Biache-Saint-Vaast is well-known for an eponymous
Middle Palaeolithic archaeological site immediately to the south of the town on the left bank of the Scarpe River, produced by Neanderthals dating to around 240,000 years ago (
MIS 7) showing evidence for the use of fire and the butchery of
aurochs,
narrow-nosed rhinoceros, and
brown bear. Neanderthal bones have also been recovered from the site. ==Population==