Pays de Saint-Omer: the amusement park
You probably didn't know it, but the Pays de Saint-Omer is actually a 13-century-old amusement park! It has taken all this time for this region of a thousand legends and stories to open up to the public. You'll discover seven worlds to explore on foot, by bike or, if you're looking for adventure, by steam locomotive, canoe on the Lys or even in a 2CV for the nostalgic!
Your visit begins with the "Marais de Marie Groët": the Audomarois marshlands. A breath of fresh air just a stone's throw from the town center, this timeless area is made up of fields and market gardens criss-crossed by canals. You'll even find shops, restaurants, accommodation and plenty to keep you entertained and, above all, breathing! A must-see is the workshop of the last manufacturer of bacôves, the famous traditional boats of the marsh.
For a breath of fresh air, head for the nearby Guémilde forest: a charming valley of nature and medieval villages. Here, you can take your time and listen to the forest, which has not always been so peaceful. History buffs should visit the Éperlecques blockhouse.
For the more sporty, you can also let off steam in Lumbres, also known as "Le monde de Lydéric". With its trail station, Nordic walking center, mountain bike base and marked trails, this undulating land offers the perfect playground for sports enthusiasts.
Follow the waterways to Fauquembergues and Thérouanne, or in other words, the "Monsigny Interlude". A place with a rich and fascinating past, this area is ideal for meditating and enjoying the peace and quiet of the countryside.
InAire-sur-la-Lys, nicknamed "the belle of the Pas-de-Calais", you'll be inspired by its impressive monuments. Chapels, the belfry, the collegiate church: everything makes you want to spend hours contemplating every detail. The banks of the river Lys offer a whole new way to explore the landscape.
As you get closer to Saint-Omer, you pass through Arques, discovering its long-standing industrial activity. Some traces of this activity are still visible: hydraulic works, mills, etc. Who hasn't drunk from a glass made by the Arc crystal works? The Goudale brewery is also located here.
Finally, after all these attractions, it's time to embark on the highlight of the show: the legend of Omer. This medieval city has a lot to offer. From the beautiful cathedral to the remains of the Abbey of Saint-Bertin, everything reflects a rich past full of history and emotion. Saint-Omer is also the perfect place to stroll, do a little shopping, have a drink and simply enjoy. Not to mention the diversity of accommodation on offer: something for every taste and budget! Last but not least, the park is so well located that it's the ideal starting point for discovering the region's other attractions. Enjoy a day at the beach, from Ostend to Wimereux, or a stroll along the long stretches of sand at Les Deux Caps. Less than 1h15 from Saint-Omer, you can also visit Bruges, Arras, Lille or the Louvre-Lens.
Book your ticket now!
When you say theme park, you say admission ticket! The tourist office has thought of everything, and offers visitors a "Pass Loisirs" which includes access to around thirty tourist sites. For a very reasonable price and a duration of between 24 and 72 hours, you can take advantage of a maximum number of activities in both the Pays de Saint-Omer and the Pays de Lumbres.
These are divided into themes: Marshes, Heritage, Memory and Science, Relaxation and Leisure, Know-how, Gastronomy and Shopping. Pick and choose as you wish. To begin with, find out more about the history of Saint-Omer atthe recently renovatedMusée Sandelin, which also boasts a magnificent art collection. 21 rooms display almost 3,000 works ranging from the Middle Ages to the 19th century. On the marsh side, you can't miss the traditional boat trip.
Once you've disembarked, it's time to discover the local heritage, and there's no shortage of beautiful monuments! Continue your cultural visits by visiting museums such as La Maison de la Bataille in Noordpene or Azincourt 1915. Fascinating stuff!
And because you need to relax, why not discover this beautiful region by train on the Chemin de fer touristique de la Vallée de l'Aa, or by electric bike (there are several stations dotted around the region)? "Les Belles Échappées" even rents out more original vehicles: e-Solex, VéloSolex, Californian bikes and even 2CVs! Perfect for taking perfectly original photos!
The Pass Loisirs also offers discounts in a number of local stores, including the one at the Abbaye de Clairmarais brewery. It's impossible not to stop by and pick up a few bottles as a souvenir!
