Arques (Aude)

Arques ( Occitan: Arcas ) is a commune with 263 inhabitants (as of January 1, 2011 ) in the Aude department in the Languedoc- Roussillon region.

Location

The village is located about 44 km ( driving distance ) south of Carcassonne and about 27 kilometers south-west of Limoux. The cantonal capital Couiza is located about 11 kilometers to the west.

Demographics

Economy

The town is still dominated by the agriculture and forestry, with the livestock (cattle and sheep) accounts for the majority of agricultural production. In the late 20th century, tourism has been added as an important economic factor.

History

In the 11th century Arques belonged to the possessions of the Abbey of Sainte -Marie de Lagrasse Not long after, one of the estates of the Seigneurs de Termes, which in turn were themselves subjects of the viscounts of Carcassonne. First documented in 1154 is a fortified town ( castrum ) mentions of a castle is at that time not yet mentioned.

In 1217, Simon de Montfort turned after the conquest of the castle Termes towards Arques (Villa de Arquis ) and put the place at that time probably had no castle on fire. In 1231 a part of the Razès region, including Arques owned by one of his former comrades-in: Pierre de Voisin. His son, Gilles de Voisins began in 1284 with the construction of the present castle and the village, which was created in Bastide.

Attractions

Castle

Other

• The Église Sainte -Anne is a single-nave village church from the 15th century. In an annex building a small exhibition has been set up; are shown carved and painted wooden figures of St. Anne, the Virgin Mary and the Christ Child. A beautiful wrought iron cross from the 14th century is also worth noting.
• The Maison Déodat Roché is the birthplace of the famous Cathar researcher Déodat Roché. It has been transformed into a remarkable museum of the history of the Cathar movement.
• The Maison Granger is - despite its unassuming facade - the oldest house in the village and probably comes from the 14th century.
• The Arboretum du Planel located near the medieval castle. It was established in 1933 as a nursery for the Water and Forest Service ( Eaux et Forêts ). Even exotic trees can be found here: red oak, Atlas cedar, ginkgo, tulip tree, sequoia, etc.
• In the wooded area there are a variety of hiking trails.

Personalities

• Déodat Roché (* 1877, † 1978), one of the foremost researchers Cathars of the 20th century, was born at Arques, and died here.