Key Facts About Montreuil-sur-Mer, France

📍 Location

• Region: Hauts-de-France

• Department: Pas-de-Calais

• Nearest Major City: Calais (approx. 1 hour by car)

• Distance from Paris: ~2.5 hours by car

• Coordinates: 50.4643° N, 1.7631° E

🏰 What Makes It Special

• A beautifully preserved medieval town with stone ramparts offering panoramic views

• Famous for inspiring Victor Hugo, who stayed here in 1837

• Named one of the “100 Most Beautiful Detours in France”

• A destination for fine dining, boutique hotels, and peaceful countryside escapes

🌤 Best Time to Visit

• May to September for mild weather and blooming gardens

• December for festive Christmas markets and cozy ambiance

• Avoid winter weekdays for limited restaurant and shop openings

🗺️ Top Things to See

• Citadel of Montreuil – impressive 13th-century fortress with walking trails

• Ramparts Walk – offers sweeping views over the Canche Valley

• Place Gambetta – central square surrounded by historic buildings and cafés

• Victor Hugo Plaque – commemorates his stay that inspired Les Misérables

• Saint-Saulve Abbey Church – with Gothic and Romanesque details

🍷 Food & Drink

• Renowned for gastronomic restaurants and local cheeses

• Try La Grenouillère, a Michelin-starred restaurant nearby

• Sample artisan chocolates, local cider, and seafood dishes from the Opal Coast

• Visit on market days (Saturdays) for fresh, regional produce

🛏️ Where to Stay

• Boutique hotels within the ramparts

• Country-style chambres d’hôtes (B&Bs)

• Charming gîtes in the surrounding hills

🚗 How to Get There

• By car: Easy access from the A16 motorway

• By train: Montreuil-sur-Mer station with regional connections

• By ferry: Near Calais and Boulogne-sur-Mer (ideal for UK visitors)

📸 Travel Tip

• Walk the ramparts at sunset for stunning light over the rooftops

• Bring comfortable shoes — the cobbled streets are charming but uneven!

✨ Did You Know?

Despite its name, Montreuil-sur-Mer hasn’t been on the sea for centuries! The coastline retreated, but the name stuck.

📌 Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a peaceful northern French town that’s rich in history and culinary delights, Montreuil-sur-Mer is a worthy stop. Whether you're following in Victor Hugo’s footsteps or just enjoying a weekend getaway, its fortified charm won’t disappoint.