Montreuil
Montreuil or Montreuil-sur-Mer is an historic walled town in Hauts-de-France in France. It is located on a hill, with the ramparts giving good views of the surrounding countryside. It is famous as the location that inspired Victor Hugo to write Les Miserables.
Understand[edit]
Montreuil's unofficial moniker of sur-Mer hints at its past status as a port town. While it has never been on the seafront, the river Canche was wider and deeper until the late Middle Ages, permitting seagoing vessels to use Montreuil as a harbour. After this period, the Canche silted up and Montreuil became fully landlocked. The river's port is now further downstream at Étaples.
Get in[edit]
By car[edit]
Originally a stop on the main Paris to Calais road, the N1 now bypasses the town. If arriving via the A16, leave at exits 25 or 26.
Get around[edit]
See[edit]
Do[edit]
- La chocolaterie de Beussent Lachelle, 66 route de Desvres, Beussent (11 km north of Montreuil; take the D150 to Estrée, then the D127 to Beussent itself.), ☏ +33-3-21-86-17-62. You can tour the artisanal chocolate workshop at Beussent and learn the secrets of chocolate-making in an entertaining presentation, with a free sample included, before purchasing (slightly pricey but delicious!) chocolates from the on-site shop. €2.80 pp for a group tour.
Walk along the ramparts that surround the town. Explore the cobbled streets and squares within the town.
Buy[edit]
Shops are located around the market square, Place de General de Gaulle. Market on Saturday.