Saint-Omer

A peaceful town shaped by water and heritage

Saint-Omer is the kind of place you discover quietly. Set inland from the coast, surrounded by canals, marshland and wide skies, this historic town offers a slower rhythm, one that invites you to take your time and enjoy simple pleasures.

Once an important religious and trading centre, Saint-Omer has kept a strong sense of identity. Its streets feel lived-in rather than staged, its cafés unpretentious, its heritage deeply woven into everyday life. For visitors from the UK, it’s an ideal off-the-radar short break, combining culture, nature and a genuine local atmosphere.

Getting there

5 good reasons to discover Saint-Omer

1. The Audomarois marshlands, a unique landscape

Just outside the town centre stretches the Audomarois marsh, a UNESCO-recognised wetland shaped by centuries of market gardening. Exploring it by boat, bike or on foot reveals a calm, green world criss-crossed by water.

2. A cathedral with a powerful presence

Notre-Dame Cathedral dominates the town with quiet confidence. Inside, the famous astronomical clock and the play of light give the visit a contemplative feel, perfectly in tune with Saint-Omer’s gentle pace.

3. Canals and slow ways of getting around

Water is everywhere here. Walking along the canals or taking a short boat trip offers a different perspective on the town — one that naturally slows you down and reconnects you with the landscape.

4. A town made for wandering

Saint-Omer’s historic centre is compact and easy to explore. Townhouses, small squares and discreet heritage details appear as you wander, without the need for a fixed itinerary.

5. A taste of local life

Markets, small restaurants and everyday encounters give Saint-Omer its charm. This is a place to enjoy regional flavours, talk to locals and feel part of the town, even for a short stay.