During the seventh century Saint Omer (aka Audomar), bishop of Thérouanne and Saint Bertin, introduced Christianity and Catholicism to the area. Both left their mark on the town that was subsequently named Saint Omer. By 649 they had erected the Church of Our Lady of Sithiu. A small monastery was added to the church, (the Abbey of Saint Peter) which was subsequently bequeathed to the Benedictine monks of Saint Bertin. By the eleventh century, the name was changed to the Abbey of Saint Bertin and by the fourteenth century the abbey had evolved into a fine Gothic building.
During the French Revolution the abbey and church were sold at auction in 1799 and eventually fell into ruin. A statue of Saint Bertin stands at the entrance to the abbey where Saint Omer is allegedly buried.
Saint-Omer is remarkable for its exceptional heritage. A certified Town of Art and History, it has a number of remarkable buildings such as its Gothic cathedral, which contains many treasures. Built from the 13th century onwards, it took nearly three centuries to complete. Its lavish interior is striking: a beautiful pipe organ, numerous sculptures, a "Descent from the Cross" by Rubens, as well as an astronomical clock dating from the second half of the 16th century. At the cathedrals exit there is a bas-relief of the Last Judgment and a sundial dating from 1610 on the south portal.
It was in the 7th Century that monks began carving channels through the sodden peaty soil of Saint-Omer so it could be cultivated. By the 19th Century a thriving market garden industry was in place. Today, more than 50 vegetable varieties are grown there, with cauliflowers in summer, and endives (chicory) in winter, especially renowned for their high quality. Additionally, the 3,726 hectares Marais Audomarois UNESCO listed biosphere reserve supports more than 400 species of wild plants as well as hundreds of species of birds, fish and wild life including storks and kingfishers. You can visit the fascinating hands-on Maison du Marais visitor centre to find out more. From the landing stage of the Maison du Marais, boat trips around the rivers and lakes in the traditional flat-bottomed ‘Bacove’ boats (now electric powered!) give an insight into the lifestyle of these reed and tree-lined wetlands. The countryside here offers an undulating landscape of winding lanes and verdant countryside, a mosaic of ponds and watery arteries, dotted with tiny islands, woods and hamlets. The area is ideal for walking and horse riding.
The first castle was built in Saint-Omer in the tenth century. It was of a motte-and-bailey style. Eventually, the keep was used as a prison until demolished and replaced by a purpose built one in the eighteenth century. The remains of the old city walls have been incorporated into the Jardin Public de Saint Omer. Here there are formal gardens, themed flower beds and a small arboretum and animal park.
The attractive town centre, la Place du Marechel Foch, is surrounded by many restaurants and seventeenth century houses built in the Flemish style. The Place is dominated by the neo-classical Hôtel de Ville. Built in the nineteenth century using materials from the Abbey of Saint Bertin. It now houses a recently renovated Italian style theatre.
The Musée de l’hôtel Sandelin is housed in a private mansion. Built at the end of the eighteenth century, l’hôtel Sandelin is one of the best examples of this style of architecture in France. The museum opened in 1904. Since then it has been displaying various collections dating from the Middle Ages to the nineteenth century in its twenty-one rooms. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions. There is an impressive collection of delicate clay pipes and Delft ware style pottery reflecting an industry based on the local clay soils.
Just a few kilometres outside Saint-Omer is the town of Arques, home of the famous glass manufactures "Crystal d`Arques". Founded in 1825, the very first crystal glass factory opened and developed quickly thanks to innovative technology. Specialising in tableware, Arques crystal glass factory is open to visitors to discover the manufacturing techniques, visit a fully operational production unit and, of course, discover their factory shop.
Visit Saint-Omer for a comprehensive view of the town and les Citoyens of Saint-Omer