At Capiau, the life of a market gardener

Go and meet the inhabitants of the Marais Audomarois.

What would the Audomarois marsh be without its inhabitants?

What would the Audomarois marsh be without its inhabitants?

Go and meet Yves “Capiau”, since that’s what the people here call him. This market gardener shares with you his last day of work before a well-deserved retirement.

Before this last day ends, he invites you, free of charge, to discover with him the secrets of his beloved Audomarois marsh, now listed as UNESCO.

With photos taken from his family albums, the tools he used during his life as a market gardener or even films from his younger years... It's a wave of emotions that carries you throughout this visit !

Yves “Capiau” welcomes you with open arms

Free of charge and all year round at the Maison du Marais. First, he will tell the whole family how the Audomarois marsh was built. Then, he will introduce you to the trades and traditions that punctuate the lives of its inhabitants. Finally, Capiau will make you aware of the immense biodiversity that the marsh harbors…

Useful information

Moyen(s) de paiement

  • Credit card
  • Postal or bank cheques
  • Holiday vouchers
  • Cash
  • Administration money orders

Information(s) utile(s)

Horaires

Discover the history of the Audomarois marsh

Discover the history of the Audomarois marsh

The transformation of a vast swamp by man, the development of residential and market gardening areas, the work of the land and the preservation of this unique space... Discover the history of this hostile land domesticated by the monks of Saint Bertin from the 7th century.

Its inhabitants, the “Brouckaillers” as they are called, have shaped the face of this labyrinth of water and vegetation, a natural fortress and showcase of biodiversity, for more than 13 centuries.

Discovering the know-how of market gardeners

Discovering the know-how of market gardeners

For example, did you know that cauliflower has been cultivated since the beginning of the 18th century. Note that today it still remains the most produced vegetable in the marsh with 5 million heads each year.

Furthermore, even if there are many varieties, the best known and most emblematic of the Audomarois marsh is the Martinet cauliflower (named after its creator). It is the first to emerge from the ground at the start of the season (end of May – beginning of June).

Learn more about growing marsh vegetables...

Admire the evolution of market gardening and navigation techniques through an exhibition of the tools characteristic of working the land in the marsh. Rare local know-how which is therefore essential to preserve. Growing cauliflower or using ruie will no longer hold any secrets for you.

Take a seat at Yves Capiau’s table in his farmhouse, a typical habitat of the Audomarois marshes. He wants to share with you some of his best memories in the marsh.

This ecosystem classified by UNESCO

Finally, end your visit by learning more about the marsh’s iconic species. And first, those which make the market gardening fauna and flora an exceptional biological ensemble. Also learn more about the environmental threats that weigh on the protection of the Audomarois marsh, now classified by UNESCO under the “Man & Biosphere” label with a view to promoting the cohabitation of Man and nature. Ultimately, enjoy an immersive, lively and captivating visit suitable for all audiences.

At “Capiau”, the life of a market gardener... Interior of the Capiau exhibition Maison du Marais exhibition Visitor to the Capiau exhibition Children's workshop at the Capiau exhibition Audomarois Marsh Ecosystem
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