Attractions and Places To See around Saint-Omer - Top 20

The region is renowned for its unique wetlands. You can explore the vast, UNESCO-recognized Marais Audomarois, a network of waterways and market gardens best discovered by traditional wooden boats called "bacôves." Another significant natural area is the Platier d'Oye National Nature Reserve, a paradise for ornithologists and a crucial stopover for migratory birds, featuring dunes and wetlands. Additionally, the Romelaëre Ponds Nature Reserve offers a rich diversity of flora and fauna within its 108 hectares, a remnant of 19th-century peat cutting.

Yes, Saint-Omer has significant wartime history. Just outside the town, you'll find La Coupole, a dramatic WWII bunker built by the Nazis as a V2 rocket launch site. Today, it serves as an immersive history museum. Along the coast, you can also discover the Écardines Bunkers, remnants of the Atlantic Wall.

The most prominent architectural marvel is the Saint-Omer Cathedral, a majestic Gothic structure dating back to the 13th century, showcasing various stylistic phases and housing a Rubens painting and an astronomical clock. The Jesuit Chapel, built between 1615 and 1640, features an elegant four-tiered facade of red brick and stone. Even the Saint-Omer station, opened in 1904, is noted for its grand Neoclassical architecture.

Families can enjoy exploring the unique natural environment of the Marais Audomarois by hiring traditional wooden boats. The Boat Lift of Fontinettes, a historic hydraulic engineering marvel, can also be an interesting visit. Additionally, The Nature Barn is listed as a family-friendly facility.

To delve into the region's past, visit the Sandelin Museum, housed in an 18th-century townhouse, which features over 3,000 artworks and fragments from the Abbey of Saint-Bertin. The Jesuit Chapel, now home to the municipal library, contains thousands of ancient books, including a Gutenberg Bible. For an immersive experience into the unique wetlands, La Maison du Marais provides insights into the history and ecology of the Audomarois marshes.

The area around Saint-Omer offers diverse outdoor activities, especially hiking, running, and cycling. You can find numerous routes, such as the "Le marais audomaroiss" loop for hiking or the "Les moulins Pidoux and the Coupole d'Helfaut-Wizernes" loop for running. For cycling, consider the "Circuit des Moulins et Secheries." You can explore more options and detailed routes in the dedicated guides for Hiking around Saint-Omer, Running Trails around Saint-Omer, and Cycling around Saint-Omer.

Yes, you can visit the impressive Ruins of Saint-Bertin Abbey, once one of northern Europe's most significant abbeys, offering a glimpse into medieval French history. Additionally, The Motte Castrale, a medieval castle mound, protected the cathedral and now houses a former military prison from 1762, offering panoramic views.

The Jardin Public (Public Garden) in Saint-Omer offers a tranquil escape. Located across from the cathedral, it features both an orderly French garden with a fountain and an English garden with a pond and an arboretum, perfect for a peaceful stroll.

The best way to experience the Audomarois Marshes is by taking a boat trip. You can hire traditional wooden boats called "bacôves" to navigate the extensive network of waterways. This allows you to observe the unique ecosystem, local market gardens, and abundant birdlife up close. La Maison du Marais is a good starting point for learning about the marshes and arranging boat hire.

Visitors particularly appreciate the blend of historical depth and natural beauty. The Platier d'Oye National Nature Reserve is loved by ornithologists and nature enthusiasts for its rich biodiversity and peaceful trails. The Romelaëre Ponds Nature Reserve is praised for its natural setting and the unique experience of crossing a stream by chain ferry. The Saint-Omer Cathedral is admired for its impressive architecture and historical artifacts, including a Rubens painting.

Yes, the Boat Lift of Fontinettes in Arques is a unique example of hydraulic engineering. Built between 1881 and 1887, it's the only remaining boat lift in France and offers a fascinating insight into the region's industrial history, connecting the Lys River with the Aa.

Absolutely. Place Foch is Saint-Omer's main square, known for hosting a colorful weekly market. It's surrounded by various restaurants, cafés, and bars, and features the elegant Town Hall, which includes a 19th-century theatre, making it a lively hub for locals and visitors alike.