Wellington Quarry
Carrière Wellington
A First World War tunnel complex 20 metres beneath Arras, where New Zealand tunnellers linked a medieval chalk quarry that sheltered more than 20,000 troops for the 1917 offensive.
Between 1916 and 1917, New Zealand tunnelling companies linked and expanded the medieval chalk quarries beneath Arras, creating space for some 24,000 Commonwealth soldiers. On 9 April 1917, when the Battle of Arras began, troops burst out from here. Today visitors put on a helmet, take a lift 20 metres underground and follow an audio guide for about an hour. Soldiers' graffiti and names are still visible on the walls. Admission is about €8. The tunnels stay at around 12°C year-round, so bring a jacket.
Opening hours
About 10:00–12:30, 13:30–18:00; check official website
Nearby sights
- Arras Grand-Place & Belfry
- Canadian National Vimy Memorial
- Notre-Dame-de-Lorette & Ring of Remembrance
- Louvre-Lens
- Wazemmes Market
- Lille Zoo
- Citadel of Lille & Bois de Boulogne
- Palais des Beaux-Arts de Lille