Schools and Out-of-School Groups
A Place for Discovery and Learning
In the heart of a town known for its industry, the Fontinettes Boat Lift is a source of pride for the city of Arques. This unique structure in France, listed as a Historic Monument, has been fully renovated to welcome visitors since 2023 with an interpretation center dedicated to its history and the history of navigation. Inaugurated in 1888, it stands as a witness to 19th-century industrialization, technical innovation, and the constant progress of engineering.
Out of service since 1967, the Fontinettes Boat Lift is the perfect place to observe the Past, reflect on the Present, and discuss the Future.
Just like the Maison du Marais, with which it shares educational services, commercial operations, and a team of mediators, the Fontinettes Boat Lift relies on its interpretation center and the expertise of its team to offer students from kindergarten to primary school a 100% tailored visit experience.
"Whether for an hour, a day, or a full project, we look forward to welcoming you to one of our sites."
An audio tour
From our interpretation centre, listen to the voice of Jacques, the last guardian of the Ascenseur à Bateaux des Fontinettes, as he sets off on his last tour and tells you the little stories that have made up the great history of this extraordinary monument, a witness to the great hours of French industrialisation. Then climb aboard a real Freycinet barge and discover the very special way of life of the bargemen. From cycle 1 to cycle 5. _____ From cycle 2 to cycle 5. A downloadable booklet is available to help pupils take part in their visit: * -- Download Primary Booklet - Download Primary Corrections Booklet * -- Download Secondary School Booklet - Download Secondary School Corrections Booklet
A Guided Tour
From the immediate surroundings of the Fontinettes Boat Lift, follow a guide who will lead you to admire the impressive human engineering that makes navigation possible on the good old Neuffossé Canal — a waterway that has seen many barges over the years!
Landscape reading, history, and anecdotes will enrich this walking tour, which includes an audio-guided visit to our interpretation center.
For students from cycle 1 to cycle 5.
A practical activity
From a selection of activities created and supervised by a specially trained mediation team in line with the expectations of your school programmes, the learner becomes the actor in his or her own learning
To complement your visit - Schools and after-school groups at the Boat Lift
A fun journey to the heart of the railways
Guided tour of the Aa Valley railway collection Did you know that the Ascenseur à Bateaux was one of the few places where trains used to pass under boats? This is the link we are now offering to the classes we welcome at the Ascenseur à Bateaux des Fontinettes to complement their visit with a discovery of the railway world at the former Arques station (5 to 10 minutes along footpaths).
This is an opportunity to discover steam and diesel locomotives, a "Picasso" railcar and passenger carriages from the 1930s, all acquired and maintained by the Chemin de Fer Touristique de la Vallée de l'Aa association in conjunction with the SNCF.
Our mediator will take the pupils on a tour of the various modes of transport, technological developments and ecological efficiency, taking advantage of this static equipment to organise visits and fun workshops. > Approximately 1h30, departing from and returning to the Fontinettes Boat Lift 3.5€ per pupil