Saint-Vaast Abbey
Just steps away from Arras’s famous landmarks, it is hard to imagine that nearly fourteen centuries of history lie hidden behind the imposing façade of Saint-Vaast Abbey.
As the birthplace of the city having been destroyed and subsequently rebuilt this former Benedictine abbey now stands as a major monument of Arras’s heritage.
The story begins in the 7th century. Around 667, Saint Aubert, Bishop of Cambrai, founded an abbey on the site where Saint Vaast was believed to be buried.
A Benedictine community settled there, gradually contributing to the development of the medieval city.
Over the centuries, the abbey became a significant religious and cultural hub.
However, the complex you see today is much more recent; in the 18th century, the original buildings were completely reconstructed in a monumental Classical style.
Stretching some 220 meters in length, Saint-Vaast is impressive for its sheer scale.
It is considered one of the largest monastic complexes built in France during the 18th century.
The French Revolution transformed the abbey’s destiny. The monks departed, and in 1804, the former abbey church became the Cathedral of Notre-Dame-et-Saint-Vaast.
A century later, the monument was struck once again by the First World War. The abbey suffered severe damage from the bombardments of 1915.
Its reconstruction carried out notably under the direction of architect Pierre Paquet gradually restored the immense edifice to its familiar silhouette.
To explore the Saint- Vaast district today is to journey through key chapters of Arras’s history.
While you are there, step inside the Cathedral of Notre-Dame-et-Saint-Vaast; its majestic proportions and light-filled interior offer a striking contrast to the sobriety of its architecture.
Since the 19th century, the buildings of the former abbey have also housed the Arras Museum of Fine Arts.
Its collections feature works by Rubens and Brueghel, as well as the "Mays" paintings originally from Notre-Dame de Paris.
The abbey is currently entering a new chapter in its history, undergoing a major restoration and transformation project designed to reimagine the use of this iconic landmark.
After your visit, enjoy a complete change of scenery by returning to our hotel in Arras.
Le Fairway, situated right next to the golf course, offers 58 rooms and suites.
You can also enjoy our wellness area complete with a spa as well as a lounge bar and a restaurant featuring large picture windows, allowing you to take in the view while savoring our local cuisine!
As the birthplace of the city having been destroyed and subsequently rebuilt this former Benedictine abbey now stands as a major monument of Arras’s heritage.
Saint-Vaast Abbey: The Origins of Arras
The story begins in the 7th century. Around 667, Saint Aubert, Bishop of Cambrai, founded an abbey on the site where Saint Vaast was believed to be buried.
A Benedictine community settled there, gradually contributing to the development of the medieval city.
Over the centuries, the abbey became a significant religious and cultural hub.
However, the complex you see today is much more recent; in the 18th century, the original buildings were completely reconstructed in a monumental Classical style.
Stretching some 220 meters in length, Saint-Vaast is impressive for its sheer scale.
It is considered one of the largest monastic complexes built in France during the 18th century.
An Arras Landmark Shaped by History
The French Revolution transformed the abbey’s destiny. The monks departed, and in 1804, the former abbey church became the Cathedral of Notre-Dame-et-Saint-Vaast.
A century later, the monument was struck once again by the First World War. The abbey suffered severe damage from the bombardments of 1915.
Its reconstruction carried out notably under the direction of architect Pierre Paquet gradually restored the immense edifice to its familiar silhouette.
To explore the Saint- Vaast district today is to journey through key chapters of Arras’s history.
From the Cathedral to the Museum of Fine Arts
While you are there, step inside the Cathedral of Notre-Dame-et-Saint-Vaast; its majestic proportions and light-filled interior offer a striking contrast to the sobriety of its architecture.
Since the 19th century, the buildings of the former abbey have also housed the Arras Museum of Fine Arts.
Its collections feature works by Rubens and Brueghel, as well as the "Mays" paintings originally from Notre-Dame de Paris.
The abbey is currently entering a new chapter in its history, undergoing a major restoration and transformation project designed to reimagine the use of this iconic landmark.
Discover Arras from our 4-star hotel, Le Fairway
After your visit, enjoy a complete change of scenery by returning to our hotel in Arras.
Le Fairway, situated right next to the golf course, offers 58 rooms and suites.
You can also enjoy our wellness area complete with a spa as well as a lounge bar and a restaurant featuring large picture windows, allowing you to take in the view while savoring our local cuisine!
