Citadelle de Montreuil-sur-Mer

Castle in Calais

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Commune de Montreuil-sur-Mer

The Citadelle de Montreuil-sur-Mer is a historic fortress located in Montreuil-sur-Mer, in the Pas-de-Calais region of northern France. Originally built as a royal castle in the 13th century by King Philippe II Auguste, the citadel was strategically positioned to protect the estuary of the Canche River. After the city was sacked by Charles V’s troops in 1537, King Charles IX ordered the construction of a modern citadel in 1567, incorporating the remains of the medieval fortress. Over the centuries, the site underwent several renovations, particularly in the 17th and 19th centuries, adapting to evolving military strategies.

The citadel is a remarkable example of military architecture, showcasing elements from different periods, including bastioned defenses introduced in the 16th century. In the 1670s, the famous military engineer Vauban further strengthened its fortifications, adding a powder magazine, an arsenal, and a demi-lune entrance. Today, visitors can explore the fortified walls, towers, and underground passages, which provide insight into the evolution of defensive structures over seven centuries.

Beyond its military significance, the Citadelle de Montreuil-sur-Mer played a crucial role during World War I, serving as the headquarters of the British Army’s General Staff. The site now hosts exhibitions detailing its wartime history, as well as displays on local biodiversity, including its role as a protected habitat for rare bat species. The citadel is classified as a Monument Historique and is part of the Natura 2000 network, recognizing its environmental importance.

The Citadelle de Montreuil-sur-Mer appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Calais!

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Visiting Citadelle de Montreuil-sur-Mer

Hours:

Winter opening: Citadel open every day except Tuesday: from February 8 to March 28 from 2 pm to 5 pm

Spring Opening: Citadel open every day except Tuesday: from March 29 to July 4 from 10 am to 12:30 pm and from 1:30 pm to 6 pm

Summer opening: Citadel open every day from July 5 to August 31 from 10 am to 6:30 pm

Autumn opening: Citadel open every day except Tuesday: from September 1 to 28 from 10 am to 12:30 pm and from 1:30 pm to 6 pm

from September 29 to November 2 from 10 am to 12:30 pm and from 1:30 pm to 5 pm

Price:

€7.50

Address: Citadelle de Montreuil-sur-Mer, Rue Carnot, Montreuil, France

Official Website