Attractions and Places To See around Arques - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Arques are found primarily in the Pas-de-Calais department, an area defined by its waterways, marshlands, and rolling hills. This region offers a blend of industrial heritage, natural beauty, and historical sites. Visitors can explore unique engineering marvels, tranquil nature reserves, and charming villages. The area provides diverse opportunities for outdoor activities and cultural discovery.
Best attractions and places to see around Arques
- The most popular attractions is Cassel Old Town, a settlement that offers beautiful views, cozy alleys, and a richly furnished museum. It is known for its cobblestone climb and a blend of history, culture, and local gastronomy.
- Another must-see spot is Watten Hill, a summit offering panoramic views of the city and its surroundings. Visitors can see the restored Watten mill and the ruins of an abbey, providing a historical perspective on the Aa valley.
- Visitors also love Romelaëre Ponds Nature Reserve, a beautiful nature reserve covering approximately 108 hectares. This area consists of ponds, canals, and bridges, offering a rich diversity of flora and fauna.
- Arques is known for its historical sites, nature reserves, and charming settlements. The area provides a variety of attractions to see and explore.
- The attractions around Arques are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 140 upvotes and over 100 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 4, 2026
Cassel Old Town
Highlight • Settlement
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Cassel Village
Highlight • Settlement
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Romelaëre Ponds Nature Reserve
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Watten Hill
Highlight • Summit
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Saint-Omer station
Highlight • Monument
In 1904, a new, monumental station building was inaugurated, designed by the architect Clément Ligny. This building, with its neoclassical architecture, was built with high-quality materials such as blue stone from Soignies and white stone from Creil. The design reflects the grandeur of a 17th-century castle, complete with symmetrical pavilions and decorative elements such as triglyphs and pediments.
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Tips from the Community
After being closed for several years, the Saint-Omer train station has been given a facelift. The new, completely renovated building is dedicated to travelers, of course, but also to artists, craftspeople, entrepreneurs… La Station isn't just a station; it's "a space for innovation with a station inside." (c) https://nl.tourisme-saintomer.com/verwonderend/erfgoed-wonderen/meesterwerken-bewonderen/het-station-een-station-en-een-plaats-voor-innovatie/
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nature reserve where you can take a short circular walk (1 hour) and go to the observatory
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A midweek walk in March, outside of school holidays. Few people. A joy.
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Located in Saint-Omer, France, the Gare de Saint-Omer has a rich history dating back to the 19th century. The first version of the station opened on September 1, 1848, as part of the railway line from Lille to Calais. The original building was modest and located outside the city walls, between the Porte de Lyzel and the Porte du Haut-Pont. In 1904, a new, monumental station building was inaugurated, designed by the architect Clément Ligny. This building, with its neoclassical architecture, was built with high-quality materials such as blue stone from Soignies and white stone from Creil. The design reflects the grandeur of a 17th-century castle, complete with symmetrical pavilions and decorative elements such as triglyphs and pediments.
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Cassel is a fortified town on top of a hill and not far from the Belgian border with Poperinge (20 km). Beautiful views, cozy alleys, unique estaminets and a richly furnished museum in a historic mansion. This is in short what Cassel brings you, once you have conquered the slope from whichever side. A lot of variety with a bit of history and culture, a lot of nature and local gastronomy. Enjoyment is the motto. Highlights are there for the taking in Cassel. For some, the Musée de Flandre will be the top attraction, for others the estaminets and still others just come for the cobblestone climb. Enjoy Cassel.
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Cassel is a fortified town on top of a hill and not far from the Belgian border with Poperinge (20 km). Beautiful views, cozy alleys, unique estaminets and a richly furnished museum in a historic mansion. This is in short what this walk in Cassel brings you. A lot of variety with a bit of history and culture, a lot of nature and local gastronomy. Enjoyment is the motto. Highlights are there for the taking in Cassel. For some, the Musée de Flandre will be the top attraction, for others the estaminets and still others will simply enjoy walking in the alleys. Let it all come over you and enjoy because this is Cassel.
