France - Arras

The city of Arras is well known for its two magnificent Flemish-baroque-style squares: Grand’Place and Place des Héros (also called La Petite Place) which show a monumental architectural complex, spread over 17.000 square meters. This Flemish architecture is not surprising, as the city was once part of the Netherlands, controlled by Spain from 1556 to 1714. Louis XIII reconquered Arras in 1640; the town officially became part of France in 1659.

The two squares were initially built to host markets which reflected the prosperous trading economy of Arras. In the 17th century, the municipal magistrates decided to redesign the two squares (and the Rue de la Taillerie) by constructing more harmonious buildings around them.

Nowadays the squares have 155 houses, built in the baroque style with typical Flemish gables individually decorated with garlands of flowers, ribbons or horns of plenty. The façades of the houses are made of brick. At street level, arcades are supported by 345 sandstone columns. During World War I the city (and squares) were almost entirely destroyed, but the houses were rebuilt, even if the wood was replaced by bricks and stones.

The smallest square, Place des Héros (main image), is overlooked by the majestic Town Hall. This gothic structure is flanked by a 77 meters high belfry, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.