Montreuil-sur-mer Montreuil-sur-mer, a
medieval port You are standing on the old ramparts of
Montreuil,
looking out over the valley of the river Canche towards the
sea at Etaples. Back in the 13th century this town -
known as "Montreuil-on-sea" - was one of the wealthiest
ports in northern Europe. The Canche estuary then reached up
to Montreuil; its quays thronged with sailing ships carrying
pilgrims to the holy relics in Montreuil's churches, and
trading cloth (some woven in the town), grain and wine.
Above the port, on the 40m high chalk
hill, stood the walled town and market place - all guarded
by a royal castle built by French king Philippe
Auguste.
Gateway to the Citadel at Montreuil
![]() Inside the town's 16th century ramparts - workmen's cottages in Rue du Clape en Bas ![]() Club de Canoe-Kayak: lessons and group facilities on the river Canche where once there thrived a medieval port. |
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16th century France's
frontier fort Besieged |
![]() Victor Hugo - best-selling French author of the 19th century, set his novel "Les Misérables" in Montreuil. |
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![]() Built after the 1537 raid. |
Walled town
rebuilt |
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Louis
XIV Victor Hugo &
Les
Misérables First World
War |
![]() General Haig had his HQ in Montreuil for part of the First World War |
Web
links and more information: Historic Fortifications Network: www.fortifications.org.uk |
![]() Click on places for more information |
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Where to eat
in Montreuil
- we recommend: |
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Places
to visit |
![]() ![]() QUICK TOUR round the Côte d'Opale, starting with Nausicaa... |
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Background
information |
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