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The Réservé Naturelle Nationale des Étangs du Romelaëre is a beautiful nature reserve located in Clairmarais, Saint-Omer and Nieurlet. This reserve, which covers approximately 108 hectares, is a remnant of an old peat cutting from the 19th century. The area consists of ponds, canals, bridges and chain pits, and offers a rich diversity of flora and fauna.
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A wonderfully quiet area, a beautiful location!
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Frequently Asked Questions
What unique historical sites can I explore around Arques?
Arques is rich in industrial heritage. A must-see is the Boat Lift of Fontinettes, the last remaining boat lift in France, offering a fascinating insight into 19th-century hydraulic engineering. You can also visit the historic Town Hall with its carillon and the ancient Saint-Martin Church.
Are there any natural attractions or reserves to visit near Arques?
Yes, the region boasts several natural gems. The Romelaëre Ponds Nature Reserve is a beautiful area of ponds, canals, and peat cuttings, offering rich flora and fauna. The Ponds of Arques, former gravel pits, also provide a serene environment for walks. Additionally, the Forest of Rihoult Clairmarais is a vast green lung perfect for nature walks, and the Neufossé Canal offers scenic routes.
What are the best viewpoints to experience the landscape around Arques?
For panoramic views, head to Watten Hill. From its summit, you can see the city and its surroundings, including the Aa valley and the Forêt Domaniale d'Eperlecques. The hill also features a restored mill and the ruins of an abbey.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near Arques?
The area around Arques is excellent for various outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for cycling, including easy to moderate touring bicycle routes like the 'Ghière Canal – Saint-Omer station loop from Arques'. For road cycling, there are routes such as the 'Tilques Castle – Noordpeene loop'. Running enthusiasts can explore trails like the 'Beauséjour Pond loop from Arques'. You can find more details on these activities in the Cycling around Arques, Road Cycling Routes around Arques, and Running Trails around Arques guides.
Are there family-friendly attractions in the Arques area?
Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. The Boat Lift of Fontinettes is an engaging historical site that can be interesting for all ages. The Cassel Village offers a blend of history, culture, and gastronomy in a charming setting. Additionally, the Chemin de Fer Touristique de la Vallée de l'Aa provides a unique tourist train ride through the local landscapes.
What is Arques known for in terms of local industry or culture?
Arques is renowned as the capital of tableware in France, home to brands like Cristal d'Arques, Luminarc, and Arcoroc. Visitors can explore the factory, its shop, and a sales tent dedicated to table decoration. Guided tours are often available to learn about the plant's history and manufacturing methods.
What is the best time to visit Arques for outdoor activities?
The best time to visit Arques for outdoor activities generally depends on the specific activity. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for hiking and cycling, with beautiful natural scenery. Summer is also suitable, especially for enjoying the ponds and marshlands, though it can be warmer. Always check local weather forecasts before planning your trip.
Are there any accessible attractions for visitors with mobility considerations?
The Saint-Omer station, located nearby, has been recently renovated and is wheelchair accessible, serving as a hub for travelers. While specific accessibility details for all trails and attractions vary, many urban areas and main paths around sites like the Fontinettes Boat Lift offer relatively flat surfaces.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Arques?
Visitors particularly appreciate the blend of history and nature. The unique engineering marvel of the Boat Lift of Fontinettes is a highlight, as are the stunning panoramic views from Watten Hill. The charming alleys and cultural offerings of Cassel Village also receive high praise, along with the tranquil beauty of the Romelaëre Ponds Nature Reserve.
Can I find information about the Audomarois marshes near Arques?
Yes, Arques is located on the edge of the Audomarois marshes, a significant wetland designated as a UNESCO biosphere reserve. The Ponds of Arques are part of this broader marshland system, offering opportunities for observing diverse flora and fauna. The Great Winnowing building, spanning the Aa river, now serves as a reception center for the Regional Natural Park, which encompasses parts of these marshes.
Are there any specific walking routes to discover the town of Arques itself?
Yes, there is a 'Pavement Circuit' starting at the tourist office in Arques. This route allows visitors to discover the town's treasures, including the town hall, the thousand-year-old castle (Danvers Street Castle), the Saint-Martin church, and a public garden, providing a comprehensive walk through its historical and cultural points of interest.
Most popular attractions around Arques
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