Just 1 ¼ hours’ drive from Calais, the city of Arras is famous for the stunning architecture of its Grand Place and Place des Héros squares. Surrounded by handsome stone houses built in the Flemish Baroque style, these cobbled squares are a stunning setting for the city’s numerous bars, restaurants, cafés, fine food shops and covered galleries, overlooked by the impressive belfry of the town hall. As well as time spent browsing Arras’ charming markets, our tour includes a beer & cheese tasting and a pleasant cruise through Amiens’ lovely Floating Gardens.
The Hortillonnages
Amiens Cathedral
Itinerary
PACKAGED ITINERARY
Day 1 Arrival
We arrive at our hotel late afternoon, with time to explore the restaurants, bars and shops of this historic town.
Day 2 Arras & Local Beer & Cheese Tastings
We spend this morning enjoying a 90-minute guided walking tour of Arras, known for its two ornate squares. Today (Saturday) is market day in the architecturally beautiful Grand Place and Place des Héros. Afterwards, perhaps visit the magnificent town hall and tunnels underneath or enjoy a lunch in one of the many restaurants on the Grand Place. In the afternoon, we will enjoy a local beer and cheese tasting at our hotel.
Day 3 Amiens & Les Hortillonnages
We spend today in the city of Amiens, starting with a guided boat trip of Les Hortillonnages, also known as the ‘Floating Gardens’. Exclusively visited by boats, this beautiful maze of water gardens is a wonderful sight – soak up the natural beauty and relax as we drift through the tranquil gardens on this gentle cruise. We spend the afternoon at leisure in Amiens, exploring all the city has to offer. Home to France’s largest cathedral, the fabulous Amiens Cathedral is also one of the largest classic Gothic churches of the 13th century and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981 – so don’t miss the opportunity to see it!
Day 4 Departure
After breakfast, we begin our journey home.
Hotel
Mercure Arras Centre Gare
Arras, Nord-Pas-de-Calais
This 4-star hotel is located in the centre of Arras and is an excellent base for touring the area. Each of the 98 bedrooms is equipped with a TV, hairdryer and tea/coffee making facilities. The hotel has a modern bar with several cosy sections all decorated in ‘library’ style and a stylish ground floor restaurant. In the winter months, there is a welcoming fire in one of the lounge areas.
BarLiftParking On Site & Free of ChargeRestaurantTea & Coffee making facilities
Pricing
3 Nights Bed & Breakfast
Based on Friday arrivals
Inclusions
- Return short sea crossing
- 90-minute guided walking tour of Arras
- 45-minute beer and cheese tasting
- 45-minute guided boat cruise of Les Hortillonnages
Please refer to your quote for hotel inclusions.
