Montreuil-sur-Mer is a charming old town with a fortified citadel, old streets, good hotels and restaurants and a wonderful surrounding landscape. Just a hop, a hop, and a hop from Calais (about an hour drive), easy to get to from the UK. It’s also only a 2-hour drive from Paris and is accessible by train. So it makes a perfect short break. And to top it all, Montreuil is a good base to explore more Nord Nord Pas-de-Calais and cities like Arras.
Practical information
- Population 233 0
- Les Hauts de France region (formerly Nord Pas-de-Calais Picardie)
- Department: Pas-de-Calais (62)
Tourist Office
21 rue Carnot (near the citadel)
Tel.: 00 33 (0) 3 21 06 04 27
Website
How to get there
By car
Montreuil-sur-Mer is southeast of Le Touquet Paris-Plage on the D901 between Le Touquet Paris-Plage and Hesdin.
From the UK, take the Dover-Calais ferry, then the A16 to Boulogne. Exit at junction 28 onto the D901 directly to Montreuil.
Ferry information
From Paris, take the A16 towards Boulogne and exit at junction 25 towards the D901 towards Montreuil (210 kilometers / 130 miles, taking around 2 hours).
By train
From Calais-Ville take the TER service to Boulogne-Ville. Take the TER line 14 towards Arras towards the Montrueil-sur-Mer stations, which is just a few minutes walk from the ramparts.
A fascinating story
In the 10th century, Montreuil was the only seaport owned by the king. Located on the coast, it became a rich shipping port for fabrics, grains and wine in Northern Europe.
In the 13th century, Philippe Auguste built a castle here, although now only the ruins remain inside the Citadel. During the 15th century, the river filled up and left the old high and dry port 15 kilometers inland.
Montreuil-sur-Mer became an equally important stop for pilgrims. During the Middle Ages, the monks of Brittany preserved the relics of its founder, St. Guenole, and pilgrims brought fame and wealth to the city.
It remained a vital defense against the Spanish who ruled the nearby region of Artois and Flanders, but finally succumbed in 1527. Then, in the 17th century, Louis XIV brought in his prolific engineer and fort builder, Vauban, who joined the ranks. fortifications.
But this was the end of its strategic importance and it remained a sleepy little town, untouched by modern developments, leaving it a peaceful place to visit today.
Victor Hugo
In 1837, Victor Hugo stopped by Montreuil on his way back to Paris and liked the city so much that he based some of the action on Les Mis é rables here. Jean Valjean becomes mayor of Montreuil; the Hôtel de France is still here, and the author witnessed the runaway chariot crushing a spectator. You can see Les Mis é rables in July and August in a wonderful two-hour show son-et-lumière based on the novel. Book at: Tel 00 33 (0) 3 21 06 72 45, or on the festival website.
Where to stay
There are loads of good accommodations in Montreuil-sur-Mer, with the Château de Montreuil being the best option for many. There are also some good alternatives on the outskirts of the city.
- Read guest reviews, compare prices and book the Château de Montreuil on TripAdvisor.
Things to do in Montreuil-sur-Mer
Walking through the old streets is one of the joys of Montreuil, passing by the old mansions built by aristocrats as country shelters during the 18th century. Don’t miss L’Hôtel Acary de la Rivière (1810) on Parvis Saint Firmin and L’Hôtel de Longvilliers (1752) on Rue de la Chaîne.
The Tourist Office organizes several guided tours.
- The Citadel
Tel.: 00 33 (0) 3 21 06 10 83
Open March, October, November 2-5pm
April-September 10 am- afternoon and 2-6pm
Admission adults 4 euros, children 2 euros Built in 1585, the Citadel (La Citadelle) was the main defense of the city. You enter the complex through a brick gate and then you can wander through the towers, the chapel, the remains of the castle and the 13th century ramparts. An exhibition in the vaulted cellars of the main tower shows Montreuil’s involvement during the First World War and is worth a visit (there are narrow passages to the cellars).
- Le Musee de France Roger Rodiere
Tel.: 00 33 (0) 3 21 86 90 83
Open March, November, December 2-5pm
April-September 10 am- afternoon and 2-6pm
Adult admission 3 euros, 1.50 euros child The place to go see the influence of the church and its importance in the city in a rich collection of sacred treasures. There are also paintings of the city and the surrounding countryside from the Etaples School of Painting . - St-Saulve Abbey Church
Place Gambetta Visit this 12th century church built on the site of a monastery for the ecclesiastical treasures from the 13th to 17th centuries that are preserved here. The organ, built in 1806, is a commanding sight, as are the remarkable 18th-century paintings in the Notre Dame Chapel.
Where to eat
The Château de Montreuil is the best place for an excellent meal with the Michelin star owner / chef. The restaurant is nice overlooking the garden. Menus from 28 euros (lunch) and a 3-course a la carte meal for 78 euros. A real treat and well worth the price.
Take a look at the other good restaurants in Montreuil.
Compras in Montreuil
- Vinophile
2 rue du grand sermon
Tel.: 00 33 (0) 3 21 06 01 54
Website Very good selection of wines, spirits and champagnes, as well as kitchen utensils and foods such as foie gras in their delicatessen. - Fromagerie Caseus
- 28 Place du Général de Gaulle
Tel.: 00 33 (0) 3 21 06 50 88
Website
Specializing in northern French cheeses, this is a wonderful shop with knowledgeable staff, and they will vacuum pack the cheeses if you travel.
- Pierru laurent
14 rue Pierre Ledent
Tel.: 00 33 (0) 3 21 06 06 73 Artisan chocolatier and pastry shop where you can get a selection of the best chocolates that make a great gift.
