Storied Arques-la-Bataille | dieppe-maritime-tourisme

Its ruins tower above the village and offer an unbeatable view of the surrounding area. From its natural promontory, with broad pits splitting the valley, the Château d’Arques-la-Bataille alone contains 900 years of history made up of battles and revivals. Built in the early 12th century, it was attacked by William the Conqueror and Charles the Bold, received François I and witnessed the victory of Henri IV, to name but a few of its events… It was remodelled on several occasions before collapsing after the Second World War but never lost its spirit, which can still be felt today in every one of its stones.

Jeune homme en train de pique-niquer devant le château d'Arques-la-Bataille

Ruines du Château d'Arques-la-Bataille perché sur une colline et sous un ciel bleu

Point de vue avec des étangs, des maisons et de la verdure

Cimetière des Caffres situé dans la ville d'Arques-la-Bataille.

A place of remembrance

Another strong historical marker is Commonwealth Cemetery, located at the edge of forest and the final resting place of foreigners who came to do road and forest work in the region during the Second World War. They were Chinese, Hindu and British, but above all from Reunion Island in the Indian Ocean. Passing in front of the 311 graves lined up on the hill is an arresting experience. The forests around it and their panoramic viewpoints provide an opportunity to get a greater sense of these men’s history in Normandy.

L'Auberge de la forêt est un restaurant à Arques-la-Bataille.

A warm, friendly meal atAuberge de la Forêt

Stop by this cosy building at the edge of the Forest of Arques, where Chef Nasset concocts delicious traditional and regional dishes. You don’t want to miss out on the experience during your tour of the village!

Did you know?

Who would have thought the church in this Pays de Caux village houses a real rarity? There, you can admire a rood screen, an architectural unit which separates the choir from the nave and which virtually disappeared from religious buildings beginning in the 17th century. The delicacy of its sculptures makes it all the more extraordinary! An organ is installed there, making the full power of the Académie Bach’s famous early music festival resonate throughout the nation.

Intérieur de l'église gothique, jubé en pierre blanche surmonté d'un orgue

A unique street corner…

Visitors with curious minds can continue their exploration with this enormous round building. Nothing could be odder in the centre of a rural village! This school was erected in 1935, according to the very modern plans of architect Georges Thurin, in response to the doubling of the population over 50 years of industrialization. Because many industries have called Arques-la-Bataille home, including the Viscose factory which produced one of the first French synthetic fibres. But that’s a whole other story…