Saint-Omer
December 15, 2006I have wandered over to Saint-Omer. Thanks to its locations on disputed borders, the French, Flemish, English and Spaniards have repeatedly subjected it to sieges and military actions. Must be something in the River Aa’s water, because even the two local monasteries indulged in a bitter rivalry!
As a traveling froglet, I am interested in one of the men who had lived here: Alexandre Ribot (1842-1923), who was Prime Minister four times. Ribot! Ribot! Must have some frog ancestor somewhere…. 
I don’t speak French, but I found this site had some lovely representative photos of the Basilica, Abbey Ruins and other local sites. Also interesting was this bit about the fortifications.
I think you have a future as a tour guide one day! Your investigative powers of finding fascinating side trips is impressive! I love the places you are showing us.