Ascenseur à Bateaux In Arques

A unique industrial heritage | Arques

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Your visit to the elevator

Your visit to the elevator

The Fontinettes boat lift is 5 visit areas, a total immersion to relive the heart of the activity of this exceptional monument.

Period Opening
April, May, June, September Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
July and August Monday to Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Easter Holidays and All Saints Holidays Monday to Sunday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Other Holidays Workshops and visits according to program

Visit the repair shop, stroll along the towpath and discover the way of life of mariners aboard a Freycinet barge.

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The history of Fontinettes

In Arques, and more precisely at a place called “Les Fontinettes”, the Canal de Neuffossé which connects the Lys to L’Aa has a drop of 13.13m.

Until the middle of the 19th century, a ladder of 5 locks was enough to make up for this difference in level, but with the increase in barge traffic on the canal, these very quickly proved to be insufficient. While it was initially planned to double the number of lock ladder chambers, the implementation of the Freycinet plan in 1879 caused the works budget to jump and a new call for projects was launched.

Live a unique experience

Live a unique experience

Welcome to the Fontinettes boat lift, we are on August 16, 1967. You are going to meet Jacques, the caretaker, who is leaving for his last round before the lift leaves its place at the main lock.

Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of this atypical place, relive the inauguration and climb aboard a Freycinet barge.

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What to do around ?

Interactive map

Frequently Asked Questions

2023 Fee Schedule

Denomination Price including VAT
Full price 5€90
Reduced Rate (1) 4€90
Free (2) 0€00
Children's workshop 7€00

School rates

Denomination Price including VAT
School group rates / free visit 2€00
School group rates / guided tour or workshop 5€50

Group rates

Denomination Price including VAT
Adult group rates (>10 people) 4€50
Guided tour adult group rates (>10 people) 8€00
Multipurpose room rental by the day (9am-6pm) 180€

Reduced rates applicable (upon presentation of proof)

(1) Children 4-15 years old / Students / Seniors (+ 60 years old) / Large family / Accompanying visitor with a disability / Tourism professionals

(2) 4 years old / Job seekers and RSA beneficiaries / People with disabilities / International Counci of Museum members / Education Pass * / Journalists / Guides-lecturers

We accept payment in cash, bank checks, holiday vouchers, online ticketing.

By bus (Lines 3 or 6):

Stop: Arques Center Ville (Place) Please note: no bus on Sundays and public holidays!

Information : http://mouveo.ca-pso.fr/

By train:

The nearest station is Saint-Omer station (Site TER Hauts de France)

Information : https://www.sncf-connect.com/

By email : info@ascenseurabateaux.com

By postal route: 2 Chem. de la Digue du Smetz 62510 ARQUES

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