Montreuil

Visit Montreuil, Nord-Pas-de-Calais

Montreuil is a small town to the west of the Pas-de-Calais department of northern France.

The town is also known as Montreuil-sur-Mer, despite being 12 km from the sea, and was a very important medieval port for the Calais region. Silting of the river means you will no longer see ships when you visit, but the town remains something of an undiscovered beauty, with much to enjoy in the historical streets.

Exploring Montreuil

The town is on a small hill surrounded by ramparts, from when it was a frontier town against Artois to the north-east, in the 16th century. The ramparts were further reinforced by the French military architect Vauban during the 17th century.

From the ramparts there are fine views across the surrounding countryside and the river, with the sea in the distance. Montreuil also had a castle, but only a small part - two towers - now remains.

It is a town that oozes character, with the cobbled streets and old houses linking small squares and being a great pleasure to explore. Be sure not to miss rue Clape-en-Bas, one of the prettiest streets.

Other highlights include the Saint-Saulve church and Hotel-Dieu chapel (all that remains of a larger abbey that once stood here) and their impressive architectural details; and the citadel constructed by Vauban.

The town is also a 4* ville fleurie which further adds to its attractiveness.

The town was also home to the British Forces in France during the First World War - hence the statue Field Marshall Sir Douglas Haig on horseback surrounded by fountains in the centre of the town. You will also notice other small statues and fountains adding to the pleasant ambience as you wander the streets.

Note that Montreuil tourist office can give you details of a planned route around the town to ensure you see the points of interest.

Easily accessed from the UK - France ferry ports, Montreuil is a highly recommended destination as a great place to unwind for a weekend away.

Attractions nearby

One very popular destination close to Montreuil is the monastery called the Chartreuse de Neuville. With a history dating back to the 14th century, the chartreuse we see today is mostly a 19th century reconstruction. After monastic establishments were abolished in France at the beginning of the 20th century the buildings were used as a hospital for much of the 20th century. During your visit you can see many buildings and rooms including the church, the sleeping accommodation, the cloisters and ornate passageways.

Tourist classifications for Montreuil: Recommended detour town (plus beau detour);

Suggested places to visit near Montreuil, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: Column of the Grand Army 32km; Saint-Omer 47km; Eu 52km; Le Treport 53km;

See these places and more on a map at places near Montreuil

Montreuil tourism: sights and attractions nearby

Eglise de Saint-Saulve (Montreuil-sur-Mer) - religious monument (0km) : Montreuil-sur-Mer - ville fleurie 4* (0km) : Saint-Josse - ville fleurie 4* (7km) : Jardins de Valloires - remarkable garden (14km) : Baie d'Authie - site of natural beauty (16km) : Le jardin des Lianes - remarkable garden (26km) : Forest-l'Abbaye - ville fleurie 4* (29km) : Baie de Somme - grand site of france (30km) :

French version: see Montreuil (Francais)