Arques (Pas-de-Calais)
Arques | ||
---|---|---|
|
||
region | Hauts-de-France | |
Department | Pas-de-Calais | |
Arrondissement | Saint-Omer | |
Canton | Longuenesse | |
Community association | Pays de Saint-Omer | |
Coordinates | 50 ° 44 ′ N , 2 ° 18 ′ E | |
height | 2-62 m | |
surface | 22.41 km 2 | |
Residents | 9,753 (January 1, 2017) | |
Population density | 435 inhabitants / km 2 | |
Post Code | 62510 | |
INSEE code | 62040 | |
Website | http://www.ville-arques.fr/ | |
Boat lift in Arques |
Arques ( Dutch : Arke or Arken ) is a French municipality with 9753 inhabitants (as of January 1 2017) in the department of Pas-de-Calais and in the region of Hauts-de-France . The municipality belongs to the arrondissement of Saint-Omer and belongs to the canton of Longuenesse .
geography
The municipality is located on the Canal de Neuffossé , which connects the river Aa with the Leie , on the border between the historical regions of Flanders and Artois . It is part of the Caps et Marais d'Opale Regional Nature Park . Arques is surrounded by the neighboring communities of Clairmarais in the north, Renescure in the east, Campagne-lès-Wardrecques in the southeast, Blendecques in the southwest, Longuenesse in the west and Saint-Omer in the northwest.
history
Waldebertus I is mentioned as Count von Arkes in the seventh century. He had a church dedicated to St. Martin built near his mansion. The place gained importance during the Franco-Flemish War following the battle of the Spurs at the Battle of Arques in April 1303, when the French army marched on Saint-Omer. Under William of Flanders the French were thrown back with great losses. In the Hundred Years War that followed, the area was devastated again and again.
The first canal can be proven as early as 1774.
During the First World War, the place was of strategic importance. More than 100,000 soldiers were stationed.
During the Second World War there was a military airfield here called Aérodrome de Saint-Omer-Arques-Fort Rouge .
economy
Arques became famous for its crystal glass production (associated with the Arc International brand ).
Personalities
- Julie Machart (* 1989), soccer player
Attractions
- Church, built in the 18th century
- town hall
- Les Fontinettes boat lift
- Château du Pavé d'Arques
Parish partnership
Arques maintains a partnership with the German municipality of Wadgassen in Saarland.