Arras' Flemish-Gothic city hall dates from the 16th century but was completely rebuilt after WWI. Three 'giants' occupy the lobby. For a panoramic view, hop on a lift (plus 43 stairs) to the first floor of the Unesco World Heritage–listed, 75m-high belfry , or for a truly unique perspective on Arras head into the slimy souterrains (tunnels) that fan out underneath the building. Also known as boves (cellars), they were turned into British command posts, hospitals and barracks during WWI.
Each spring, in a brilliant juxtaposition of underground gloom and horticultural exuberance, plants and flowers turn the tunnels into the Jardin des Boves (Cellar Gardens), designed around a different theme each year. Tours lasting 45 minutes (in English upon request) focus on the gardens when they're there, or on the tunnels' history the rest of the year. Tours generally begin at 11am and run at least twice in the afternoon from Monday to Friday, or every 30 minutes on Saturday and Sunday.
