Arques, Pas-de-Calais


Arques is a commune in the Pas-de-Calais department in northern France, bordering Saint-Omer.

Geography

Arques is situated in the middle of the Hauts-de-France region, 40 km from Calais and Dunkerque, and 45 km from Boulogne-sur-Mer. It lies on the border of the departments of Pas-de-Calais and Nord.
The town is crossed by the Neufossé Canal, which connects the rivers Aa and Lys. The commune also includes several lakes—Beauséjour, Arc-en-ciel, Malhôve, Batavia—and part of the forest of Rihout-Clairmarais.

History

Arques is in the region of French Flanders. As this area has been under Belgian, English, French and Spanish rule, many of the names are French versions of names in other languages.
In the wake of the Battle of the Golden Spurs a battle was fought here in April 1303 between French and Flemish. The Flemish were victorious in the Battle of Arques. Arques is not to be confused with Arques-la-Bataille, where the Battle of Arques took place. It is also close to Agincourt.
It was one of the first towns in the region which subscribed to Agenda 21.

Population

Economy

Arques is famous for its crystal manufacture. It has been the headquarters of Arc International, the largest manufacturer of glassware in the world, since its inception in the 19th century.

Places of interest

There is a town walk which takes in most of these sites and can be downloaded from the town website.
The town is a ville fleurie and is rated with three flowers.
La Goudale have relocated to Arques from Douai, to a state of the art brewery which can be visited.

Gallery