The fortified gates date

The fortified gates date to the beginning of the 13th century as do several towers which once provided protection to what was a port town – hence the name sur Mer (on sea). There’s no sea there now, in fact Victor Hugo wrote that he was a bit miffed about it! But over the centuries the estuary from the channel which led up to the steep walls of Montreuil silted up and now the waves are some 10km away in Le Touquet. This was one of the first citadels built in France, commissioned by Charles IX in 1567. It was improved by Vauban, Louis XIV’s engineer and now houses part of the collection of the Roger Rodière Museum of France and is a classified site for the protection of bats. Each year the townsfolk of Montreuil dress up to the nines and put on a most amazing show – Les Miserables performed on the ramparts by a cast of some 500 locals, accompanied by cannon and horses. It’s an absolutely brilliant event, professional but heart felt. While you're here - eat. Seriously – Montreuil-sur-Mer, “Destination Gastronomique”, really is that good. There are regular food and wine festivals and lots of really excellent restaurants. Locals love Froggys which specialises in rotisserie, Le Caveau (terrific brasserie fare and scrumptious Flemish pizzas), Anecdote, industrial chic décor and a fabulous menu, Bistronome for great steak frites. Walk off the calories round this picturesque little town or take a turn around the ramparts which takes about 40 minutes. Useful websites: www.tourisme-montreuillois.com/fr www.pas-de-calais-tourisme.com/en ladestinationgastronomique.com/fr