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The story of Esquerdes is linked to the development of two large paper and gunpowder industries, which developed from the time of Louis XIV to the 19th century and which led to a large population growth. In 1790, the town was large enough (with 500 inhabitants) to be named the capital of the canton. About two hundred years later, this figure had more than tripled. The church of St.Martin, dating from the twelfth century. The remains of a fifteenth-century chateau. The old paper mill, still working in a small capacity. The gunpowder factory.

It is a former French gunpowder factory that was founded in the 17th century by the “Régie Royale des Poudres et Salpêtres” under Louis XIV to supply the army with gunpowder and to meet certain civilian needs. The factory closed in 1972 and has been abandoned since then. The site is polluted by large quantities of nitrates that remain in the soil. The area is now a protected nature reserve and is open to the public

Paper has been produced in this village in the Aa valley since 1473. There are still several paper factories.

Setques is located in the Aa valley and has a church dedicated to St-Omer from the 18th century

Nice gravel path.

Great bike path in the woods along the Aa.