Montreuil-sur-Mer Location map Peaceful countryside and quaint seaside villages await you in Pas-de-Calais. Ramble, hike or just stroll through the breathtaking open space and enjoy unspoilt forests, serene meadows and imposing, stunning white cliffs. You will also find a wealth of culture and heritage - from stately fortified towns and magnificent châteaux, to the history and emotion of battlefields and war graves. With so many interesting places to visit, we guarantee your holiday won't be long enough! The Local Area [click photo for more information] Montreuil-sur-Mer Montreuil-sur-Mer A little history... Montreuil-sur-Mer is first mentioned in the "Annales de Saint-Vaast" written between 874-900AD. It mentions the siege of a fort at "Mosterio uel inguer" (Montreuil-sur-Mer) by the Normans in 898AD. The origins of the name Montreuil are also from "Monasteriolum" which implies that the settlement was originally of religious significance. During the 10th century, the Breton monks of Landevennec founded the Saint-Saulve Abbey at Montreuil-sur-Mer. It was originally constructed as a church for pilgrims and was modified several times between the 12th and 19th centuries. Although the town's name mentions the sea, it is actually located inland on the main road linking Normandy and Flanders and on the River Canche which links the town to the sea. Until the end of the Middle Ages, Montreuil-sur-Mer was the most important port on the north coast of France. At the end of the Middle Ages, however, the river silted up and the port's trade declined - as did the fortunes of the town. In June 1537, the armies of Charles Quint & Henri VIII lay siege to Montreuil-sur-Mer and the town was virtually destroyed. Following this, Charles IX decreed that a citadel should be constructed on the site of a 13th-century château. A century later in about 1670, Vauban perfected the citadel's construction. During the 18th century, Montreuil-sur-Mer started to prosper once again. In 1804, it became an important military base and was later used as a base for the British army during the First World War. The railway arrived in the town at the beginning of the 20th century. After a short stay in Montreuil-sur-Mer, Victor Hugo set "Les Misérables" in the town. His novel was published in 1862. Montreuil-sur-Mer celebrates its link with Victor Hugo each summer with an outdoor staging of the novel. There are also guided walks of the town exploring the origins of the story. Architecture St-Saulve abbey (13th-16th century) with sacred artworks & relics dating from the 8th century; l'Hôtel Dieu chapel (15th-19th century); 18th-century Ste-Austreber chapel; 15th-century église-des-Carmes; 13th/16th/17th-century fortifications; 13th-century château; 16th-century citadel; 19th-century Hôtel-Acary-de-la-Rivière. Things to see La Course & La Canche rivers; valley of the l'Authie; feudal motte at Bernieulles; guided walks & tours around Montreuil-sur-Mer. Things to do Cinema; swimming pool; water sports; canoeing & kayaks; horse riding; cycling & walking tours. Commune Montreuil-sur-Mer Population 2688 Area 285 (1.1 sq miles) Altitude 20 (66 ft) Département 62 Pas-de-Calais Région Nord-Pas-de-Calais Book now! Tariff top of page