FAQ – Traditional activities and life in the Audomarois marsh

Yes, there is still a postman who makes his rounds by boat in the Audomarois marsh. In the heart of this natural labyrinth, he delivers mail to isolated inhabitants, particularly in the western marsh. His rounds include the towns of Salperwick, Serques, Tilques, in particular. Note that he is the last postman in France by boat!

Yes, it is possible to fish in the Audomarois marsh, a popular activity in this region rich in waterways. The marsh is home to over 25 species of fish and offers a peaceful setting for anglers of all skill levels. The marsh is home to a variety of fish species including pike, perch, zander, carp, roach and bream.

To fish in the Audomarois marsh, you must follow certain rules:

Fishing card: It is mandatory to have a valid fishing license, even for no-kill fishing (catch and release). This license helps fund the protection of aquatic environments and fish populations.

Regulations: Fishing is subject to strict regulations to preserve fish and ecosystems. It is important to respect minimum catch sizes and closed periods. For example, pike fishing is generally prohibited from the last Sunday in January until the beginning of May.

Private property: Some fishing areas are on private property and it is important to respect these properties by asking permission if necessary.

The management of fishing in the marsh is the responsibility of the Departmental Federation of Fishing and Protection of Aquatic Environments of Pas-de-Calais. The federation regulates fish populations, monitors compliance with regulations and raises awareness of responsible fishing.

For more information, you can contact the Departmental Federation of Approved Associations for Fishing and the Protection of Aquatic Environments of Pas-de-Calais on 03.91.92.02.03

Find our article on the fishing in the Audomarois marsh

Yes, hunting is allowed in the Audomarois marsh, but it is of course regulated. Here are the main points to remember:

Hunting of course requires a valid permit for the game you wish to hunt.

Hunting is regulated by a prefectural decree which sets the opening and closing dates for hunting for each annual campaign.

Hunting management plans approved by the prefect are in place for certain species.

Wild boar hunting is subject to special provisions, including the possibility of hunting it during the harvest and by stalking or approaching it in April and May to protect the seedlings.

Certain areas of the Audomarois marsh benefit from special protection, such as the national nature reserve of the Romelaëre ponds, where hunting is prohibited.

Hunting in the marsh must comply with the Special Police Regulations (RPP) in force.

It is important to note that hunting practices in the Audomarois marsh must be carried out responsibly to preserve this unique ecosystem, which is home to rich biodiversity, including many species of protected birds.

There was a market on the water in the Audomarois marsh that was held in Clairmarais on several dates. Today, this event no longer takes place. Market gardeners and local producers offered their products aboard the bacôves, the traditional boats of the Audomarois marsh. There were marsh vegetables, cheeses, fruits, beers and other local products.

It should be noted that this was a charming folkloric event, but that water markets were not held in the marsh in the past. Market gardeners only used the boats to go to the station or other landing places where vegetables were unloaded.

On the contrary, Amiens already had water markets organized by the hortillons.

The nautical procession is a notable celebration of the Audomarois marsh. Organized on the last Sunday of July, this event brings the Haut-Pont suburb and the historic canal to life with around twenty flower-bedecked floats and numerous activities.

The Audomarois marsh is home to a rich market garden production with nearly 50 different vegetables grown. Here are the main vegetables found there:

• Cauliflower: This is the emblematic vegetable of the marsh, particularly summer cauliflower harvested two to three times a year since 1751.
• Endive: Introduced around 1920 in the region.
• Carrot: Especially the Tilques carrot.
• Celeriac: One of the main crops of some market gardeners.
• Leek
• Large Green Artichoke from Laon
• Haricot
• Radish
• Salad
• Onion
• Cabbage (different varieties such as white and red cabbage)
• And many other vegetables (and even fruits like strawberries!)

This diversity of crops is made possible thanks to the fertile, peaty soils of the marsh, as well as the ancestral know-how of local market gardeners.

Also find our article dedicated to vegetables from the Audomarois marsh

Yes, there are still people living on islands in the Audomarois marsh. The inhabitants live in houses accessible only by boat, chain ferry, or on foot via bridges. Although their numbers have diminished over time, some residents continue to perpetuate this traditional way of life, in harmony with this unique ecosystem. Many island houses are also second homes.

There is a lot of livestock farming in the Audomarois marsh, which has a few dozen producers. There are notably cattle (Highlands, Limousins), as well as sheep (goats, sheep). Many market gardeners and inhabitants of the marsh have their own chicken coop.

It should be noted that livestock farming, although established since the origins of the marsh for local food purposes, does not constitute an emblematic practice. The number of waterways and the logistics involved in transferring livestock by barge were a hindrance to the development of this practice.