The Giants
by Helga67
Colas and Jacqueline were born as giants in 1891. They are part of the Arras' folklore. Each year at the end of August, there is a festival to commemorate the end of the occupation of the Spaniards in 1654.
A humorous song was composed about two peasants, Colas and Jacqueline, going to the festival.
In 1995, the giants got a son, Andre-Albert-François.
When they are not at the festival, you can see them in the hall of the Town Hall.
Saint Jean Baptiste - inside: architecture
by Mikebond
The interior of Saint John the Baptist is very interesting from the architectural point of view. It consists of a nave with two aisles. Look at the two altars: the high altar with the statue of the Christ and the other altar with Mary and the Child.
There is also an organ (though not a very beautiful one). However, what may already have caught your attention is a painting, and not by an ordinary artist...
Hôtel de Ville
by Mikebond
The town hall is a 16th-century building in Place des Héros, surmounted by the belfry. The outside is very beautiful, but you should also have a look at the interior, where is also located the tourist office that sells tickets to climb the belfry and for other guided tours.
Climbing the belfry
by Mikebond
To go to the top of the lift you have to take a lift and then to climb 43 compulsory steps, as they tell you at the tourist office before you buy the ticket.
The ticket costs around 2 euro and it is really worth paying. Once you have arrived at the top of the tower, you will see the bell.
Panorama from the belfry
by Mikebond
From the balcony of the belfry you can enjoy a great view over the town and farther on.
In the first photo you can see Place des Héros and, on the left, the Grand' Place. The others show different palaces and buildings. On the balustrade of the belfry balcony there are pictures that tell you the name of everything you can see from there.
In the background of the last photo you can see the abbaye de Mont-Saint-Eloi, which was destroyed many times, the last in 1918.