Discovering the Audomarois marshlands

A walk that combines crossing the Clairmarais market garden marsh with the Romelaëre Nature Reserve.
Lots of birdwatching: ash herons, coots, storks... And the star attraction of this walk: crossing the canals on the chain ferries, which will appeal to young and old alike!
Please note: chain ferries and drawbridges only operate from March 15 to September 5.

Technical sheet

9520977
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 6.86 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 2h 00 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Easy

  • ⚐
    Return to departure point: Yes
  • ↗
    Vertical gain: + 2 m
  • ↘
    Vertical drop: - 3 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 7 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 2 m

Photos

Description of the walk

Park at the Grange Nature car park in Clairmarais.

(S/E) Head towards the marshes and turn right after the small bridge (signposted: Circuit de Booneghem).
Follow the Booneghem river and cross the marshes, which are home to Saint-Omer's emblematic cabbages and cauliflowers, which you can buy from the market gardeners just outside Clairmarais.

(1) Take the metal footbridge, on your right, to cross the river and follow the Chemin des Abbesses, along the river, which bends to the left towards a road.

(2) At the end of Chemin des Abbesses, turn left onto Route de Booneghem. Pass the inn of the same name. At the crossroads with the Chemin du West Brouck, turn left to continue through the village of Booneghem.

(3) At no. 58 Route de Booneghem, turn left onto the narrow path and enter the nature reserve. Continue due south to the 1er chain ferry, the star attraction of this hike.

(4) Cross the Zieux and turn right to the drawbridge.

(5) Cross the Zieux again to visit the Romeläere Nature Reserve. Follow the footbridges. You can continue to the observatory and make a loop, or turn left to the 2° chain ferry (marked).

(6) Cross the Zieux again, using the chain ferry, then turn left to Rue du Romelaere and join the Grange Nature car park (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 5 m - Grange Nature car park in Clairmarais
  2. 1 : km 1.31 - alt. 3 m - Gateway
  3. 2 : km 2.23 - alt. 6 m - Left fork
  4. 3 : km 3.79 - alt. 6 m - Junction at number 58
  5. 4 : km 4.7 - alt. 2 m - Chain tray
  6. 5 : km 5.01 - alt. 2 m - Drawbridge
  7. 6 : km 5.88 - alt. 3 m - 2nd chain box
  8. S/E : km 6.86 - alt. 4 m - Grange Nature car park in Clairmarais

Practical information

Grange Nature, exhibitions and events.

Please note: chain ferries and drawbridges only operate from March 15 to September 5. There is no information on site!

Reviews and comments

4.6 / 5
Based on 18 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.6 / 5
Clarity of route map
4.5 / 5
Route interest
4.7 / 5
User 12105099

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Jun 02, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : N/A
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

It's a pity that at the moment the ferries are in a terrible state, we've had to adapt and change the route; the walk, although changed, is still very beautiful.

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fil 59140
fil 59140

Nice little hike. Easy
However, beware of dogs not allowed in the marsh.

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VirginieL
VirginieL

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Apr 12, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

I recently had the opportunity to do the 'Discovering the Audomarois Marshes' walking trail and I have to say I was absolutely delighted with the experience! Thank you to Visorando for this magnificently designed route, which enabled me to discover all the beauty of the Audomarois marshes. I highly recommend this walk to anyone who loves nature and beautiful landscapes!

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fil 59140
fil 59140

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of walk : Apr 20, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Busy trail : Yes

Nice, easy route.

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Marisol
Marisol

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Apr 13, 2025
Reliability of the description : N/A
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No


Very pleasant route, along the canals, then the countryside, then the marshes, it's varied.
Meet the artist who painted the animals on the electrical cabinet at the start and sculpted the witch tree, not to be missed. I used the GPS and had a great time on this route, especially the 2 chain ferry crossings, which are original.
I'd recommend it.

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marie59640
marie59640

we did the Fontinettes boat trail in Arques
nice walk except that on the way back to town there are no markings to get back to the starting point

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liloulette95
liloulette95

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of walk : May 28, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Busy trail : No

The group enjoyed crossing the river on the chain ferry - laughter guaranteed!

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PADRAIG
PADRAIG

Overall rating : 3.7 / 5

Date of walk : May 25, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Busy trail : No

It is indeed a very pleasant walk, but BEWARE: after a long, rather muddy path (the joys of walking after rain...) we found ourselves facing the first chain ferry that was locked on the other bank (and it was 26/05) (crossing the Zieux, description at point 4).
Thanks to the idiot who had fun blocking this passage!
In short, a mandatory U-turn and back to square one by the same route. A bit frustrating not to have been able to do the loop to get back.

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christophebr
christophebr

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Oct 14, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

a very pleasant walk in the marshes of the audomarois region, as described, and the 2 passages through the BAC are very pleasant. the paths in the marshes give you a good view of this special environment. recommended.

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Chadock62
Chadock62

Overall rating : 2.7 / 5

Date of walk : Oct 07, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★☆☆☆ Disappointing
Clarity of route map : ★★☆☆☆ Disappointing
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Busy trail : Yes

Map very difficult to read.

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Ballade62
Ballade62

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Jul 14, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

A very nice, easy walk for the whole family. The children enjoyed the section with the chain bins. However, be careful as dogs are not allowed at Romelaere.

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TOF-5962
TOF-5962

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Aug 10, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

A beautiful walk in the heart of the marshes and the Romelaere, full of charm, a must!
No difficulties on this route

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Igloo-25
Igloo-25

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Jul 14, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

A very pleasant walk full of discoveries of flora and fauna for those who know how to observe and remain discreet. Interesting drawbridges to make it easier for boats to pass through the canals.
What a laugh with the chain ferries.
One regret: the walk is really short.

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baster59
baster59

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Jun 10, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

A lovely, well-detailed route.

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bvalandrethun
bvalandrethun

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of walk : Aug 27, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

It should be made clear that dogs are not allowed in the Romelaere area.

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