Do you know the specialities of Arras? The gourmet map of the Pays d’Artois is not restricted to its andouillette and chocolate rat! Although of course we recommend you sample these iconic delicacies of the city, we also take you on a discovery of local products lovingly made by committed producers. This is the whole purpose of the Arras Pays d’Artois Original© label: to offer you authentic flavours born of local traditions and the product of a rich local terroir.
1. The andouillette of Arras, taking the top spot for popularity
Dating back to the Middle Ages, the tradition of andouillette production has been perpetuated down the centuries. Some excellent Arras-based charcutiers prepare it with pork or veal ruffle. Every year in August, it is celebrated during the Festival of the Andouillette.
En savoir +2. The Rat d’Arras©, top for melting indulgence
You’ll have a little rat with your coffee, won’t you? Dark chocolate and crispy praline feuillantine, it’s a delicious trap! This speciality has its origins in the historic connections forged between the city and the little rodent. To be tracked down out at the wonderful Pâtisserie Thibaut on the Place des Héros.
en savoir +3. The coeurs d’Arras, top for variety
First, there’s the Cœur D’Arras©, a delicious heart-shaped gingerbread biscuit made with white honey, which first appeared in the late seventeen century. Today, it is made exclusively by the Pâtisserie Thibaut. Another much more fragrant Cœur d’Arras is a heart-shaped cheese related to Maroilles cheese, refined in the cellars of the Fromagerie La Finarde. Finally, the chocolatier Maison Trogneux has created a heart-shaped Cœur D’Arras in dark or milk chocolate.
En savoir +4. The P’tit Dieu, top for artisan craft
This soft rind-washed cheese, a cousin of Rollot cheese, is made in the traditional way by Christine Dufour in Sus-Saint-Léger near Avesnes-le-Comte. Grass- and flaxseed-fed cows produce raw milk that is processed on the farm into a characterful cheese. It owes its name to a local legend: in the village, a tree struck down by lightning was found to have a statuette of the Child Jesus in its trunk. Still visible, this “p’tit Dieu” (or little God) has given its name to a hamlet and a very pleasant walking trail.
5. The Mascaron, top for cuteness
Made by Pascal Duforest of the Ferme aux Chiconnettes in Achiet-le-Petit, the Mascaron d’Arras© is a delicious little treat made from marzipan, which pays tribute to one of the city’s architectural features. Mascarons are the little stone human faces, very in vogue in the eighteenth century, that feature on the Town Hall of Arras. To be enjoyed unstintingly as you admire the originals on the Place des Héros.
6. Endive conserve, top for gastronomy
Made by Pascal Duforest of the Ferme aux Chiconnettes in Achiet-le-Petit, the Mascaron d’Arras© is a delicious little treat made from marzipan, which pays tribute to one of the city’s architectural features. Mascarons are the little stone human faces, very in vogue in the eighteenth century, that feature on the Town Hall of Arras. To be enjoyed unstintingly as you admire the originals on the Place des Héros.
En savoir +7. Juices from the Vergers de Saulty, top for vitamin-packed goodness
Saulty is the heartland of the pear ! The first trees were planted in the Vergers de Saulty by Emmanuel Dalle’s grandfather. He produces delicious traditional varieties of pears (Conference, Doyenné du Comice) and apples (Boskoop, Jonagold). A partner of the company T&B Vergers, the Vergers de Saulty offer vitamin-packed nectars: 100% pear and apple juices
8. Jeanne d’Arc confectionary, top for audacity
Since 1888! Sugar and the Pays d’Artois go back a long way (thanks to sugarbeet). The artisanal confectionery in Vitry-en-Artois carries on the tradition with some forty varieties, some of them very audacious indeed! The traditional “Pomme d’amour” (love apple) lollies with little balls of tomato/basil: this artisanal company brings us some astonishing sweets… all succulent indulgences.
The Arras Pays d’Artois Original© trademark
You’ll find most of these specialities at the Arras Tourist Office, in the Belfry, under the Arras Pays d’Artois Original© trademark. Under this trademark, the Tourist Office identifies gastronomic products made by local artisans and which are typical of its territory. A showcase of taste and quality: local delicacies on sale, all easy to find under one roof!