Clairmarais: Water, Forest and Cultural Heritage

Clairmarais offers several starting points for planning a stay: nature trails, waterscapes and woodland sit alongside historical and cultural themes. You can first consider whether you would prefer to compare specific trail details, learn about the history of the landscape, or explore the former abbey and activities in the Audomarois marshland.

Waterscapes and woodland

The Étangs du Romelaëre National Nature Reserve was created from former peat bogs. Their exploitation, mainly in the 19th century, led to the formation of the area’s various bodies of water. The waters therefore also tell the story of how the landscape was used in the past. Another nature destination is the Forêt de Rihoult-Clairmarais, which covers 1,200 hectares of wet oak woodland. The bodies of water and wet woodland offer two different perspectives for exploring the landscapes of Clairmarais.

Comparing two trails

The Sentier du Blongios is 2.8 kilometres long and open from 15 March to 15 December. It is accessible to people with reduced mobility. The Sentier du Cormoran is longer, at four kilometres, and leads to an ornithological observation point. The trails therefore differ both in length and in their stated access information and destination. Before planning, check the seasonal opening dates and accessibility of the Blongios trail, as well as the access conditions for the Cormoran trail.

Woodland and wildlife

Grey herons, wild boar and roe deer can be found in the Forêt de Rihoult-Clairmarais. The period from March to June is given for grey herons. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. Taking the season into account when planning can help you distinguish this seasonal information about grey herons from the woodland landscape, which is described as available year-round.

Traces of the former abbey

The former Cistercian abbey of Clairmarais is protected as a historic monument. It was listed on 2 December 1946 and 3 July 1987. The protected complex includes partial medieval remains of the abbey entrance, with the gatehouse and former guest buildings, including the chapel. These architectural details give the site a specific historical dimension, distinct from its nature and landscape attractions.

The Étang d’Harchelles in the Forêt de Rihoult-Clairmarais also has a historical connection: it was created by monks. The Grotte de Clairmarais, in turn, is an important place of pilgrimage. The cultural heritage therefore ranges from visible architectural remains to a pond landscape created by monks and a site of religious significance.

Exhibitions and activities

La Grange Nature is located in the heart of the Audomarois marshland and is run by Eden 62. It hosts year-round exhibitions, activities and conferences about the landscapes, fauna and flora of the natural areas in the Pas-de-Calais département. Topics can therefore range from habitats to wildlife and plant life; individual programmes may change.

Parcours Aventure is a canoe-based orienteering activity in the Audomarois marshland of Clairmarais. The canoe-based approach differs from the walking trails described above. Availability and conditions may change; check them before planning. Trott’in Clairmarais offers discovery tours of the marshland and the outskirts of Saint-Omer on all-terrain electric scooters. Several formats are available to people aged twelve and over. Dates and age requirements may change, so it is advisable to check the details for the format you choose.

Beer and tastings

The Brasserie Abbaye de Clairmarais produces craft beer at the Ferme de l’Abbaye. Tours and tastings are available by reservation. If you would like to include this in your plans, check the current dates and booking conditions in advance.

Discover more destinations: Senlecques, Bourlon, Acquin-Westbécourt, Marck, Auchy-Lès-Hesdin, Saint-Josse, Sallaumines, Tournehem-Sur-La-Hem

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