Farmers bring produce to market on flat-bottomed boats



Grange Nature -

Boat trips - a good way to see the watergangs

Lost in another world
Floating down a slow-moving stream in your hired boat, cycling a mountain bike along a forest path, or striding out along a sign-posted track through woods and by a quiet reed-lined lake - you feel like you've been transported to another peaceful world.

Bishop Omer
These are the marshlands of the River Aa, named after Saint-Omer's patron saint, and first drained by the monks of the monastery he founded. The marshlands are criss-crossed by drainage ditches called "watergangs".

Traditional farmers
Hidden in the marshlands are numerous smallholdings where local market gardeners grow vegetables on the extremely fertile marshland soil. Traditionally they crop their famous cauliflowers in summer and chicory (sometimes called "endive") in winter.

You see them transporting crates of their produce on flat-bottomed boats, and selling it at roadside stalls or in Saint-Omer's market.

Grange Nature

Boat Trips round the marshes
Several local boat companies offer trips around the marshes with commentary - sometimes available in English (it's best to ask). Trips take about 1 hour.

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Location: 2

5km walk
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Information/ reservations:
Tel: 00 33 3 27 63 13 95

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