For one weekend each spring the cities and towns of the far north of France, in this case Arras, open the doors for the Citadels Open Day, to the stupendous collection of historic fortifications which formerly guarded the frontier.
Many of the 16 fortresses open to the public are the work of Sébastien Leprestre, Marquis of Vauban, who designed the citadels in the wake of Louis XIV's 17th-century conquest of much of this territory. The grandest is that of Lille, a classic star-shaped fortress built of 60 million bricks. This "Queen of Citadels" formed part of a double line of strongholds between Gravelines, Dunkirk and Maubeuge.
Other fortresses that are open for this annual event date back to the Middle Ages, such as that at Ambleteuse, and the 13th-century castle at Boulogne. Other towns, like Saint-Omer, feature visits to the trenches of the First World War. Many towns stage a variety of activities, from talks on the history of the area to concerts and kids' activities.
Other fortresses that are open for this annual event date back to the Middle Ages, such as that at Ambleteuse, and the 13th-century castle at Boulogne. Other towns, like Saint-Omer, feature visits to the trenches of the First World War. Many towns stage a variety of activities, from talks on the history of the area to concerts and kids' activities.
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