Arras

Arras, town in northern France, capital of the Pas-de-Calais Department, on the Scarpe River. It is a farm-trade, manufacturing, and transport centre, producing metal goods, machinery, and clothing.

Arras is of Gallo-Roman origin, and it was an important seat of banking and trade in the 12th century. The city became the capital of the province of Artois in 1237, and subsequently came under French, Burgundian, Austrian, and Spanish rule. The Treaty of Arras, ending hostilities between Burgundy and France, was signed here in 1435. During the Middle Ages the city was noted for its beautiful tapestries, and from the 17th to the 19th century its lace was internationally renowned. Because of its strategic location, Arras was the scene of heavy fighting in World War I, and it was further damaged in World War II. Population 41,400 (2005 estimate).