Before you climb that World Heritage Belfry, you must first pass the scrutiny of this strange looking bunch of folk….
The history of these giants goes way back to the 16th century, when apparently most towns in this area (and more than likely beyond!) had their own Giant families that they took to events (like some kind of medieval “Its a Knock Out” I expect after a few bowls of cidre)! They have names too, if you need introducing? Colas and Jaqueline (the originals were destroyed in WW1, and then sadly again in WW2 – but like phoenixes arisen from the flames they were recreated in the 1980’s) and their beautiful(!) daughter Dede arrived in 1995… Do pop along and say hello (although they don’t have much to say!)…
And if you are wondering what it looks like Above Arras, here you go… I strongly suggest you don’t look down when descending the stairs to the lift (which is a necessity by the way, not laziness – it’s the only way to get down) if you don’t like heights!!
Mary @ Over 40 and a Mum to One says
What a beautiful square, I love the architecture.
bavaria says
Thank you Mary! :)
Trish says
Laughing at the It’s a Knockout reference!! :-)
bavaria says
That’s so what they reminded me of! Thanks Trish! :D
Mari says
What a pretty square and I love the rooftops shot too. Always a pleasure learning through your blog about new places to visit
bavaria says
Thank you Mari! Likewise! :) x
Donna@MummyCentral says
Amazing pictures. What a view. Reminds me of when we climbed a huge tower to look down on Florence during our holiday in Tuscany. A lot of effort, but well worth it in the end.
bavaria says
Thank you Donna! :)
becky says
Giant things really really freak me out! as do teeny tiny people. eek
bavaria says
Thanks Becky. Next post is on playmobil land. Just warning you! :D
Emma says
Oh my gosh, it looks beautiful Emma. What a view. x
bavaria says
Thanks Emma xx
older mum in a muddle says
Wow that is high up! Made me feel a bit dizzy with all the angled photos – ha ha ha. I’m rubbish with heights. Liking the big people…. bet It’s a Knockout took their inspiration from them. X
bavaria says
I think you might be right! :D Thank you x
Emma says
wow what amazing views. You must have been really high up.
bavaria says
It was quite high, but not knee wobbling high! Thanks Emma :)
Stacey Corrin says
What inspiring photos you’ve taken there. Really gives you a sense of scale and grandeur that I don’t think you’d get from street level. Beautiful place!
bavaria says
Thank you Stacey! :)
pinkoddy says
I love learning new things about places so thank you for sharing. That is a stunning view.
bavaria says
Thank you J! :) x
mary @AsturianDiary says
Awesome shots. I got a bit of vertigo myself….and I’m rather used to heights! I had to chuckle at the image of a medieval ‘It’s a Knockout’ with giants though. Love these quirky local traditions.
bavaria says
You have to wonder who thought of these things (and how much they had had to drink beforehand!) :D Thanks Mary x
Carolin says
How rather odd. If I hadn’t known from the title that this is Arras, I would have thought the pictures were taken in Scandinavia or North Germany. The architecture really has a hanseatic feel to it, don’t you think?
bavaria says
I know what you mean! They remind me of Amsterdam too! Thank you… :)
Midlife Singlemum says
I’m loving your rooftop photographs (also the one from Rothenburg). Those figures remind me of the ones that roll out to meet and strike a gong on the town clock. I wonder why they had them and what they symbolised?
bavaria says
I have plenty more of Rothenburg to come! Thanks R! :) I know the little thing that you mean, it has me thinking now too! :D
Sonya Cisco says
Love the shaped cornices (is that the right word even?!) on the roof tops, such a gorgeous view!
bavaria says
Thanks Sonya! Quite different aren’t they? :)
Mary Keynko says
Wow! What a view and such a beautiful place! I love the hotch-potch roof tops! And the giants, well they’re just kinda odd?
bavaria says
The giants are very bizarre aren’t they? Thanks Mary! :)