Clairmarais is an emblematic village in the Audomarois region. It stands out for its unique location in the heart of the Audomarois marsh, occupying 519 hectares of wetland.
This small village in the Pas-de-Calais region combines two main uses: vacationing and market gardening. Many visitors come here to buy fresh vegetables, take a boat ride, or explore the marshland on a guided tour.
Walkers also appreciate the shaded paths of the Rihoult-Clairmarais forest, as well as the popular hiking trails around the village. In the center of Clairmarais, you'll find the Grange Nature and the trails of the Romelaere nature reserve. The basin trail is particularly popular: it winds through forests, meadows, and marshes, connecting the landscapes of Nieurlet, Noordpeene, and Clairmarais.
Heritage lovers are not left out. They can discover the Saint-Bernard church, the Cistercian farm, the ruins of the abbey located along the Arques road, as well as the Cloquette farm, typical of the local architecture.
La Rihoult Clairmarais forest
Locally known as the "Clairmarais forest", the Rihoult-Clairmarais forest is the largest forest in Nord-Pas-de-Calais. It covers approximately 1,200 hectares , straddling two departments (Nord and Pas-de-Calais) and three municipalities: Clairmarais , Arques and Renescure.
This forest has a long history. In antiquity, it was part of the vast charcoal-making forest that covered much of northern Gaul. Under the Ancien Régime, it was a seigneurial forest, reserved for the elite. After the French Revolution, it became a state-owned forest , accessible to all.
Today, it is a privileged place for hiking, relaxation and nature observation.
Origins of the name “Rihoult-Clairmarais”
The name of the Rihoult-Clairmarais forest blends French and Flemish influences, reflecting the history of the territory.
The word Clairmarais is clear to any French speaker: it indicates the proximity to the Audomarois marsh and its many canals.
The word Rihoult , meanwhile, comes from Flemish. It is composed of two roots: "hoult ," meaning wood , and "ri ," which refers to a hilly landscape . This name therefore evokes a wood on undulating terrain , which corresponds well to the natural landscape of the area.
Abundant flora and fauna
The Clairmarais forest is home to a wide variety of tree species. It contains numerous fungi , as well as beech trees , oak trees and, more sporadically, conifers.
It is also a place known for its rich wildlife . Abundant with game, the forest is home to several species of mammals and birds. Among the most remarkable, a colony of herons has made its home in the trees bordering the marsh. These large birds nest there every year, offering a natural spectacle appreciated by walkers and birdwatching enthusiasts.
The pond of Archelles
Archelles Pond , sometimes called Harchelles Lake , is the largest of the five ponds located in the Clairmarais Forest. It provides direct evidence of the area's past use, particularly by monks in the Middle Ages.
At that time, the forest was used for many activities: fishing , hunting , peat extraction , timber trade … Natural resources were used there in a sustainable and organized way.
The name "Archelles" is thought to come from an old word meaning osier . This suggests that this flexible shrub was also cultivated there for basketry , a practice very common in wetlands.
The Clairmarais forest, a place of leisure
The Clairmarais forest is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. It offers a pleasant setting for walking, relaxing, or enjoying outdoor activities.
The area offers both shaded, well-maintained paths , ideal for leisurely strolls, and more rugged trails for those who prefer to venture off the marked routes. The path around the Archelles pond is particularly popular for its tranquility and views of the water.
It is a place where people come to walk, run, picnic, hike or simply spend a good time with family or friends , in a calm and natural environment.
Clairmarais Abbey and the Cistercian farm
Opposite the church of Clairmarais stand the remains of the old Cistercian abbey . Founded in 1140 by Abbot Gonfroi and the Counts of Flanders, under the impetus of Bernard of Clairvaux , it was for a long time a powerful religious center, playing a major role in the history of the region.
Like many abbeys, it was destroyed during the French Revolution. Becoming national property , it was bought by a saltpeter manufacturer, who gradually dismantled it to sell the stones. Today, only a few fragments of walls remain , visible along the road to Arques.