The pleasures of the audomaroise plate
The fertile soils of Saint-Omer and the surrounding area encourage local cultivation and consumption. Local producers include La Cressonnière de Tilques (8, rue Henneboque). Every day, enjoy direct farm sales of fruit, vegetables and eggs. Above all, this family of producers represents the last cress growers in the Audomarois region. Eager to protect the local gastronomic heritage,
La Cressonnière is also a member of the Association des Producteurs de Carottes de Tilques. This large, rustic vegetable, with its sweet taste, is part of every winter dish and is the pride of the Tilquois. The Bédague farm has also made the Tilques carrot its specialty. You'll also find it transformed here in sometimes surprising forms: into cookies or even jam! And don't miss out on the fruits, vegetables, flowers and sprouts of the Îlot Têtard market stalls, which also supply many local restaurateurs.
If you're a cheese lover, we recommend Chev'riotte (1, rue de Riotte, Reclinghem). Sandrine raises her goats there with passion and kindness. It's possible to visit the farm and even organize birthday parties for youngsters! The store sells cheeses, yoghurts, soaps and ice creams.
And to accompany the meal you've prepared with these delicious local products, there's nothing like a good local beer. Head to Brasserie du Funquet (19, rue de la Tirée, Escœuilles). On Fridays and Saturdays, take advantage of direct sales. For lovers of stronger spirits, you'll want to try Houlle jenever, made by the Persyn distillery (19, route de Watten). This is the oldest grain distillery still in operation in France! It's also possible to visit the distillery.
The meal ends with a cup of "Café du Ch'ti", the flagship product of Comptoir du Lys (10, rue des Alliés, Aire-sur-la-Lys). An artisan coffee roaster since 1922, this establishment is a must for coffee lovers.
If you're more the type to put your feet under the table, there are a few good addresses in the region. Start with La Table de l'O (7, rue du Bourg, Aire-sur-la-Lys), which offers a "home from home" welcome, but with bistronomic dishes. The family-friendly Le Groët de Marie (9, place Roger Salengro, Arques) offers a menu of traditional dishes in an estaminet setting, well worth a visit. The hotel-restaurant La Sapinière (12, route de Setques, Wisques) combines the pleasure of the taste buds with the pleasure of the eyes: the panoramic view over Saint-Omer, the Flanders mountains and Mont Cassel is simply unique!
For restaurants that have made local their credo, head for La Maison du Marais, Les Bols du Marais, or L'Industrie (22, rue Louis Martel, Saint-Omer). Discover regional flavors sublimated with talent and inventiveness.
GOOD TIPS
When can you visit?
The Saint-Omer region can be visited all year round, and the marshes of the Audomarois region offer a legendary opportunity to unwind. However, here are a few major free events not to be missed during the high season:
- Sous les pavés l'Art street art festival, May 27, 28 and 29, 2023.
- Saint-Omer Jazz Festival, early July.
- Cortège Nautique (flower parade on the water, attracting thousands of spectators), last Sunday in July.
- Beer Festival, early September.
Duration
You can visit the Pays de Saint-Omer for a weekend, or for a week-long stay to make the most of the region's various tourist attractions.
Budget
You'll find plenty of free activities. A wide range of accommodation (bed & breakfasts, gîtes, hotels and campsites) is available to suit all budgets. Restaurants also offer a wide range of prices.
Public
Everyone (young and old) enjoys visiting the Pays de Saint-Omer. There are plenty of family activities to discover.
Highlights
- You can breathe. The Pays de Saint-Omer boasts a rich, verdant natural environment.
- Sightseeing. The many monuments dotted around the area mean you can visit them all.
- Have fun. A wide range of activities are available: hiking, mountain biking and even traditional boat trips.
The minuses
- Your stay will always be too short to discover everything!
Getting there
By car: from Calais on the A16, from Lille on the A25, from Paris on the A26.
By train: TER Lille-Calais.
Useful
- OFFICE DE TOURISME ET DES CONGRÈS DU PAYS DE SAINT-OMER - More information on the site
7, place Victor Hugo. 62500 Saint-Omer.
Tel: 03 21 98 08 51
Low season: October1 to March 31:
- Monday: 2pm-6pm.
- Tuesday to Saturday: 10am-12.30pm and 2pm-6pm.
- Closed Sundays, Monday mornings, December 25 and January1.
High season: April1 to September 30:
- Monday to Friday: 10am-12.30pm and 2pm-6pm.
- Saturday and Sunday: 10am-6pm.
- Closed on May1st.
- AIRE-SUR-LA-LYS TOURIST INFORMATION CENTER
Le Bailliage, Grand'Place
62120 Aire-sur-la-Lys
Tel.: 03 21 11 96 12
Sleep
- Mercure Hotel
Saint-Omer
- Gîte " Happy & Relax " (Spa)
Mentque-Nortbécourt
- Le Gîte de Marie Grouette
Serques
