Arras is a city located in the France’s Nord-Pas-de-Calais region. Established more than 2,000 years ago, it is the capital of Artois. Like most towns in the region, it has a colorful history and an impressive architectural heritage, and is in fact one of the country’s designated Cities of Art and History. Arras is also one of the major sites of Vauban, and is a multi-awarded floral village. Two of the most important architectural features of Arras are the Grand Place or Main Square and the Héros Square. Located close to each other, these two squares are surrounded by more than 150 houses, each designed in the Flemish Baroque style. Héros Square is an especially popular spot among tourists and local residents, with several restaurants and cafes catering to a wide variety of tastes. The square is overlooked by the belfry of the magnificent town hall, which in itself is a popular attraction, having been pronounced a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005. Also near the square is the fine arts museum housed in what was formerly the Saint-Vaast Benedictine abbey house. On display here is an impressive collection of paintings and sculptures by noted masters. As impressive as Arras is during the day, it is even more so at night. The city becomes positively ablaze with lights in the evenings, making for an almost surreal, fairytale wonderland. Musical performances at the citadel on the Main Square are always good for drawing a lively crowd, and there are several shops and stalls that stay open until late at night, where you can enjoy local favorites such as andouillette and pains d'épice.