In the immediate vicinity, one can see a large farmhouse : this is the former Cistercian farm , built in the 17th century. It has now been converted into reception rooms and also houses the Clairmarais Abbey brewery . Also located there is " Les Belles Échappées ," a company that offers vintage vehicle rentals , such as 2CVs , VW vans , and other unusual cars, for discovering the region in a unique way.
Further along, towards Noordpeene, there is another typical old farm: the Cloquette farm , now occupied by a local business.
La Grange Nature, gateway to Romelaere
From the village square of Clairmarais, simply take Rue du Romelaere to reach the gates of Grange Nature 500 meters further on . A large free car park makes parking easy.
A permanent exhibition on the marsh
This site, managed by the Eden 62 joint association , houses a small tourist shop and an exhibition space dedicated to the area's natural environments: marshes, forests, fauna, flora, and local biodiversity. Educational materials are available, with content suitable for families as well as nature enthusiasts.
On site, it is possible to rent:
-
an audio guide to explore the nature reserve independently,
-
or an explorer's kit , designed for a fun family visit. This case contains everything you need: binoculars, maps, notebook, pencils , etc.
Discovering the Romelaere Ponds National Nature Reserve
La Grange Nature is one of the main access points to the Romelaere National Nature Reserve . This protected area of over 100 hectares stretches between Saint-Omer , Clairmarais and Nieurlet . It is home to a great diversity of landscapes and species , typical of wetlands.
The reserve offers:
-
birdwatching observation posts ,
-
marked trails ( approximately 2,5 km ),
-
and more than 30 hectares of ponds , remnants of an old peat extraction carried out in the 19th century.
This now peaceful landscape, a refuge for birds and rare plants, is the result of a profound transformation of the territory. It testifies to the close link between past human activity and a preserved ecosystem.
Clairmarais church
With a parish that is still very active, the church of Clairmarais has recent origins.
It was built in 1874 , thanks to the determination of Abbot Limoisin . Convinced of the need for a place of worship in the village, he undertook numerous trips between France and Belgium to collect the donations necessary for the realization of the project.
The building, constructed of red bricks , blends into the typical landscape of the Pas-de-Calais. It is naturally dedicated to Saint Bernard , founder of the Cistercian order and a figure associated with the creation of Clairmarais Abbey in the 12th century.
Clairmarais cave
In the heart of the Clairmarais forest , an artificial grotto attracts many faithful every day. Dedicated to Our Lady of Lourdes , it was built in 1934 , in thanks for the healing considered miraculous of the Reverend Father Superior of the Assumptionist community.
Known locally as the Clairmarais grotto or the Our Lady of Lourdes grotto , this place of worship bears witness to a still very much alive devotion . Every day, visitors come to pray or meditate in silence.
The site is also at the heart of the August 15th procession , an important annual event in local religious life, which brings together residents and pilgrims in a serene natural setting.
The hiking trails around Clairmarais
The village of Clairmarais is an ideal starting point for nature walks and outdoor hikes . The area offers several routes suitable for all levels, from the casual walker to the seasoned hiker.
It is possible to walk freely in the Clairmarais forest , particularly around Lake Archelles , on shaded paths that wind between the trees and ponds. These self-guided walks allow you to fully enjoy the tranquility of the forest.
For those who prefer marked trails, the Romelaere Nature Reserve offers an accessible and well-maintained walk. Its wooden boardwalks wind through the wetlands for approximately 2,5 km . This loop takes 1.5 to 2 hours to complete , allowing time to observe the flora, birds, and ever-changing landscapes of the marsh.
More experienced hikers can take the Cuvette trail , starting from Grange Nature . This 16,5 km circuit, taking approximately 4 hours, allows for an in-depth exploration of the Audomarois marsh : its watergangs, the wet meadows around Nieurlet, the Booneghem area , the Romelaere and the Clairmarais forest itself.
