Visiting the Arras Belfry: panoramic views, history, and practical tips
You can’t visit Arras without looking up at its belfry. Standing 75 meters tall, it towers over the Place des Héros and ranks among the city’s most iconic landmarks. But the real highlight is climbing to the top!
Blending history, architecture, and panoramic views, here is what you need to know before exploring the Arras Belfry.
Construction of the Arras Belfry began in 1463 and was completed in 1554. At the time, the structure was more than just a bell tower; it symbolized the city’s civic liberties and municipal authority.
Its history took a particularly dramatic turn during the First World War.
Hit by German artillery in 1914, the belfry collapsed. It was subsequently rebuilt exactly as it was during the interwar period.
Today, it is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, alongside 55 other belfries in Belgium and France. A golden lion stands guard over Arras from the summit.
The visit takes on a whole new dimension once you reach the first gallery, at a height of approximately 55 meters.
Spread out before you are the Place des Héros and the Grand’Place, lined with their famous Flemish Baroque-style facades.
You can also make out the Saint-Vaast Abbey and the Cathedral of Notre-Dame-et-Saint-Vaast.
On a clear day, your gaze can travel far beyond the city center, taking in the landscapes of the Artois region and major First World War memorial sites.
And keep your ears open: the belfry also houses a carillon made up of 37 bells.
You can enter the Arras Belfry via the Tourist Office, located in the Town Hall on Place des Héros.
There is no need to climb the full 55 meters on foot: an elevator takes you most of the way up. You then have about forty steps left to reach the panoramic viewing platform.
After exploring the city from above, come back down to earth at our hotel in Arras.
Overlooking the golf course, the Fairway offers 58 contemporary, welcoming rooms and suites.
A spa, restaurant, lounge bar, and spacious outdoor terraces await you after a day in the historic center!
Blending history, architecture, and panoramic views, here is what you need to know before exploring the Arras Belfry.
The Arras Belfry: nearly six centuries of history
Construction of the Arras Belfry began in 1463 and was completed in 1554. At the time, the structure was more than just a bell tower; it symbolized the city’s civic liberties and municipal authority.
Its history took a particularly dramatic turn during the First World War.
Hit by German artillery in 1914, the belfry collapsed. It was subsequently rebuilt exactly as it was during the interwar period.
Today, it is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, alongside 55 other belfries in Belgium and France. A golden lion stands guard over Arras from the summit.
A 360° view of Arras
The visit takes on a whole new dimension once you reach the first gallery, at a height of approximately 55 meters.
Spread out before you are the Place des Héros and the Grand’Place, lined with their famous Flemish Baroque-style facades.
You can also make out the Saint-Vaast Abbey and the Cathedral of Notre-Dame-et-Saint-Vaast.
On a clear day, your gaze can travel far beyond the city center, taking in the landscapes of the Artois region and major First World War memorial sites.
And keep your ears open: the belfry also houses a carillon made up of 37 bells.
Practical tips for visiting the Arras Belfry
You can enter the Arras Belfry via the Tourist Office, located in the Town Hall on Place des Héros.
There is no need to climb the full 55 meters on foot: an elevator takes you most of the way up. You then have about forty steps left to reach the panoramic viewing platform.
- 📍 Access: Town Hall, Place des Héros, Arras
- 🕐 Opening hours: Daily from 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM to 5:30 PM. Last ascent 30 minutes before closing.
- 🎟️ Standard rate: €3.40
- 🎟️ Reduced rate: €2.30 (includes children and students)
- ♿ Accessibility: The panoramic platform is not accessible to people with reduced mobility due to the final set of steps. A virtual alternative is available in the multimedia room.
Stay at the Fairway Hotel
After exploring the city from above, come back down to earth at our hotel in Arras.
Overlooking the golf course, the Fairway offers 58 contemporary, welcoming rooms and suites.
A spa, restaurant, lounge bar, and spacious outdoor terraces await you after a day in the historic center!
