On the surface, Arras proudly displays its Flemish façades, its belfry and its perfectly aligned cobblestones. Beneath your feet, the atmosphere shifts slightly: kilometers of galleries shrouded in darkness sketch out a second city, invisible and frankly fascinating.
An underground city carved more than a thousand years ago
They're called the Boves of Arras. Behind this name lies a vast network of underground quarries carved into chalk starting from the 9th century to extract the stone needed for the city's construction. The galleries develop across three levels, located at roughly 4, 8 and 12 meters below ground respectively. The whole system would stretch nearly twenty kilometers of passages beneath the streets and squares of Arras. In other words, up above, you can peacefully sip your coffee without imagining for a second the historic Swiss cheese that extends beneath the terrace.
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Quarries Turned Into Cellars, Warehouses and Shelters
When chalk extraction comes to an end, the Boves aren't simply abandoned. They become cellars and storage spaces for merchants established on Arras's main squares. Their purpose changes once again with conflict. During World War I, the underground tunnels are used by soldiers during the Battle of Arras. During World War II, the local population also takes shelter there during bombing raids. These galleries have thus accompanied nearly twelve centuries of local history, changing function according to the needs of residents. Traces and structures visible during the visit allow us today to understand how this immense network has endured through the ages.
A Dive 12 Meters Below the Town Hall
The visit begins directly in the basement of the Tourist Office, located in the Town Hall. With your helmet securely fastened, you gradually leave behind the hustle and bustle of Heroes Square to descend into
12 meters deep. For around 45 minutes, a guide accompanies visitors through a specially arranged circuit in the heart of the old quarries. The light becomes softer, the chalk walls close in at certain points, and the temperature drops quickly. Even in the height of August, it's best to bring a sweater rather than count on the warmth accumulated on the pavements. The visit takes place in small groups of a maximum of 18 people, which allows you to progress at a leisurely pace and hear the many anecdotes that punctuate the tour.Voir cette publication sur Instagram
One of Arras's best-kept secrets
The Boves are today one of the most amazing visits to make in Arras. Yet from the surface, almost nothing hints at their presence. You can go from the bright Grand-Place to the depths of the city in just a few minutes, then emerge again to admire the belfry with a slightly different perspective. A particularly pleasant escape in summer, when the natural coolness of the galleries offers a welcome break. And since Arras is about 50 minutes from Lille, the visit combines very easily with a day in the historic center. A few baroque facades, an underground passage and a terrace afterwards: the itinerary works rather well.
Practical information
The Boves of Arras are accessible from the basement of the Tourist Office, located in the Town Hall, Place des Héros in Arras. Guided tours take place every day, with various
Regular departures from 10am to 12pm then from 2pm to 6pm. They last approximately 45 minutes and welcome up to 18 people. Online booking is highly recommended. Full price is set at 6€. Student rate, reduced rate reserved for young people aged 6 to 18 is 3.70€. Access is free up to age 5. Wearing a helmet and a hairnet, both provided on site, is mandatory. Plan to bring warm clothing and good shoes. The route is not accessible to people with reduced mobility and dogs are not permitted.