La Citadelle Vauban

The Citadel of Arras:

Built between 1668 and 1670 on the orders of Louis XIV, the Citadel of Arras is one of the earliest works of the military engineer Vauban. It formed part of the "Pré Carré" defensive system, designed to protect the northern borders of the Kingdom of France following the incorporation of Arras. However, its position away from the front line earned it the nickname "Belle Inutile" ("Beautiful but Useless"), as it was never subjected to a siege. Its 17th-century military architecture is remarkably well preserved, featuring a pentagonal layout, five bastions, ramparts and the imposing Royal Gate.

The site also bears witness to a darker chapter of history. During the Second World War, 218 resistance fighters and hostages were executed in the citadel's moats. The Memorial Wall of the Executed now commemorates their lives.

Demilitarised in 2010 and transferred to the Urban Community of Arras, the citadel has undergone extensive redevelopment. Its former military buildings now accommodate housing, offices and businesses. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2008 as part of the network of Vauban's major fortifications, it has become a neighbourhood combining heritage, nature and activities.

The Royal Gate: The monumental entrance to the citadel provides access to the Place d'Armes, the central parade ground. It houses an exhibition and a scale model illustrating the history and architecture of the site.

The Parade Ground and Military Buildings: This spacious central courtyard is surrounded by barracks, the arsenal and the chapel. These buildings illustrate the layout and organisation of a lowland citadel designed by Vauban.

Saint-Louis Chapel: Built in the Baroque style, this restored chapel occasionally hosts exhibitions and concerts.

The Memorial Wall of the Executed: Located in the former moats of the citadel, this memorial is a place of remembrance dedicated to the 218 resistance fighters and hostages executed by German forces between 1941 and 1944. Their names are inscribed on commemorative plaques.

The Citadel Woodland: Covering 72 hectares, the site offers an extensive natural area for walking. Marked paths run alongside the moats and through the woodland, providing opportunities to discover a rich variety of wildlife and plant life preserved through environmentally responsible management.