# Éperlecques

> commune in Pas-de-Calais, France

**Wikidata**: [Q287123](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q287123)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Éperlecques)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/perlecques

## Summary
Éperlecques is a commune located in the Pas-de-Calais department of northern France. It is part of the larger administrative region of Hauts-de-France and is situated within the canton of Ardres and the arrondissement of Saint-Omer. The commune has a population of approximately 3,740 residents and is known for its historical significance, including the presence of a Second World War bunker complex built by Nazi Germany.

## Key Facts
- **Location**: Part of the Pas-de-Calais department in northern France.
- **Administrative Region**: Belongs to the Hauts-de-France region.
- **Canton**: Located within the canton of Ardres.
- **Arrondissement**: Part of the arrondissement of Saint-Omer.
- **Population**: Approximately 3,740 residents (2022 data).
- **Coordinates**: Latitude 50.806388888889, Longitude 2.1516666666667.
- **Website**: [www.eperlecques.fr](http://www.eperlecques.fr).
- **Image**: The commune features the Church of Saint-Leger, which is in the public domain.
- **Historical Significance**: Home to the Blockhaus d'Éperlecques, a bunker complex built by Nazi Germany between 1943 and 1944.
- **Railway Station**: Served by the Gare de Watten - Éperlecques railway station.
- **Biosphere Reserve**: Part of the Marais Audomarois biosphere reserve, established in 2008.
- **Wikipedia Title**: Éperlecques.
- **Sitelink Count**: 45.

## FAQs
**What is the population of Éperlecques?**
As of recent data, Éperlecques has a population of approximately 3,740 residents. The population has shown slight fluctuations over the years, with recorded figures ranging from 3,411 to 3,745.

**Where is Éperlecques located?**
Éperlecques is situated in the Pas-de-Calais department of northern France, within the Hauts-de-France region. It is part of the canton of Ardres and the arrondissement of Saint-Omer.

**What historical landmarks are in Éperlecques?**
Éperlecques is notable for the Blockhaus d'Éperlecques, a bunker complex built by Nazi Germany between 1943 and 1944. The commune also features the Church of Saint-Leger, which is a significant religious site.

**What is the significance of the Blockhaus d'Éperlecques?**
The Blockhaus d'Éperlecques was constructed as a launch base for V-2 rockets during World War II. It served as a strategic military installation aimed at targeting London and southern England.

**What is the Marais Audomarois biosphere reserve?**
The Marais Audomarois biosphere reserve, established in 2008, is a protected area that includes Éperlecques. It is designated for its ecological importance and conservation efforts.

**What is the nearest railway station to Éperlecques?**
The commune is served by the Gare de Watten - Éperlecques railway station, which provides transportation links to nearby areas.

## Why It Matters
Éperlecques holds historical significance as a site of military operations during World War II, particularly through the Blockhaus d'Éperlecques bunker complex. This installation played a crucial role in Nazi Germany's efforts to launch V-2 rockets against Allied targets. The commune's inclusion in the Marais Audomarois biosphere reserve underscores its ecological importance, contributing to conservation efforts in the region. Additionally, Éperlecques serves as a local administrative and cultural center within the Pas-de-Calais department, reflecting its role in the broader administrative structure of France.

## Notable For
- **Historical Military Site**: Home to the Blockhaus d'Éperlecques, a key WWII-era bunker complex.
- **Biosphere Reserve**: Part of the Marais Audomarois biosphere reserve, established in 2008.
- **Railway Station**: Served by the Gare de Watten - Éperlecques railway station.
- **Administrative Role**: Part of the canton of Ardres and the arrondissement of Saint-Omer.
- **Cultural Heritage**: Features the Church of Saint-Leger, a notable religious site.

## Body

### Geography and Location
Éperlecques is situated in the Pas-de-Calais department of northern France, within the Hauts-de-France region. The commune is part of the canton of Ardres and the arrondissement of Saint-Omer. It has a population of approximately 3,740 residents, with coordinates at latitude 50.806388888889 and longitude 2.1516666666667. The commune is served by the Gare de Watten - Éperlecques railway station, which provides transportation links to nearby areas.

### Historical Significance
Éperlecques is notable for its historical role during World War II, particularly through the Blockhaus d'Éperlecques. This bunker complex was built by Nazi Germany between 1943 and 1944 and served as a launch base for V-2 rockets directed against London and southern England. The site is now recognized for its historical importance and is part of the commune's heritage.

### Administrative and Political Structure
The commune is part of the larger administrative structure of France, including the Hauts-de-France region, the canton of Ardres, and the arrondissement of Saint-Omer. It is governed as part of the Pas-de-Calais department, which has been in existence since March 4, 1790. The commune's administrative role is reflected in its participation in local governance and regional development.

### Cultural and Ecological Features
Éperlecques features the Church of Saint-Leger, which is a significant religious site in the commune. The commune is also part of the Marais Audomarois biosphere reserve, established in 2008, which is designated for its ecological importance and conservation efforts. This inclusion highlights the commune's commitment to environmental preservation and sustainable development.

### Related Entities
Éperlecques is connected to several related entities, including the commune of France, the canton of Ardres, the arrondissement of Saint-Omer, the Marais Audomarois biosphere reserve, the Blockhaus d'Éperlecques, and the Gare de Watten - Éperlecques railway station. These relationships underscore the commune's role within the broader administrative and ecological framework of northern France.

## References

1. [Source](http://afccre.org/fr/nos-membres/annuaire-des-villes-jumelees#.Ygy6Li_pPR1)
2. [Source](https://pastel.diplomatie.gouv.fr/cncdext/dyn/public/atlas/rechercheAtlasFrance.html?criteres.collectiviteId=27159)
3. BnF authorities
4. Virtual International Authority File
5. dataset of postal codes in France. 2018
6. INSEE code
7. OpenStreetMap
8. répertoire géographique des communes
9. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
10. Annuaire de service-public.fr
11. Recensement de la population 2015. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies. 2017
12. Populations légales 2016
13. Populations légales 2017
14. Populations légales 2018
15. Populations légales 2019
16. Populations légales 2020
17. Populations légales 2021
18. Populations de référence 2022
19. Populations de référence 2023
20. [Code officiel géographique](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/3363419)
21. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies
22. GeoNames
23. [répertoire géographique des communes. 2015](https://wxs-telechargement.ign.fr/83edtfdyqte031y0ra49d2e3/telechargement/inspire/RGC-2015-01$RGC2015/file/RGC2015.7z)
24. [2016](https://data.geopf.fr/telechargement/download/GEOFLA/GEOFLA_2-2_COMMUNE_SHP_LAMB93_FXX_2016-06-28/GEOFLA_2-2_COMMUNE_SHP_LAMB93_FXX_2016-06-28.7z)
25. [archINFORM](https://www.archinform.net/service/wd_aiort.php)
26. [Code officiel géographique. 2017](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/2560698)
27. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File