Arras is considered one of the prettiest cities in Northern France and is only two hours away via Lille from London.
It’s filled with architecture and café terraces, has museums and galleries but also hosts a very interesting event.
The World French Fries Championship allows local and international competitors to challenge one another in six categories, including fry sauce of the year.
The first event took place in October 2023, and due to its success, it made a return this year.
The city is famous for its historical sites, including the Château de Barly where visitors can be taken on a guided tour by history students for under £8.
Arras has multiple Château’s across its city.
Place des Héros is said to be the prettiest of the city’s squares. It’s lined with 155 “elegant” Flemish townhouses that date back to the 17th and 18th centuries.
Beneath the site, explore the Boves of Arras, an underground cave dug in the ninth century to extract materials for the construction of the city’s religious buildings.
There is also a range of activities to do, such as go-karting, quad bike riding and canoeing.
The Funny Parc-Lost Valley is a club that provides fun activities for children.
For a more relaxed trip, the city offers many parks and green spaces like the Citadel, the city’s central park, where people can enjoy walks, running, cycling and leisure activities.
It’s known as a place for people to recharge their batteries in a “natural setting away from the hubbub of urban life.”