Clairmarais vegetables
Clairmarais is renowned throughout the Audomarois region for its market gardeners and, naturally, for the quality of its vegetables . Located in a low-lying area of the Audomarois marsh , the village benefits from very fertile loamy soil , ideal for market gardening. Around fifty varieties of vegetables are cultivated there , grown in open fields using techniques passed down through generations.
Walkers and visitors like to stop in the village square or along the Clairmarais road , where stalls regularly offer seasonal vegetables and garden produce.
Note : some individuals sell the surplus from their vegetable garden directly, while real market gardeners offer their vegetables at prices often more accessible than in supermarkets.
One piece of advice: prioritize identified local producers . Some retailers may be taking advantage of Clairmarais's reputation to sell vegetables bought at wholesale markets like Rungis or Lomme. To buy local, it's therefore best to ask a few questions about the origin of the products.
To do around the village
As an unmissable tourist destination in the Audomarois marsh , Clairmarais offers several accommodation and leisure options, ideal for a nature stay or a relaxing weekend.
The village offers gîtes , bed and breakfasts , a campsite , and two well-known restaurants in the region: La Baguernette and Al'Cabane . These establishments welcome walkers and holidaymakers in a friendly and authentic atmosphere.
Craft beer enthusiasts can visit the Clairmarais Brewery , accessible by reservation . This is an opportunity to discover the local beer-making process and taste a beer brewed on site.
Another unique activity is Les Belles Échappées , located on Chemin des Murs , near the old Abbey farm. This company offers a wide range of unusual vehicles for rent, allowing you to explore the surrounding area in a different way: mopeds, tandems, Californian bikes, 2CVs, Volkswagen vans … A truly vintage experience for discovering the region in style.
Finally, for a complete immersion in the marsh landscape, boat trips are offered from the O'Marais landing stage (formerly ISNOR). You can rent boats independently or participate in guided tours on passenger boats , ideal for gaining a better understanding of the history, fauna, and flora of the Audomarois marsh.
The water market
Four times a year , the village of Clairmarais hosts a unique and much-anticipated event: traditional riverside markets , organized in partnership with O'Marais (formerly ISNOR). Depending on the location, these markets are held along the banks or directly on the water , creating a typical marshland atmosphere.
During the floating editions, the bacôves and escutes — traditional boats of the Audomarois marsh — are transformed into veritable floating stalls , offering an experience that is both authentic and unusual.
You will find a wide variety of local products: artisanal charcuterie, fresh vegetables, cheeses, handcrafted items , regional books, hand-forged knives… All in a natural and friendly atmosphere , to the rhythm of the water and encounters.
Over time, these markets have become an essential meeting place for locals and visitors alike, all in search of authenticity.
To find out more, visit the village 's Facebook page here.
All the answers to your questions about the village of Clairmarais
Clairmarais owes its existence to the founding of its Cistercian abbey in 1140 by Bernard of Clairvaux, an emblematic figure of medieval monasticism.
Gonfroi, accompanied by twelve monks, was sent from Clairvaux to establish this new house in a landscape then dominated by a marsh. The name "Clarus Mariscus" (the Clear Marsh) was thus given in reference to this "marsh with clear waters". Over the centuries, the locality has been designated in various forms - Claromaresch, Clarus Mariscus, Cleirmaresc, Clairmarets - testifying to the linguistic evolution between Oiil, Flemish, Dutch and Picard.
The monks of Clairmarais Abbey played a crucial role in the development of the Audomarois marsh. By extracting peat, draining the land and creating canals, they transformed this marshland bristling with forests into a structured space composed of more than 15 plots and 000 km of canals. This engineering work prefigures the landscape organization that still characterizes the region today.
For nearly 600 years, the abbey saw the passage of 59 abbots who contributed to its grandeur and embellishment. However, the French Revolution marked a decisive turning point: in 1790, Clairmarais became a commune in its own right while the abbey, symbol of ecclesiastical power, was destroyed and sold as national property. A hamlet, La Cloquette, was erected as a commune between 1790 and 1801, attesting to the administrative transformation of the territory.
