Fourques (Gard)
Fourques is a commune with 2893 inhabitants (as of January 1, 2011 ) in the department of Gard of the Languedoc -Roussillon region.
Geography
Fourques situated on the Grand Rhône and the branching in the municipality Petit Rhône, south of which form estuaries of the landscape Camargue. The rivers also form the municipal boundary of Fourques, which also forms the border with the department of Bouches -du -Rhône. In the north, bordering the town of Beaucaire, in the east and south of Arles, in the south west of Saint- Gilles and to the northwest by Bellegarde.
The place name is derived from the geographical conditions: The name comes from the word Fourques fourche what fork means. This goes back to the turn of the Petit Rhône from the Grand Rhône.
Attractions
Roman
Already existed in the 2nd century in Fourques a bridge over the Petit Rhône. This was the part of a branch line of the Via Domitia. At that time there was a Roman villa, whose location is accurately known. At the beginning of the 19th century first remains were found from the Roman period. After this long time had stopped just by the canal, the mayor of Fourques made only in 1954 for a restoration of the find. In the same year a farmer discovered two columns from Roman times.
The Church
For the parish, which formerly belonged to the Archbishopric of Arles, two saints play a special role. One is Saint- sixte in which it is the patron saint of the place. Martin of Tours is the namesake of the local church. This was originally created in the 15th century. During the Wars of Religion it burned and was rebuilt later. The Rectory dates from the 18th century. 1841 the church was enlarged in 1859 her old altar was replaced. On November 10, 1980 more members of the church were declared Monuments historiques.
The Castle
In 1070 the Castle of Fourques was first mentioned. It was at that time the protection of the border between France and the Holy Roman Empire, which was formed by the Rhône. This castle has a quadrangular shape, with a tower located at each corner. The existing today outside walls probably date from the 12th century. At this time, in 1180, the castle was besieged by Alfonso II. It was at that time owned by the Count of Toulouse. 1215 Simon de Montfort the rightful owner of the region and therefore of the castle. In 1229 it went into royal possession, ie in the possession of France, over. In the 17th century it was finally sold by Louis XIV. From then on it was in possession of the Créquy family until the French Revolution.
The Bridge
The Bridge of Forques (French Pont de Fourques ) located on the Petit Rhone and connects Fourques with the city of Arles. It is 157 meters long and four meters wide. Today she wears the Department of Road 11 from Nimes to Arles.
The approval for the construction of the suspension bridge was granted on July 10, 1828. On April 1, 1830, the bridge was finally opened. Exactly three years later, on April 1, 1833, the first overdue bridge tolls fell off. 1909 to replace the metal support columns previously used wood. On 29 August 1944, the bridge of the retreating German troops was severely damaged. In 1946 she was re-opened. Since then, various repairs to the bridge were carried out. In 1988 the bridge was classified as a monument historique.