Citadelle de Montreuil-sur-Mer

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

Perched high above the Canche Valley, the Citadelle de Montreuil-sur-Mer is one of northern France's most captivating fortresses. Built atop the remains of a 13th-century royal castle, this massive stronghold has witnessed centuries of French military evolution - from medieval fortifications to Vauban's ingenious 17th-century upgrades. Today, the site offers visitors a fascinating journey through time, with its commanding ramparts, underground passages, and panoramic views over the countryside making it one of the best places to visit in Montreuil-sur-Mer.

The citadel's atmosphere is both historic and tranquil. Once a key defensive bastion guarding the estuary of the Canche River, it later served as the British Army's headquarters during World War I. Now, its bastions and courtyards echo only with birdsong and the wind through the trees, offering a striking contrast to its turbulent past. The Citadelle de Montreuil-sur-Mer stands as a proud testament to the town's enduring heritage.

History and Significance of the Citadelle de Montreuil-sur-Mer

The origins of the fortress trace back to the 13th century, when King Philippe II Auguste built a royal castle to defend the region against invaders. After the city was ravaged by Charles V’s troops in 1537, King Charles IX ordered the construction of a new, modern citadel in 1567, incorporating the remains of the medieval castle. Its design reflected the changing art of war, adopting bastioned defenses to withstand artillery fire - a clear departure from traditional medieval fortifications.

In the late 17th century, the celebrated military engineer Sébastien Le Prestre de Vauban enhanced the citadel’s defenses, adding a demi-lune entrance, an arsenal, and a powder magazine. These improvements solidified Montreuil’s place in France’s defensive network under Louis XIV. Later, in the 19th century, the site saw further reinforcement and adaptation to new military technologies.

The citadel’s significance continued into the 20th century when, during World War I, it served as the headquarters of the British Expeditionary Force under Field Marshal Sir Douglas Haig. Today, its layered history is told through exhibitions that explore both its architectural evolution and its role in wartime strategy.

Things to See and Do at the Citadelle de Montreuil-sur-Mer

A walk through the Citadelle is a walk through centuries of military innovation. Visitors can explore the massive ramparts and bastions, each offering stunning views of Montreuil’s old town and the surrounding countryside. The vaulted tunnels and underground chambers reveal how soldiers once lived, stored munitions, and defended the stronghold. The powder magazine, armory, and entrance gate - complete with its demi-lune bridge - are highlights of Vauban’s craftsmanship.

The citadel also serves as an open-air museum, with displays covering its role in both French and British military history. Seasonal exhibitions feature themes ranging from medieval warfare to World War I strategy. Outside the fortress walls, the surrounding parkland is part of a Natura 2000 protected zone, home to several rare bat species, adding a unique ecological dimension to your visit. In summer, the citadel sometimes hosts concerts, art installations, and historical reenactments that bring its long story vividly to life.

How to Get There

The Citadelle de Montreuil-sur-Mer is located just above the old town, a short walk from Place Gambetta. The site is signposted from the town center and easily reachable on foot. For those arriving by car, parking is available near the entrance on Rue Carnot. If you are looking to rent a car in France I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you. If you’re arriving by train, Montreuil-sur-Mer is connected to nearby towns such as Étaples and Arras via regional TER services. You can use SNCF Connect to check schedules, compare routes, and purchase tickets for National (SNCF ) and regional trains (TER). For a more streamlined experience, we recommend using Omio, which allows you to easily compare prices, schedules, and book tickets for both National and Regional travel across all of Europe, all in one place.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Citadelle de Montreuil-sur-Mer

• Best time to visit the Citadelle de Montreuil-sur-Mer: Spring and summer for pleasant weather and open exhibitions.
• Entrance fee in Euros: Around €5 for adults; discounts available for children and groups.
• Opening hours: Typically open daily from April to October; closed in winter.
• Official website: www.ville-montreuil-sur-mer.fr
• How long to spend: 1-2 hours to explore the site and exhibitions.
• Accessibility: The terrain includes uneven surfaces and stairs; partial accessibility for wheelchairs.
• Facilities: Toilets, small gift shop, and information center at the entrance.
• Photography tip: Capture panoramic shots of Montreuil’s rooftops and the Canche Valley from the ramparts.
• Guided tours: Available in French and English during the summer season.
• Nearby food options: Cafés and bistros in Montreuil’s old town, including several near Place Gambetta.

Where to Stay Close to the Citadelle de Montreuil-sur-Mer

Château de Montreuil offers elegant rooms and fine dining in a restored manor close to the citadel. Coq Hôtel provides a comfortable and friendly stay just steps from the town walls. For a boutique experience, Les Hauts de Montreuil combines historic charm with modern comfort.

Is the Citadelle de Montreuil-sur-Mer Worth Visiting?

Yes - the Citadelle de Montreuil-sur-Mer is one of the must-see places in Montreuil-sur-Mer. Its mix of medieval and Vauban-era architecture, wartime history, and scenic views make it a compelling stop for anyone exploring northern France. Whether you're fascinated by military history or simply enjoy wandering through atmospheric ruins, this fortress perfectly encapsulates the story of France's evolving defenses.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.4 (1,907)

The Citadel of Montreuil on Rue Carnot invites visitors to wander its well-presented fortifications and ramparts, enjoy cobbled streets and architecture, and soak up a peaceful mix of history and green landscapes; onsite information boards and a booklet provide helpful background, there are nearby restaurants, a museum, trails and camping on the slope, and while much is accessible, visitors with limited mobility may not be able to fully explore and some rampart sections have steep drops with no barrier.

Dave Roberts

5 months ago

"A cracking historical relic, which when considered with the surrounding cobbled streets and architecture provides a great experience. Very wellpresented and interesting information boards added to the value. Not a criticism but an observation for others, both my wife and I have impaired mobility which meant we couldn’t maximise our experience. That said we could see more than enough to appreciate this special place. At €7 it is incredible value...."

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محمد جمال

8 months ago

"The Citadel of Montreuil and its surrounding ramparts are truly fascinating. Walking through this historic site feels like stepping back in time,with ancient stone walls whispering stories of the past. The peaceful blend of history and nature creates a magical atmosphere — from the impressive architecture to the serene green landscapes. It’s a perfect place to explore, reflect, and appreciate the beauty of Montreuil’s rich heritage. Highly recommended for anyone who loves history, scenic walks, and a deep sense of co ection to the past...."

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Carl Nys

9 months ago

"Wow,... what a wonderfull environment. This fortified town has a lot to offer. Great restaurants (i advise 'Le Patio'), a museum, fortifications, anice camping on the slope to the citadel, hiking trails around the city,... wonderfull...."

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FAQs for Visiting the Citadelle de Montreuil-sur-Mer

Nearby Attractions to the Citadelle de Montreuil-sur-Mer

• Saint-Saulve Abbey - A Romanesque-Gothic church with beautiful cloisters.
• Remparts de Montreuil - Scenic walks along the old town’s preserved ramparts.
• Musée Roger Rodière - Exhibitions on local history and archaeology.
• Place Gambetta - The lively central square with cafés and markets.
• La Chartreuse de Neuville - A restored 14th-century monastery just outside town.

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

Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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