On a bacôve in St Quentin’s Marais d’Isle

But if you want to properly explore the reserve and its peaty woods intersected by the Somme, then you need a bacôve. These traditional, flat-bottomed boats are perfectly designed for clearing a route through the narrow canals. “An Audomarois boat maker built our fantastic bacôves,” explains our guide. “They are made out of oak using traditional methods.”

Eusébie and Quintinus are the names of Saint-Quentin’s two bacôves, which measure 9 m long by 2 m wide and can safely carry up to twelve passengers. We climb aboard and find a place on the bench, the boat pitching slightly while we get settled. Next, the guide takes up a seat at the rear and we set off on our hour-long trip. The bacôve drifts silently across the Isle’s water. As it does, the captain explains the history and characteristics of ‘his’ marshes, and answers any questions. “This is an oasis of nature. Listen. We’re in the centre of town and yet, nothing but silence.”