Today, only ruins remain of this magnificent Cistercian abbey, vestiges of a glorious past. The commune is also home to the Rihoult Clairmarais national forest and the Romelaëre national nature reserve, which attract many visitors. The Notre-Dame de Lourdes grotto, a major pilgrimage site on 15 August, bears witness to the continuity of religious fervour in the region. In addition, Flemish, a language once widely spoken, persisted until the XNUMXth century, recalling Clairmarais' deep ties with Flemish culture.
During the First World War, Clairmarais was also the scene of military events. In February 1916, Clairmarais airfield hosted Squadron No. 20 of the Royal Air Force. An incident involving an armed biplane, which crashed near Rexpoëde after hitting a telephone wire, marked this troubled period, although the airmen suffered only minor bruises. This rich past, mixing spirituality, landscaping and military issues, continues to shape the identity of Clairmarais.
The built heritage and historical monuments of Clairmarais include:
- Former Cistercian abbey founded in 1140 by Bernard de Clairvaux. Destroyed during the Revolution, its ruins have been listed as historical monuments since December 2, 1946. The protected elements include: the remains of the entrance to the abbey with the gatehouse and the foreigners' buildings, the farm with its entrance gate, its lodgings and its staircase turret dating from 1680, its agricultural buildings and its dovecote. The remains of the abbey and the farm are located on the road to Arques.
- Cistercian farm of La Cloquette: facades and roofs of the small 27th century pavilion listed as historical monuments since June 1991, XNUMX. This farm is located on rue du Grand-Nieppe.
Other heritage elements
- Memorial
- Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes, an important place of pilgrimage on August 15, located along the departmental road in the forest sector.
- The Rihoult Clairmarais state forest
- Romelaëre National Nature Reserve (formerly regional, became national on February 7, 2008).
- The Saint-Bernard chapel – lost heritage – the chapel was demolished in January 2017 due to its advanced state of disrepair.
- Clairmarais church dedicated to Saint Bernard, dating from the end of the 19th centuryrd century.
The history of the church of Clairmarais is closely linked to the history of the Cistercian abbey that preceded it. The Abbey of Notre-Dame de Clairmarais was founded in 1140 by Abbot Gonfroi and the Count of Flanders. It flourished for several centuries before being destroyed during the French Revolution.
After the destruction of the old abbey, the commune of Clairmarais was created and wanted to have a new church. The construction of the Saint-Bernard church began in 1873. This red brick church in neo-Gothic style is topped with a bell tower and a spire, and has pointed arch windows with concrete lintels.
The chapel and adjoining house were blessed in 1877.
The Saint-Bernard institution, also called Alumnat de Jésus-Naissant (now defunct), was built thanks to the intervention of Father Limoisin. It opened its doors on November 6, 1974 before closing less than a century later, in 1960.
Located three kilometers from the church of Clairmarais, the Notre-Dame de Lourdes grotto was built in 1937-38 by Father Vivien and Father Jean Louis Balme, with modest means (bicycle frames, iron bars, stones and cement).
Its origins date back to 1875, when the Assumptionist Fathers established a school for young seminarians, training a generation of schoolchildren, some of whom would become bishops. In the 1936s, Father Superior Gustave Ranson, seriously ill, underwent a partial ablation of the stomach, a first in surgery. The community vowed to build a replica of the Lourdes grotto in thanksgiving if healing occurred. Healing occurred, giving birth to this place of devotion.
Every August 15, the day of the Assumption, several thousand pilgrims gather to pray and recite the rosary.
In a collected, sometimes festive atmosphere, prayers of request and thanksgiving, as well as gestures of fraternal sharing, offer everyone a moment of comfort and healing.
Lake Harchelles, located in Clairmarais in Pas-de-Calais, is actually a pond with a surface area of approximately 3 hectares. It is located in the heart of the Rihoult-Clairmarais forest, a site managed by the National Forestry Office (ONF).
