Thriving café lifestyle

Thriving café lifestyle in Arras through the centuries, ruled by the Spanish and the Burgundians before finally becoming, and staying, French in 1640. In the 20th century Arras was almost destroyed by War. This city has a long, rich and tumultuous history. Spotlight on ARRAS The city of Arras is a jewel of northern France. Janine Marsh explores its heritage, history and heavenly food scene. Citadelle © Yannick Cadart Arras in the Pays d’Artois region of Hauts-de- France is easy to reach from Calais, Paris or Lille by train or car, and makes for a fabulous city break. With a rich history, dazzling architecture and major remembrance sites – this foodie-pleasing city really does have something to delight everyone. Cultural highlights View from the belfry © Marion Harmel Iron Age man lived in Arras. The Romans called it Nemetocenna. In the middle ages it was famous for its textiles. It was fought over Arras today is a hub of culture and heritage, a multi-layered city, quite literally. Small enough to walk almost everywhere, teeming with superb restaurants, a twice-weekly market and plenty of shops alongside historic sites. Leave the car behind and take a stroll. Start your journey on the cobbled Place des Héros (named in honour of members of the Second World War resistance movement), one of the two neighbouring squares which are unique in Europe, lined with medievalstyle columned arcades and 155 houses in sumptuous baroque Flemish fashion. Time travel through a free Timescope virtual-reality station (there are several dotted around and about the town), a panoramic looking glass which will you sweep you back to 1518 to take in the sights and sounds of medieval Arras 16 | The Good Life France The Good Life France | 17