Country France Department Pas-de-Calais Intercommunality Pays de Saint-Omer Area 22.41 km² Arrondissement Saint-Omer | Region Hauts-de-France Canton Arques Population (2009) 9,945 Local time Wednesday 11:53 PM | |
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Weather 8°C, Wind W at 31 km/h, 85% Humidity Points of interest Fontinettes boat lift, Chemin de fer touristiqu, Clownland, Centre Culturel Balavoine | ||
Arques is a commune in the Pas-de-Calais department in northern France.
Contents
Map of Arques, France
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
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 (1303). Arques is not to be confused with Arques-la-Bataille, where the Battle of Arques (1589) took place.
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.
Arques is also the home of the Fontinettes Boat Lift.