A Fleurbaix story starts with its name. The name Fleurbaix comes from “Fleur” and “Baix”. Baix is “Bèke” in Flemish. It means stream. So, Fleurbaix literally means flower stream.
Fleurbaix began 2,000 years ago. People drained wetlands. They deforested the area. This created the town. Fleurbaix was part of the Pays de l’Alloeu. Laventie, La Gorgue, and Sailly-sur-la-Lys were also part of it. “Alloeu” meant land with seigneurial franchises in the Middle Ages.
Fleurbaix’s charter dates back to 1425. It defined liberties for the four parishes. Fleurbaix was between Flanders and Artois. It had a unique administration. In 1790, Artois didn’t want to lose the fertile Fleurbaix. So, Fleurbaix stayed in Artois in Pas de Calais.
Fleurbaix once had a monastery. Today, a statue of Our Lady stands on its site.
World War I hit Fleurbaix hard. It was near the front line. There are four military cemeteries. One is the Trou Aid Post.
Fleurbaix is more than just its history. It is a place of natural beauty. The town is labeled “2 flowers” in a competition. This is for towns and villages with flowers.
Today, Fleurbaisiens cherish their heritage. The association Fleurbaix Patrimoine researches. It also conserves, values, and transmits their history. You can follow their activities online. Fleurbaix has a rich past. It has beautiful landscapes. It is a place to remember and explore.