This pond has an ancient history, having been exploited by monks since the 9th century for peat and fish. Today, it is mainly known for its fishing and leisure activities:
- Fishing : The pond is a no-kill fishing site, meaning all fish must be released. It stocks a variety of species including carp, pike, perch, roach, rudd and bream.
- Walk "Tour du Lac de Passy"' : A path circles the pond, offering an easy walk of about 25 minutes.
- Relaxation : The place is described as ideal for recharging one's batteries, offering a peaceful natural setting.
The name Harchelles comes from the word Harchelles, which, in old patois, means “wicker”.
The Rihoult-Clairmarais state forest, commonly called Clairmarais forest, covers approximately 1200 hectares in Pas-de-Calais, near Saint-Omer. Its history is the result of the union of two separate forests: on the one hand, the Clairmarais forest, formerly the property of the abbey founded around 1140, and on the other hand, the Rihoult forest, a royal domain.
The region, marked by significant prehistoric occupation, was once home to an immense charcoal forest described by ancient chroniclers and Julius Caesar during the Gallic Wars. The Clairmarais forest is one of its remains.
In the early Middle Ages, when the forests were in decline since the conquest of Gaul, the region was renowned for its marshes and vast woods, crossed by the Roman road linking Thérouanne to the sea. A warmer, oceanic climate in the Carolingian era (around 800) allowed the sea to reach Watten and salt water to almost touch Saint-Omer. In the 160th century, the monks of the Abbey of Saint-Bertin de Sithiu and the Cistercians drained the Audomarois marsh, creating a network of interconnected ditches, the remains of which can be found in the current XNUMX km of watergangs.
The wood from the forest was exploited to build, under Baldwin VI between 1054 and 1092, the defensive ditch "Noeuf Fossé", which formed the boundary between Flanders and Artois for a long time. In the heart of the forest, the Harchelles pond, exploited since the XNUMXth century for peat, game, and fishing, also bears witness to ancient management of natural resources.
The forest has also served as a refuge and a theatre of combat – from the Vikings to the Franco-Flemish clashes, including the Hundred Years' War – and, during the Second World War, a German airstrip was built on Haut-Arques.
Furthermore, renowned for the quality of its wood, it supported the activity of charcoal burners, lumberjacks and sawyers from neighboring localities, thus permanently establishing its role in the regional heritage.
Clairmarais offers a variety of accommodation options for visitors, from campsites to lodges and B&Bs. Here is an overview of the possibilities:
Campsites
Camping Le Clairmarais : A 4-star campsite with 137 pitches, open from February 1st to December 15th. It offers pitches for mobile homes and caravans, as well as a heated indoor swimming pool. 1 Rue du Romelaere, 62500 Clairmarais – +33 3 21 38 34 80
Camping Beauséjour : Located on Rue Michelet in Arques, near Clairmarais, this campsite is family-friendly with children's activities and hiking trails. 03 21 88 53 66
Guesthouses
Le Moulin Rouge : A renovated family cottage that can accommodate 4 people, located in the heart of the Audomarois marsh.
Le Clos De Marie : A cottage for 4 people, ideal for a stay in the heart of the marsh.
