Visiting Montreuil-sur-Mer
This fortified town is arguably one of the most charming stops along the Opal Coast in the Pas-de-Calais region. Despite what the name suggests, it is not actually on the sea. Montreuil is a classic northern French village located about nine miles inland. It is a destination with real character, and you can easily spend a full day exploring everything it has to offer.
Walking the village ramparts
Montreuil-sur-Mer has a small population of about 2,000, yet it remains one of the most visited spots in Pas-de-Calais. The town packs a punch with its thousand-year history. From the 10th to the 15th century, its strategic positioning made it the administrative hub for a major maritime port. By the 16th century, the port function faded, and a citadel was built atop the hill. The renowned military engineer Vauban later added his signature fortifications. Today, you can still walk the full length of the ramparts, a path just under two miles long. It is well-maintained and offers sweeping views of the surrounding countryside.
Picturesque alleys and hidden lanes
The center of Montreuil-sur-Mer is exceptionally pedestrian-friendly. Walking through its narrow streets can feel like stepping back into the Middle Ages. rue d'Hérambault is a standout, lined with local shops and small restaurants that have retained their historic feel. Make sure to explore the venelles, the tiny passages that are sometimes barely three feet wide. rue de la Cavée Saint-Firmin, with its steep incline, is particularly photogenic and has served as a backdrop for various painters, photographers, and film directors. You might recognize it from scenes in Les Misérables. Finally, rue du Clape-en-Bas is a local curiosity known for the clapiers that once covered the sewer openings to dampen odors. Today, the street is home to various artisan workshops and boutiques.
Head over to Place Gambetta to see the village's signature landmarks. The 12th-century abbey church is worth a look. The Hôtel Dieu was founded in the early 13th century by nuns to care for the sick and pilgrims. It functioned as a hospital for centuries, only closing its doors in the 1990s. Today, it houses a hotel and restaurant often frequented for weekend getaways: the Best Western Hôtel Hermitage.
When to go
The best time to visit is during the warmer months, when the weather is pleasant and all tourist attractions are in full swing. Keep in mind that the town hosts a massive flea market in mid-July, which draws hundreds of vendors and thousands of treasure hunters.
The shoulder season is also a great time to visit, especially if you prefer to avoid the crowds.
Getting there
By car, Montreuil-sur-Mer is about a 1 hour and 40 minute drive from Lille and 2 hours and 30 minutes from Paris. It is only about 12 miles from coastal towns like Berck-sur-Mer and Le Touquet. You can also reach the village by train from major French cities, arriving at the small station of Montreuil-sur-Mer.
A former stronghold fortified by Vauban, Montreuil-sur-Mer is a village with charm.
The lower town isn't all that interesting, except for a pretty stream where you can go canoeing or kayaking.
After a short climb, you reach the upper town, which has much more to offer.
You pass under some ramparts to enter the upper town. Inside, there are shopping streets, a Place Charles de Gaulle where a market is held on weekends, and good restaurants (we had dinner at Le Bistronome, which we recommend).
Things to see: the Vauban citadel, the Cathedral, and the ramparts (you can walk along a good portion of them). On the weekend of July 14th, the streets of the old town host a flea market, which is interesting!