Arras is a city that surprises and offers some of the grandest squares and architecture in northern Europe. From its bustling markets to vibrant restaurants and remembrance sites, both within and near the city, there is much to see and do.
Day 1 FRIDAY We take the Channel crossing to Calais and continue to Arras, arriving in time for dinner and our four-night stay.
Day 2 SATURDAY A morning guided walking tour of Arras (maximum two hours). See the Grand Place, Cathedral St Vaast and Abbaye St Vaast. Free time to visit the many museums and points of interest in the city and enjoy the medieval centre.
Day 3 SUNDAY Travel to the nearby town of Amiens. We include a guided walking tour of the city centre (maximum two hours) and a visit to the impressive gothic Cathedral. Next, we visit the famous ‘Floating Gardens’, where we can discover an enchanting world of water and greenery. Les Hortillonnages is a network of floating gardens that are transversed by special boats that date back to the Middle Ages. These remarkable water gardens, traversed by narrow canals, are not only a testament to human ingenuity but also a sanctuary for diverse flora and fauna.
Day 4 MONDAY Discover the emotive Somme Battlefields, commencing with a visit to the Newfoundland Memorial Park at Beaumont Hamel to discover the amazing intact battle lines before visiting the Thiepval Memorial, a truly magnificent British monument containing the names of over 72,000 names who died on the Somme and who have no known grave. We continue to the Lochnagar crater at La Boisselle, then on to Delville Wood to view the magnificent South African National Memorial.
Day 5 TUESDAY To Calais pausing at the Vimy Ridge Memorial then we are homeward bound.
The Mercure Arras Centre Gare is positioned opposite the Arras Train Station and walking distance from the historic centre. Offering 80 bedrooms and all have been refurbished. A buffet breakfast is served daily at the hotel and a bar and restaurant are also available. All bedrooms are equipped with TV, telephone, Wi-Fi, hairdryer and hospitality tray. Lift to all floors.
