Marais Audomarois biosphere reserve

The Marais Audomarois extends over 22,300 hectares of wetlands, featuring reedbeds, peaty woods, meadows, ditches, and rivers at elevations between 2 and 3 meters.

The marshland's water management system, established in the seventeenth century through a network of small canals called wateringues, prevents flooding in the Saint-Omer region.

Market gardeners maintain floating gardens within the wetland, cultivating vegetables and watercress using traditional methods passed down through generations of local families.

Visitors can explore the reserve through designated walking trails, observation points for wildlife viewing, and waterways suitable for kayaking throughout the year.

The Marais Audomarois contains one of only two remaining wetland floating gardens in France, supporting rare species like the water soldier and aquatic warbler.

Location: Nieurlet

Location: Noordpeene

Location: Saint-Momelin

Location: Arques

Location: Clairmarais

Location: Éperlecques

Location: Houlle

Location: Saint-Martin-lez-Tatinghem

Location: Saint-Omer

Location: Salperwick

Location: Serques

Location: Tilques

Inception: September 15, 2008

Elevation above the sea: 3 m

Address: 62500 Saint-Omer, France 62500 Saint-Omer

Website: https://conservatoire-du-littoral.fr/siteLittoral/485/28-marais-audomarois-62_pas-de-calais.htm

GPS coordinates: 50.78528,2.23222

Latest update: June 23, 2025 09:40