras British Forces Cemetery, where thousands of soldiers from the United Kingdom, South Africa, and New Zealand who fell in and around Arras between the spring of 1916 and August 7, 1918, are commemorated. The cemetery is also the final resting place for soldiers of Jewish faith, whose tombstones are engraved with the Star of David.
The Arras Memorial, located behind the cemetery, commemorates the 35,000 soldiers who have no known grave. The memorial is open to visitors who want to pay their respects to the soldiers who fell during this significant period in history.
Used for digging the tunnels (cc Marilyn Z.Tomlins)
Skeleton of one of the vermin – a rat. (cc Marilyn Z.Tomlins)
Historical Sites to Visit
Visitors to Arras should make time to visit the Vauban Citadel. Constructed between 1667 and 1672, the Citadel houses a chapel and memorial for the 218 Resisters who were executed by the Germans from 1940 to 1944 during World War II. The chapel is particularly noteworthy, featuring an icon-style painting of an armed WWI soldier and the French and European Union flags.
The Wellington Quarry Memorial, also known as Carrière Wellington, is another popular attraction. The Memorial is located beneath the town and features a network of tunnels and bunkers constructed by the New Zealand Tunnelling Company, which was tasked with providing shelters for soldiers during WWI. Visitors must wear an army steel helmet during the visit, as the tunnels are dark and can be claustrophobic. The visit takes approximately two hours and includes a guided tour.
Arras May 2015 Citadel – 1
Resisters shot by the Germans in WW2 (copyright Mairlyn Z.Tomlins)
Chapel in the Citadel (cc Marilyn Z.Tomlins)
An armed soldier behind the altar (cc Marilyn Z.Tomlins)
Inside the chapel (Marilyn Z.Tomlins)
To get to the memorial – the le Mur des Fusillés – you need to walk on after the chapel and continue through a short tunnel.
Memorial plaque (cc Marilyn Z. Tomlins)
British Forces tombs (cc Marilyn Z.Tomlins)
The Arras Memorial (cc Marilyn Z.Tomlins)
A tomb for one of the British soldiers who fell here (cc Marilyn Z Tomlins)
Arras May 2015 Wellington Memorial – 3
Flags of the countries who had died in the Battle of Arras at the Wellington Quarry Memorial
WW1 helmet as can be seen at WW1 exhibition (cc Marilyn Z.Tomlins)
Cakes in the window of an Arras bakery (cc Marilyn Z Tomlins)
Resisters shot here by the Germans in WW2 (cc Marilyn Z.Tomlins)
Arras May 2015 Hotel les 3 Luppars
Visiting Arras
Arras is a popular destination for visitors interested in exploring the significant period of history that unfolded in this region. With a wealth of war memorials, historical sites, and cultural attractions, the town offers something for everyone. Visitors can easily explore the town on foot or take advantage of the free bus service, which runs throughout the town.
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