Arques-La-Bataille: History, Rivers and Trails

Arques-La-Bataille can be explored through several distinct themes: church art, historic buildings, rivers and ponds, and trails through the countryside. These different highlights offer a range of starting points for planning your trip.

Church Art and History

The Church of Notre-Dame de l’Assomption has a rare Renaissance rood screen made of white stone. Its apse windows include some stained-glass windows from the 16th century, and they were also restored at a later date. Two different aspects therefore take centre stage: the style and material of the rood screen, and the date and restoration of the windows.

The former royal bailliage is the only bailliage in Haute-Normandie to remain completely intact. The main building of the Manoir d’Archelles dates from the second half of the 16th century. The Battle of Arques provides a more precise date: Henri IV won it on September 21, 1589. These dates use different levels of precision—the Manoir is dated to a half-century, while the battle has a specific day.

The Commonwealth War Cemetery contains a total of 311 graves. As a distinct place of remembrance, it adds to the destination’s historical points of interest, but its number should not be equated with the history of the battle.

Waterways and Forest

The rivers Varenne, Béthune and Eaulne meet in Arques-La-Bataille to form the 7 km-long Arques. It flows into the English Channel via the port of Dieppe. The fishing ponds scattered throughout the municipality on the valley floor offer a different way to enjoy the water: they are places for walks.

The Forêt d’Arques covers almost 1,000 hectares. It is a high forest of beech and oak, with a few conifers. Alongside the river and ponds, the forest area and its trees are other distinct aspects of the landscape to explore.

Trails and Activities

The Avenue Verte was extended to Arques-La-Bataille in 2008 and runs along the route of a former railway line. Between Dieppe and Forges-les-Eaux, it is free to use for pedestrians, inline skaters, cyclists, horse riders and people with reduced mobility. Since operating conditions can change, it is advisable to check the route’s current conditions before setting out.

Another trail climbs gently from the village car park to the ruins of Château d’Arques. Local trail conditions can also change, so it is best to check them before setting out. The Avenue Verte follows the former railway line; the other trail climbs gently to the castle ruins.

Highlights for Your Stay

The historic buildings and the battle offer different points of interest from the fishing ponds and the Forêt d’Arques; the Avenue Verte and the trail to the castle ruins, in turn, offer different ways to explore. Then choose the specific hotel offer that suits your needs and travel dates.

Discover more destinations: Montmain, Ancretteville-sur-Mer, Maniquerville, Montville, Petiville, Écrainville, Mentheville, Bennetot

For the main travel overview: Seine-Maritime.