Les Boves sous la place d’Arras

Imagine an entire city hidden deep underground, where the cool of ancient stones guards secrets of many centuries. The Boves — underground galleries of Arras — are a unique labyrinth located 12 meters deep right under the famous Place des Héros. This attraction, located in the city of Arras, is a network of ancient limestone quarries that originated back in the 9th–10th centuries.

Initially, these tunnels in France were created for stone quarrying, which was used to build majestic cathedrals and city fortifications. Over time, their purpose changed: the quarries turned into spacious merchant warehouses, and during harsh years of trials, they served as a reliable refuge for thousands of people. Today, it is an impressive historical site that allows you to see the "inside" of the city.

The Boves Underground Tunnels of Arras. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

Strolling through these galleries, which stretch for about twenty kilometers, visitors enter an atmosphere of mysterious twilight. Boves is not just a museum, but a living chronicle where every turn of the tunnel opens a new page of the past — from medieval trade to military operations of the last century.

To plan your visit to this unique underground complex, it is helpful to check the contact information in advance. Below are the current details to help you find your way and contact the attraction's administration for tour specifics.

A visit to the underground galleries is only possible with a professional guide, making the tour truly informative. During your walk through the winding tunnels, you will see traces of old quarries, fragments of merchant cellars with remains of wine barrels, and even unique historical photographs. Pay special attention to the preserved English inscriptions left by soldiers in the early 20th century.

The unique atmosphere of the underground is created not only by visual images but also by a specific microclimate. The temperature here remains constantly at 11°C year-round, and the humidity reaches 80%, providing a pleasant coolness even on the hottest summer day. It is an ideal place for those who want to briefly escape the city bustle and literally dive into history, exploring multi-level stone labyrinths right beneath the bustling market square.

Finding the entrance to this hidden world is very easy, as it is located in the very heart of the city of Arras. The main entry point is directly inside the City Hall (Hôtel de Ville) on the famous Place des Héros. If you are arriving in the city by train, the walk from the central railway station to the square will take no more than 10–15 minutes on foot through picturesque historical streets.

For those who prefer comfort, you can take a taxi from the station or remote areas of the city, which will take you directly to the main entrance of the City Hall. Small buses also run through the city center, making it easier to get around. Since the number of places in a tour group is limited (no more than 25 people), the best solution is to book your ticket online in advance via the official website.

The history of these galleries dates back to the early Middle Ages, when active limestone mining began here in the 9th–10th centuries. It was from this stone that the first fortifications and majestic cathedrals in the city of Arras were built. By the 12th century, when trade began to flourish, the former quarries found a second life, turning into vast cellars and warehouses for goods traded in the market squares above.

The Boves acquired special significance during the First World War. At the end of 1916, British troops turned the scattered cellars into a single strategic network. Before the massive 1917 offensive, about 24,000 soldiers were hidden in these galleries — an incredible number that exceeded the city's population at the time. The presence of Allied forces is still remembered today by the names of sectors such as "London" or "Manchester."

During the Second World War, local residents used the ancient tunnels as a safe air-raid shelter. It was only in 1982 that this historical space was officially opened to tourists. Today, a visit to the galleries allows you to see firsthand how centuries-old architecture and military strategy have intertwined beneath the pavements of the modern city.

To fully appreciate the scale and history of the underground labyrinth, it is usually enough to set aside about 45–60 minutes. The main part of this time is spent on an organized guided tour, which covers the most interesting sections of the galleries and is accompanied by a detailed account of the key historical stages of the city's development.

Since visits are strictly as part of a group, it is recommended to arrive a little early to find your way around the City Hall, where the descent begins. Given the short duration of the walk, a visit to the Boves can easily be combined with exploring other attractions in the central squares without overloading your travel schedule.

The galleries are open to visitors daily, operating in two sessions: a morning session from 09:30 to 12:30 and an afternoon session from 14:00 to 18:00. Please note that self-guided entry into the underground is prohibited, so you should plan your visit according to the schedule of guided tour groups.

Before visiting, we strongly recommend checking the official website of the Arras tourism office to confirm current opening hours for a specific date or any possible holiday closures. This will help you guarantee a spot and join a tour at a convenient time.

The city center, where the galleries are located, is literally filled with architectural masterpieces and memorial sites. After the cool underground, it will be especially pleasant to stroll through the open squares and climb the famous belfry to look at the city from a bird's-eye view.

Exploring the sites within walking distance will allow you to create a full day's itinerary, covering both underground secrets and majestic Flemish Baroque architecture above ground.