Écoust-Saint-Mein (French pronunciation: [eku sɛ̃ mɛ̃]) is a commune in the Pas-de-Calais département in the Hauts-de-France region of France.[3]

Écoust-Saint-Mein
The church of Écoust-Saint-Mein
The church of Écoust-Saint-Mein
Coat of arms of Écoust-Saint-Mein
Location of Écoust-Saint-Mein
Map
Écoust-Saint-Mein is located in France
Écoust-Saint-Mein
Écoust-Saint-Mein
Écoust-Saint-Mein is located in Hauts-de-France
Écoust-Saint-Mein
Écoust-Saint-Mein
Coordinates: 50°10′57″N 2°54′39″E / 50.1825°N 2.9108°E / 50.1825; 2.9108
CountryFrance
RegionHauts-de-France
DepartmentPas-de-Calais
ArrondissementArras
CantonBapaume
IntercommunalityCC Sud-Artois
Government
 • Mayor (2020–2026) Olivier Houplain[1]
Area
1
8.43 km2 (3.25 sq mi)
Population
 (2021)[2]
487
 • Density58/km2 (150/sq mi)
Time zoneUTC+01:00 (CET)
 • Summer (DST)UTC+02:00 (CEST)
INSEE/Postal code
62285 /62128
Elevation84–117 m (276–384 ft)
(avg. 97 m or 318 ft)
1 French Land Register data, which excludes lakes, ponds, glaciers > 1 km2 (0.386 sq mi or 247 acres) and river estuaries.

Geography

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Écoust-Saint-Mein is a farming village situated 10 miles (16 km) southeast of Arras at the junction of the D956 and D5 roads.

History

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During World War I, Écoust-Saint-Mein was located on the Hindenburg Line when its inhabitants were evacuated by German forces. The church tower was mined and served as a landmark for gunners. Following the battle of Arras in 1917, it was captured by the Allies until it was recaptured by the Germans in March 1918 and finally retaken on 3 September 1918.

Population

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Historical population
YearPop.±% p.a.
1968 466—    
1975 453−0.40%
1982 468+0.47%
1990 443−0.68%
1999 429−0.36%
2007 487+1.60%
2012 506+0.77%
2017 491−0.60%
Source: INSEE[4]

Places of interest

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  • The church of St. Mein, dating from the sixteenth century.
  • Traces of an old castle.
  • World War I cemeteries.
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In the 2019 film 1917, Écoust-Saint-Mein is depicted as a ruined waypoint on the mission of the main character. The film's depiction of the town is largely based on actual history. As the town became a war zone during the First World War, the villagers had no choice but to abandon Écoust-Saint-Mein, returning after the war to rebuild. Fictional elements were also integrated, however, such as the river crossing the town.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Répertoire national des élus: les maires". data.gouv.fr, Plateforme ouverte des données publiques françaises (in French). 9 August 2021.
  2. ^ "Populations légales 2021" (in French). The National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies. 28 December 2023.
  3. ^ INSEE commune file
  4. ^ Population en historique depuis 1968, INSEE
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