Spring 2022

The Audomarois
Marshlands
Hire a boat or take a guided ride in traditional
wooden bacoves along tree-lined canals
buzzing with bird life, where migrating herons
stop off and the postman delivers post by
boat, the only area in France with such a
service to homes which sit on floating islands
in the marshes. This 15 square mile network
of canals and farmland is unique in France
and a UNESCO-listed Biosphere Reserve. It
was started by monks in 638. They diverted
the River Aa, divided the land into plots and
farmed the land. Today a few dozen market
gardeners continue to work the plots. It is
the cauliflower capital of France with some
5million grown each year.
Visit the Maison du Marais, less than 10
minutes on foot from the centre of Saint-
Omer. It’s dedicated to the history of the
marshes, features exhibits, an educational
garden, and boat tours of the marshes.
lamaisondumarais.com/en
Marshland activities
Meet the last of the Saint-Omer boat
makers: In a wooden shed on the edge of the
marsh, a team of enthusiasts make up the
last Audomarois shipyard in existence. Take a
fascinating guided tour, and discover how this
family business continues to hand-make the
traditional wooden boats of the marshes using
500 year-old plans and wood that is up to 100
years old.
You can also hire a boat here:
lesfaiseursdebateaux.fr
Explore in style: Hire a 2CV, VW camper van
or vintage electric bikes for a day, half-day or
weekend. les-belles-echappees.com
Beer: While you’re at their office, nip to the
brewery on the grounds of an extraordinary
Abbey. Founded by Saint Bernard de
Clairvaux in the 12th century, the once
monumental Monastery of Clairmairais was
yet another victim of the French Revolution
The Good Life France | 33