Rest day in Arras

Buses, ferries, kids

The monastery is really quiet - we may be the only guests. We are in a slightly more modern section of a large complex of linked buildings. It seems to double as a community centre during the day but after 7pm the doors are locked (we have a key) and the place is all ours.

Breakfast by the square. There isn't much open so we go to a chain coffee shop. It is raining and cold which at least keeps our rest day restful.

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Today's date: 8.7.20

Weather: cold and light rain

Steps: 13,300

Distance: n/a

Climbing: n/a

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We moved from cafe to cafe sorting out accomodation and transport for the next few days. Our plans changed a dozen times as we try to reconcile the UK quarantine, car rental, ferries and rural french buses. We can only make it all work by taking another day off tomorrow. We will take the opportunity to visit Vimy which was a bit far off route when we passed.

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The architecture is very flemish and the city centre seems to have been very sympathetically rebuilt as it was very badly damaged in WW1.

The tourist office is on the main square and we took the opportunity to get a stamp as the Cathedral is closed until Friday.

There is an excellent bus service around the city centre and Arras seems quite vibrant. There are lots of small workshops and offices and it is all well maintained.

One of the cute electric buses.

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Back to the centre for supper. Lots of places to get a beer but the food choices are a bit limited. Settled on crepes which were a good choice for a cold day. It is hard to believe it is July.

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