 HERITAGE AND HISTORY
i want to understand …
 La Coupole
(not recommended for children under 10)
After the Eperlecques bunker was bombed, Hitler decided to build a new launching pad for his V2 rockets; but this time it would be underground. The Germans would assemble an launch the rockets intended to destroy London ant Antwerp from there. Visit the Coupole and find out how this lanching base worked and how these rockets were the first step in the Space Race and the precursors of scientific rockets like Ariane. The second part of the tour explains what life was like in Nothern france under the German occupation. Link to page
The Blockhouse of Eperlecques
(not recommended for children under 10)
This gigantic bunker dates fom the Second World War. Planned as the first base for ballistic rockets ( V2), this bunker was intended to serve as a factory for production of liquid oxygen and to assembly the V2 rocket. It has been preserved since 1945 as it was. Ths visit will take you through the history and technology of thos unforgettable years.
Link to page
A BREATH OF FRESH AIR
i would like to take my family for a walk …
 Romelaëre Nature Reserve
> Walk around the reserve (open from March 16th to December 15th ):
Why not go for a walk with the family in a stunning natural setting? The trail through the Romelaëre Nature Reserve is accessible to everybody, even pushchairs and wheelchair users! As you walk along the lakesides, if you are attentive you will no doubt spot many species of birds such as the grey heron, the crested grebe or the cormorant. You can also observe these birds at your leisure from the observatory. At the end of the trail, you can take a little wooden boat across the river (accessible via a short unboarded section of the trail).
Pushchairs available at the Maison du Romelaëre, located at the entrance to the reserve (according to availability and opening times).
Trails of varying lengths.
La Maison du Romelaëre
Located at the entrance to the Romelaëre Nature Reserve in Clairmarais
> Temporary exhibitions, gift shop etc… Link tot the page
 The Marshes
The Marais Audomarois is an exceptional natural environment that has to be protected. It is the only area of marshland in France that is still cultivated. Cauliflower, chicory, carrots, leeks, Brussels sprouts are just some of the vegetables produced there. It also boasts a rich and varied wildlife, with such birds as the grey heron, the crested grebe or the water hen, mammels such as muskrats, bats and hares and fish such as tench, roach and pike. The best way to visit the marshes is by boat as you will be able to see some of the most carefully protected areas that are unaccessible by road.
> Walks - Link to the page
>Boat tours with commentary Link to the page
> Rowing boats and Canoes Link to the page
Footpaths and bridle paths, cycle and mountain-bike trails
List of paths in the Saint Omer region. - Link to the page
Market day
List of market days for the towns and villages in the Saint Omer region. Link to the page
Fishing
Why not spend a day fishing with the family? Enjoy a lazy day at one of the many fishing lakes. - Link to the page
Horse and pony riding > Link to the page
Hire a donkey > Link to the page
Horse-drawn carriage rides > Link to the page
Farm visit "Chez Aglaé et Sidonie"
On the edge of the Eperlecques forest, 200 m from the famous Bunker, the farm has donkeys, ponies, ducks, chickens, rabbits and many other farm animals. Laurent Fradin also hire bikes and can even organize birthday parties with outdoor games among the animals and his home-grown maze. ( 3 to 93 years).
www.chezaglaeetsydonie.com
The Rihoult-Clairmarais forest
An immense state-owned forest located a stone's throw from Saint Omer at the edge of the marshes. Walk to Harchelles lake, have a picnic with the family at one of the many picnic areas or enjoy a bike ride through this stunnning natural environment.
For Harchelles lake: at the church in Clairmarais, follow the forest track right to the end. - Link to the page
The Eperlecques forest
The forest covers 850 hectares and offers walkers a variety of landscapes, from its clay-bottomed slopes to its sandy silex summits. Link to the page
 The chalk hills of the Aa valley
A natural site of exceptional beauty to be discovered along the newly blazed path (pushchair-friendly) that crosses the villages of Elnes and Wavrans-sur-l'Aa. Observe the wildlife that abounds in the hills and enjoy the view of the meandering river Aa. - Link to the page
Les Landes de Blendecques
Some stunning scenery to be enjoyed along a well appointed trail. - Link to the page
SPORT & LEISURE
I want to get active…
Rando-rail
There is a choice of two different routes for these pedalos on rails. Two people pedal while two or three passengers can enjoy the scenery from the centre seats. Link to the page
Dennlys Parc – Fun park
A fun park for all ages with a wide variety of rides: baby merry-go-round, carousel, big wheel, swings of all types, as well as fast train-rides, haunted castle, etc.
Eating places include a snack bar and traditional restaurant. Link to the page
Aa valley tourist train
Discover the Aa valley from a genuine 1950's train. Bikes can be taken on board and there are stops along the way to enable you to visit the Coupole, picnic spots or to continue under your own steam.
Link to the page
Joy Flights
The Saint Omer air club will take you for a joy ride to discover Saint Omer or the Marshes from a bird's eye view. Flights last 15 or 25 mins (2 to 3 passengers per plane + pilot). Link to the page
Go-Karts
From 7 years of age
At Planet Karting (in Saint-Martin-au-Laërt) juniors can also enjoy the thrills of go-karting in complete safety.
Snack bar. Link to the page
Quads
.From 8 years of age.
Have a fun day out at the Circuit de la Vilaine in Thiembronne. Link to the page
Surfbike
From 8 years of age (or 1.40 m). Swimmers only.
An original way to get around on water, the surfbike is a sort of water bike.
Hire at Arques marina. Link to the page
Parks and Playparks
> Saint-Omer (playpark and animals)
> Arques (playpark)
> Aire-sur-la-Lys (playpark)
Swimming-pools
> In Saint-Omer, Arques, Aire-sur-la-Lys and Lumbres. Link to the page
Library > link to the page Cinema > link to the page
 Toy Library in Aire-sur-la-Lys
Passage des Hallettes – Grand Place 62120 Aire sur la Lys -Tel: 03 21 95 40 46
Toys and games for children from 2 ½ years old: playmobile, board games, garage, dolls, computer, video game consoles, puppets, construction games, jigsaws, etc.
CRAFTS
How do we make….?
> Arc International
- From 8 years old
World leader in tableware manufacture, Arc International manufactures over 6 million articles each day: glasses, vases, plates, dishes, perfume bottles, ornaments, etc. The tour guide will help you understand the production process developed by this enormous company. The tour is in three parts: history, video of the manufacturing process and tour of part of the factory where you will follow the process, from design to the molten glass to the finished article. Factory Shop.
- Link to the page
> .La Maison du Papier
Find out where paper and cardboard come from at the Maison du Paper, and try your hand at making your own sheet of paper that you can take away with you. Link to the page
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