Arques

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Shortened history of the castle:

The castle was mentioned for the first time in 1011, but the original lords of Arques were dispossessed in the 12th century in favour of the powerful family of Terme
In 1217, Simon de Montfort, chief of the Crusaders against the Albigensians, apparently took and burned the castle and the village. Then, in 1231, he gave the lands of Arques to his lieutenant, Pierre de Voisins. In 1265, this new lord of Arques made a terrible impression by condemning a 60-year-old woman, accused of witchcraft, to be burned alive in the village.

At the end of the 13th century, his son, Gilles de Voisins, rebuilt the town as a bastide (planned town) and started the construction of the present castle. His own son, Gilles II, finished the construction in 1316.

The castle was sold as national property during the French Revolution and sustained some damage. It was listed as an Historical Monument in 1887.

Opening times and addtionnal information:

Closed in January, february and December

March, October, November : 10:00am-1:00pm and 2:00pm-5:00pm
April to June, September : 10:00am-1:00pm and 2:00pm-6:00pm
July and August : 10:00am-7:00pm

Fees
Adult: 5 €
Child: 2 €
Reduced: 4 €

Group Prices (10 people minimum)
- simple visit: 3.50 €
- guided tour (on reservation only): 5.50 € / person

Email: site.arques@wanadoo.fr