Abbey of St. Vaast, Arras, France

The Abbey of St. Vaast was founded in 667. Saint Vedast, or Vaast (c. 453–540) was the first bishop of Arras and later also bishop of Cambrai, and was buried in the old cathedral at Arras. In 667 Saint Auburt, seventh bishop of Arras, began to build an abbey for Benedictine monks on the site of a little chapel which Saint Vedast had erected in honour of Saint Peter. Vedast's relics were transferred to the new abbey, which was completed by Auburt's successor and generously endowed by King Theuderic III, who together with his wife was afterwards buried there.

The Abbey of St. Vaast was of great importance amongst the monasteries of the Low Countries. It was exempt from episcopal jurisdiction and maintained its independence until 1778, when it was aggregated to the Congregation of Cluny.

At the French Revolution it was suppressed and the monastic buildings were used first as a hospital and then as barracks. In 1838 the premises were purchased by the town; part was used as a museum and archive, and the rest as the residence of the bishop. The abbey church, which had been desecrated and partially destroyed, was rebuilt and consecrated in 1833 and now serves as the cathedral of Arras, substituting for the former Gothic cathedral destroyed during the Revolution. The abbey houses the Musée des beaux-arts d'Arras.

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User Reviews

Ali Bakewell (2 years ago)
lots of Jesus pictures if that's your thing BUT the Bruegel was extraordinary- so pleased to see it. It is free entry

Dennis Dennis (3 years ago)
Bigger than I had expected; nice to have space to wander (& lovely and cool on a warm day). Really liked the comic book library. And never going to complain about a museum that is free.

Frank (3 years ago)
A very nice museum with a large collection of paintings and other arts throughout the centuries. And it's completely free

Andy Manning (3 years ago)
A wonderful display of art and history of the area.Staff friendly and accomodating.Highly recommend if you are interested,or even see inside this fine building

Nancy Moussima (3 years ago)
Such a nice? place with free access: beautiful pieces of art full of history, cosy workspace, kids area, small libraries here and there, sits almost everywhere if you feel tired...must visit if you spend few days in Arras. Besides, the neighbourhood is very friendly with original bars around like "Le rat perché " or "Le baobab". Take a good beer there or a hot chocolate after your visit of the museum?

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