13 centuries of history have allowed Audomarois to build a strong identity. Stories passed down from generation to generation, a unique market gardening culture, legends but also festivities on the water... The traces of this heritage are still perceptible today.
The Marais Audomarois: disconnection
Discover the Marais Audomarois, a pearl of 3,700 hectares certified by UNESCO. The last market garden marsh in France, it offers a unique communion between Man and nature. Explore its inhabited canals, its wild spaces and its heritage, preserved in this exceptional haven of biodiversity.
Take the time to breathe in the Marais Audomarois
Recognized by UNESCO under the “Man and Biosphere” label for the cohabitation between Man and nature, the Audomarois marsh extends over more than 3,700 hectares. This wetland is the largest in Nord-Pas-de-Calais. It is also the last market gardening marsh in France.
The marsh includes cultivated areas, inhabited suburbs as well as wild spaces where nature can express itself freely. Treat yourself to a moment of disconnection at the foot of Saint-Omer: the Audomarois marsh invites you to discover its many faces…
The Marais Audomarois, a unique and recognized territory!
Man & Biosphere de l'UNESCO
Since 2013, the Audomarois marsh has been recognized by UNESCO as a biosphere reserve as part of the “Man & Biosphere” program. This aims to reconcile human activity with the biodiversity of the reserve.
Ramsar location
The Audomarois marsh, as a wetland of international importance, has also been included on the list of RAMSAR sites since 2008. This recognition is both ecological and cultural.
The inhabited Audomarois marsh
In the western part of the Audomarois marsh as in the "suburbs", there are houses, inhabited all year round or rented during the summer months. While some border the canals, proud behind their pretty little bridge which connects them to the road, others, isolated on an island, are accessible only by boat.
If, in the middle of the 20th century, school buses were taken by boat, the construction of roads has since made it easier to reach these homes. However, several dozen houses remain today only accessible by water. Even the postman makes his rounds there by boat!
The cultivated Audomarois marsh
In the Middle Ages, garlic, onion and hemp made up the majority of vegetable production. Market gardening activity reached its peak in the 19th century, at which time 400 families cultivated some 850 hectares of land.
Today, a few dozen market gardeners continue to exploit the plots of the marsh. They produce many vegetables, including the famous summer cauliflower, for which the Audomarois marsh is famous. Its harvest is an impressive spectacle but reserved for early risers since the market gardeners meet in their fields at sunrise. In addition, some producers show their farms during the summer and sell their vegetables directly to visitors.
The wild Audomarois marsh
Biosphere reserve classified by UNESCO, the Audomarois marsh has remarkable fauna and flora. In fact, there are more than 200 species of birds, 13 species of bats (bats), 29 different species of fish and nearly 400 varieties of plants!
Thus, it is not uncommon to cross paths with a family of swans or a gray heron during a boat trip in the Saint-Omer marsh. Fauna and flora enthusiasts can continue the visit on foot. For example, in the Romelaëre ponds national nature reserve where observatories allow them to peacefully admire many species of birds.
The vernacular heritage of the Marais
The nautical procession of Saint-Omer
Every year, in the middle of summer and for more than 40 years, some 20,000 people gather to admire the traditional nautical procession. This is a unique event in Hauts-de-France.
Thanks to the Haut Pont Leisure Group, it’s a farandole of decorated floats that parade day and night with flowered and illuminated floats.
The legend of...Marie Groët
This story is passed down from generation to generation. Indeed, it is said that the witch of the swamp is called Marie Groët. It is also said that it catches the ankles of children who get too close to the bank... Some have never seen it and yet you could well come across it while taking a walk in the Audomarois marsh. Be careful of children who are careless...
The cauliflower brotherhood
Created in February 2004 by Michel Théret, market gardener from Saint-Omer, the Confrérie du Chou-Fleur is the ambassador of this emblematic product of the Audomarois marshes and more particularly of Saint-Omer: summer cauliflower.
The members of the brotherhood are market gardeners, restaurateurs or simply ambassadors. They promote this local Audomarois product. How is cauliflower grown? How to enhance it in the kitchen?
Visit the Marais all year round
Mecca of nature and preservation of a fragile environment, the Audomarois marsh can be discovered in 1001 different ways. On foot, by bike or by boat, independently, accompanied by a guide or even thanks to the imagination... There is no shortage of possibilities and there are numerous tour offers to please the whole family.
Visit the Marais Audomarois by boat
As a couple, with family or friends, sailing on the marsh is within the reach of all those who wish to discover its riches while respecting the fragility of its ecosystem.
Throughout the year, La Maison du Marais offers boat trips accompanied by a guide. Many boatmen partners also offer the opportunity to discover the different facets of the marsh: with a guide aboard the traditional marsh boat, the bacôve, by taking charge of a rowing boat yourself or propelled by an electric motor . The Audomarois marsh is also revealed during thematic walks. In the early morning to admire the “sunrise” but also during silent or photographic walks. You could even board a cruise ship for a meal…
La Maison du Marais
Guided tours by traditional boat and thematic walks
La Maison du Marais
Saint-Martin-lez-Tatinghem
Au Bon Accueil
Boat rental, guided tours, boat trips
Au Bon Accueil
Salperwick
Ô Marais by ISNOR
Boat rental, guided tours in bacôves and boat trips, thematic cruises
Ô Marais by ISNOR
Clairmarais
Les Faiseurs de Bateaux
Guided tours by traditional boat, boat rental, thematic cruises
Les Faiseurs de Bateaux
Saint-Omer
Visit the Marais Audomarois on foot
For a Sunday stroll with the family, to hike for miles or practice Nordic walking, there are several places for walks and hiking trails in the marsh.
The Park of the Maison du Marais
Walking trail at the foot of Saint-Omer
The Park of the Maison du Marais
Saint-Martin-lez-Tatinghem
The Romelaëre ponds nature reserve
Trails set up in the countryside
The Romelaëre ponds nature reserve
Clairmarais
Lansbergue trail
5.9km hiking route
Lansbergue trail
Serques - Tilques
The Cuvette trail
17.1km hiking route
The Cuvette trail
Clairmarais
Visit the Marais Audomarois by bike
On the occasion of a Sunday stroll with the family, to hike for miles or try tandem riding...
Electric Assisted Bike Rental at Maison du Marais
Rental of electrically assisted bicycles
Electric Assisted Bike Rental at Maison du Marais
Saint-Martin-lez-Tatinghem
Discovery walks with Les Belles escapees
Location e-Solex, mobylettes thermiques, tandem, vélos californiens et Piaggio Calessino (« tuk-tuk »)
Discovery walks with Les Belles escapees
Clairmarais
Le Clître mountain bike trail
MTB route 15.2 km with a height difference of 144 m
Le Clître mountain bike trail
Clairmarais
MTB trail ACROSS the Houlle
12.3 km mountain bike route
MTB trail ACROSS the Houlle
Houlle
Discover our territory
In the Pays de Saint-Omer, keep your eyes and ears open! Along the fabulous paths, contemplate the heritage wonders of the territory and unearth their secrets.