Église Saint-Nicolas-en-Cité Arras
A beautiful church in Arras, steeped in legends of miraculous healing and historical events like the 'Bal des Ardents'.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Église Saint-Nicolas-en-Cité Arras
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A beautiful church in Arras, steeped in legends of miraculous healing and historical events like the 'Bal des Ardents'.
"A beautiful church built on the site of the former Arras Cathedral. A celebration rich in emotion and sharing."
🕊️ Respectful Attire
Dress modestly when visiting this sacred site. Many visitors appreciate the solemnity.
📜 Learn the Legends
Familiarize yourself with the 'Mal des Ardents' and 'Bal des Ardents' stories for a richer experience.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.4 · 58 reviews
Type
Church
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Miraculous Candle Legend
Explore the tale of the Virgin Mary, a burning candle, and miraculous healing that originated here.
Site of the Former Arras Cathedral
Stand on hallowed ground where the original Arras Cathedral once stood, a place rich in history and emotion.
Bal des Ardents Folklore
Connect with the enduring legacy of the 'Bal des Ardents' and its continued celebration as a folklore festival.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Understand the "Mal des Ardents"
The "Bal des Ardents" Connection
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🕊️ Respectful Attire
Dress modestly when visiting this sacred site. Many visitors appreciate the solemnity.
📜 Learn the Legends
Familiarize yourself with the 'Mal des Ardents' and 'Bal des Ardents' stories for a richer experience.
📸 Capture the Ambiance
The architecture and historical significance offer great photo opportunities. Be mindful of others.
Tips
from all over the internet
🕊️ Respectful Attire
Dress modestly when visiting this sacred site. Many visitors appreciate the solemnity.
📜 Learn the Legends
Familiarize yourself with the 'Mal des Ardents' and 'Bal des Ardents' stories for a richer experience.
📸 Capture the Ambiance
The architecture and historical significance offer great photo opportunities. Be mindful of others.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors describe Église Saint-Nicolas-en-Cité as a beautiful church with a rich emotional and historical resonance, built on the site of the former Arras Cathedral. The legends associated with the 'Mal des Ardents' and the 'miraculous candle' add a unique layer of fascination for many.
"The diocese of Cambrai was divided in two at the Council of Clermont in 1095, and thus Lambert de Guines, archpriest of Thérouanne, became Bishop of Arras.
At that time, the region was ravaged by a terrible disease, "The Mal des Ardents"—the fiery disease, also known as St. Anthony's Fire.
In this church, for which it is known, the legend of "the miraculous candle" originated.
Two jugglers, Ithier and Normand, harbored a burning hatred for each other.
One night, they both had the same dream in which the Virgin commanded them to go to the cathedral.
They met separately with Bishop Lambert, who understood that the Virgin was demanding reconciliation.
After spending a night in prayer, the Virgin Mary appeared to them and gave them a burning candle, instructing them to pour wax into water and give it to the sick to drink. Those who were faithful were healed.
For centuries, the sparkler was kept in a candle-shaped holder, entrusted to the care of the guild of jugglers of Notre-Dame-des-Ardents.
Today, it is preserved in the Museum of Fine Arts in Arras.
Bal des Ardents (Ball of the Burning Ones) is the name given to a charivari (a joyful celebration on the eve of a remarriage)
held by King Charles VI on January 28, 1393.
Charivaris were forbidden by the Church, making their celebration sacrilege.
A fire at this ball is said to have cost the lives of four of the King's friends, who subsequently
—presumably already mentally disturbed—fell permanently into madness.
Whether the accident occurred at the Royal Residence, the "Hôtel Saint-Paul,"
or at the so-called
"Hôtel de la Reine Blanche" in the south of Paris, remains unclear.
It is a fact that the "Bal des Ardents"
is still celebrated vigorously as a folklore festival."
Peter Van Renterghem
"I went there for my best friend's wedding, I didn't know her, she is very beautiful inside, and the outside is very pretty too."
Barbara Delattre
"Stunning"
Louis Coupé
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The church is located in Arras, France. It's accessible by public transport within the city, with local buses often stopping nearby. If driving, check for parking availability in the city center.
Yes, it's a prominent landmark in Arras. Using a GPS or a city map will guide you easily to its location.
Arras is well-connected by train, especially from Paris. Many visitors opt for the train for convenience and to avoid driving in the city.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the church is typically free, as it is a place of worship. However, special exhibitions or events might have an admission fee.
Opening hours can vary, especially on Sundays and holidays. It's advisable to check the official website or local listings for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
Generally, there is no entrance fee for the church itself. Donations are often welcome to help with its upkeep.
Yes, you can often visit outside of service times. If you wish to attend a service, check the schedule beforehand.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
This church is built on the site of the former Arras Cathedral and is famously linked to the legend of the 'Mal des Ardents' and the 'miraculous candle'.
It refers to a historical disease, 'St. Anthony's Fire,' and a legend involving a miraculous candle that originated in this church, offering healing to the faithful.
The 'Bal des Ardents' (Ball of the Burning Ones) is a historical event that shares its name with the disease and is celebrated as a folklore festival, connected to the region's history.
Visitors can admire the church's architecture and soak in the historical atmosphere. The site itself holds significant historical and legendary importance.
The church's architecture and historical context provide excellent opportunities for photography. Remember to be respectful of the sacred space.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Arras city center offers numerous dining options, from traditional French bistros to cafes, located a short walk from the church.
You can enjoy regional specialties, classic French cuisine, and international options in Arras's diverse culinary scene.
Social
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