La Réserve : A charming gîte that can accommodate up to 15 people, with a large garden and numerous amenities including a sauna. Rue du Romelaere in Clairmarais – +33 7 86 12 96 43
Bed & Breakfasts
Several bed and breakfast options are available around Clairmarais, including:
- The Nasturtium Farm – 9 Rte de Watten, 59143 Lederzeele – 06 62 33 10 59
- The Abbey enclosure in Saint-Omer – 19 Rue des Moulins, 62500 Saint-Omer – Telephone: 06 98 09 98 90
- The Margueritte Villa in Saint-Omer – 80 Bd de Strasbourg, 62500 Saint-Omer – 06 83 70 78 36
- Caps and Marais Guest House Opal – 11 Quai du Commerce, 62500 Saint-Omer – Telephone: 03 21 93 89 82
Hotels
Although not located directly in Clairmarais, several hotels are nearby:
- Hotel Restaurant Le Chic O Rail in Saint-Omer – Place du 8 mai 1945, 62500 Saint-Omer – Telephone: 03 21 93 59 98
- Mercure Hotel in Saint-Omer – 2 Pl. du Vainquai, 62500 Saint-Omer – Telephone: 03 21 38 25 78
- Ibis center hotels in Saint-Omer – 2 rue Henri Dupuis – 03.21.93.11.11
- Ibis budget hotel in Saint-Omer – Avenue Charles de Gaulle – 33 3 21 11 07 62
- Hotel-restaurant les Frangins in Saint-Omer – 3 Rue Carnot, 62500 Saint-Omer – Telephone: 03 21 38 12 47
- Hotel-restaurant l'Industrie in Saint-Omer – 22 Rue Louis Martel, 62500 Saint-Omer – Telephone: 06 72 42 03 08
For motorhomes, although no specific area is mentioned in the search results for Clairmarais, the campsites in the area generally welcome this type of vehicle. Check with the Clairmarais campsite as well as the Beauséjour campsite.
Saint-Omer also has a campervan area located on rue de Belfort.
In Clairmarais, you have several options for eating and drinking, from traditional restaurants to friendly bars. Here are some recommendations:
- La Baguernette tavern – Address: 3 Rue du Marais, 62500 Clairmarais
- At the Cabin – Address: 39 Rue du Romelaëre, 62500 Clairmarais
- The Piquinettes, open-air restaurant-estaminet of the Faiseurs de Bateaux, located in the Lyzel marsh, on the Clairmarais road in Saint-Omer (2km from the center of Clairmarais). 06 .08.09.94.88
Visitors can also enjoy the many restaurants in Saint-Omer, close to Clairmarais, offering even more choices in terms of gastronomy. These establishments offer a nice variety of options to satisfy all culinary desires during your stay in Clairmarais and the Audomarois marsh.
Clairmarais and its surroundings offer several options for walks and short hikes for nature lovers. Here are some suggestions:
- The Romelaëre Ponds National Nature Reserve : An easy and accessible walk, ideal for observing local flora and fauna.
- The “La Cuvette” trail : A 17,1 km route starting from Grange Nature, allowing you to discover the varied landscapes of Clairmarais and Nieurlet.
- The walk in the Clairmarais forest : A hike through forest trails and around the Harchelles pond.
- The “Discovering the Audomarois marsh” circuit (or Booneghem trail): A 6,86 km hike (about 2 hours) that combines the crossing of the Clairmarais market garden marsh and the Romelaëre Nature Reserve. This route offers the opportunity to observe many birds and includes the attraction of chain ferries to cross the canals (available from March 15 to September 5). Find the route on Video hiking.
These walks offer a variety of landscapes, ranging from wetlands to forests, and are suitable for different levels of walkers. They allow you to fully enjoy the natural and historical wealth of Clairmarais and its surroundings.
The “O”ld Race, rock concerts and a large gathering of American cars at the Clairmarais Abbey – often held in mid-June. In addition to the concerts, the event includes a re-enactment of vintage races on a dirt oval, bar/restaurant stands and activities for the whole family.
The Romelaëre Reserve, located in the Caps et Marais d'Opale Regional Natural Park, has its origins in the exploitation of a peat bog since the Middle Ages. Peat extraction intensified in the 19th century, gradually transforming the landscape into bodies of water and ponds interconnected by channels, and creating a haven for rich biodiversity.
Over the years, the site has become a conservation issue. Classified as a Voluntary Nature Reserve with the support of the Audomarois Regional Nature Park since its first protections, it benefits from sustainable management measures aimed at preserving local fauna and flora. In 2008, it obtained the status of National Nature Reserve, covering an area of 104 hectares. Today, the Romelaëre Reserve is a key place for regional biodiversity and an observation site for the public. This natural space, rich in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, welcomes visitors every year wishing to observe the fauna, admire the vegetation and understand the evolution of this territory, shaped by centuries of exploitation and conservation.
