Attractions and Places To See around Montcavrel - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Montcavrel, a small commune in the Pas-de-Calais department of France, are primarily found in its immediate vicinity. The region offers a diverse array of experiences, from historic fortified towns to significant cultural sites and natural features. Visitors can explore a rich variety of landmarks and points of interest within a short distance of Montcavrel.
Best attractions and places to see around Montcavrel
- The most popular attractions is Citadel of Montreuil, a castle built in the 16th century on the foundations of an older castle. It is a defensive redoubt classified as a historic monument.
- Another must-see spot is Montreuil and its citadel, a historic fortified town known for its ramparts and ancient streets. Visitors can explore the citadel and its fortifications, admiring the architecture and views of the Canche valley.
- Visitors also love Saint Saulve Abbey Church, an 11th-century abbey church rebuilt in the 13th and 16th centuries. It features capital friezes and 18th-century paintings inside.
- Montcavrel is known for its historical sites, religious buildings, and man-made monuments. The area offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, including fortifications, churches, and statues.
- The attractions around Montcavrel are appreciated by the komoot community, with over 59 upvotes and 25 photos shared across various highlights.
Last updated: June 23, 2026
Montreuil and its citadel
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Saint Saulve Abbey Church
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Chapelle Sainte Austreberthe
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The current buildings were built in 1736 and 1750. They still include the cloister and the chapel. During the French Revolution, the nuns temporarily left France for England, taking with them the treasure trove of sacred art and the relics it contained. With the dissolution of the community at the beginning of the 19th century, works of art and precious reliquaries, including the crosier of Saint Austreberthe, were deposited in the abbey church of Sainte-Saulve, where they are still located.
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The statue of Marshal Douglas Haig
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The famous director of Christ the Redeemer of Rio delivers his work that will be inaugurated with great pomp in the presence of the Marshal's widow and André Maginot.
In 1940, the Germans unlocked the statue and sent it to Germany to be melted down. In 1950 a second impression was made from the original plaster. This sculpture is enthroned in front of the Montreuil theater and is now a listed monument.
ville-montreuil-sur-mer.fr/patrimoine
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Citadel of Montreuil
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The citadel is the defensive redoubt of the town of Montreuil (Pas-de-Calais). It is a spur on the left bank of the Canche valley, the former border of the counties of Ponthieu and Boulonnais. The fortified site placed under its protection the port infrastructures of the city of Montreuil, which have now disappeared.
fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Citadelle_de_Montreuil
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Tips from the Community
Somewhat remote, but very worth seeing
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Montreuil on the sea
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Montreuil on the sea
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The origins of Montreuil, whose name derives from the Latin 'monasteriolum' (small monastery), are closely linked to its religious history. The abbey church of Saint-Saulve in Montreuil-sur-Mer was built in the 12th century and is located on the site of an older monastery dedicated to Saint Walloy, founded in the 10th century. In 926, the monks of Landévennec (Finistère) fled the Norman invasions and found refuge in Montreuil, where they founded the abbey of Saint-Walloy (local deformation of the name Saint Guénolé). In 1111, this abbey changed its name when the remains of Saint-Saulve were brought there. In its original design, the building had a layout typical of pilgrimage churches with an ambulatory and radiating chapels. In the Middle Ages, the numerous relics attracted pilgrims to Montreuil and gave the town a character of holiness. It was then nicknamed 'The Necropolis of Ponthieu'. The reconstruction after the earthquake of 1467 caused the collapse of at least six religious buildings, including the Hôtel-Dieu and the Saint-Saulve church, which was completely rebuilt at the beginning of the 16th century.
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The Abbey of Sainte-Austreberthe is one of two large monasteries in Montreuil-sur-Mer, originally founded in the 10th century. The protection offered by the ramparts in the context of Viking raids gave the Norman nuns of Pavilly the certainty of preserving the relics of their patron saint: Austreberthe. She is a Merovingian aristocrat from Marconnes near Hesdin. The current buildings were built in 1736 and 1750. They still include the cloister and the chapel. During the French Revolution, the nuns temporarily left France for England, taking with them the treasure trove of sacred art and the relics it contained. With the dissolution of the community at the beginning of the 19th century, works of art and precious reliquaries, including the crosier of Saint Austreberthe, were deposited in the abbey church of Sainte-Saulve, where they are still located.
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Montreuil is a royal citadel built in the 16th century on the foundations of an ancient castle. You can explore the citadel and its fortifications, admire the architecture and views of the Canche valley, and discover the history of the site. You can also visit the museum located inside the citadel, which features exhibits on the military and natural heritage of the region.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can I explore near Montcavrel?
The area around Montcavrel is rich in history. You can visit the historic fortified town of Montreuil and its citadel, known for its ramparts and ancient streets. Within Montreuil, don't miss the 11th-century Saint Saulve Abbey Church with its 18th-century paintings, and the Chapelle Sainte Austreberthe, a Renaissance-style architectural jewel. Further afield, explore the 18th-century Cistercian Valloires Abbey or the old town of Boulogne-sur-Mer with its ramparts and castle.
Are there any notable natural features or gardens to visit?
Yes, the region offers beautiful natural spots and gardens. You can explore the formal gardens of Jardins de Valloires, associated with Valloires Abbey. Another highly-rated option is Le Jardin des Lianes. For a larger natural habitat, The Bay of the Somme, characterized by its wide natural environment, is also within reach.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do around Montcavrel?
Montcavrel is a great base for outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for mountain biking, cycling, and hiking. For example, there are several hiking trails around Montcavrel, including moderate loops like 'The citadel – Wide view of the country side loop from Montreuil-sur-Mer'. Cyclists can enjoy routes such as 'Inxent – Montreuil and its citadel loop from Beussent' found in the Cycling around Montcavrel guide. Mountain bikers also have options like the 'Canche Estuary – Camping trail loop from Montreuil-sur-Mer' in the MTB Trails around Montcavrel guide.
Are there family-friendly attractions near Montcavrel?
Absolutely! For family fun, you can visit Nausicaá - Centre National de la Mer, a large aquarium and sea life center in Boulogne-sur-Mer, considered one of France's top attractions. There are also amusement parks like Parc Bagatelle and Laby'Parc du Touquet nearby, offering entertainment for all ages.
Where can I find seaside resorts or beaches close to Montcavrel?
For seaside enjoyment, Le Touquet-Paris-Plage is an upmarket and very popular resort in the region, known for its vibrant atmosphere and events. Another option is Fort-Mahon-Plage, which offers a popular beach for relaxation and activities.
What is the significance of the Marshal Douglas Haig statue?
The statue of Marshal Douglas Haig in Montreuil-sur-Mer commemorates the commander of the British armies during World War I. Montreuil served as his decision-making center for three years. The equestrian statue, created by sculptor Paul Landowski, pays tribute to his role in the war and is now a listed monument.
What do visitors enjoy most about the Montreuil citadel?
Visitors particularly enjoy exploring the Citadel of Montreuil for its historical significance and impressive architecture. Many appreciate the opportunity to walk along the fortified ramparts, admire the views of the Canche valley, and delve into the site's history. It's considered a very worthwhile visit despite being somewhat remote.
Are there any specific walking routes suitable for beginners or families near Montcavrel?
Yes, for beginners or families, there are easier walking routes available. For instance, the 'Entrance to the casemates – The citadel loop from La Madelaine-sous-Montreuil' is an easy 5.6 km hike, and 'Le Grand Bain loop from La Madelaine-sous-Montreuil' is an even shorter, easy 2.9 km option. You can find more details and other routes in the Hiking around Montcavrel guide.
What is there to see in Boulogne-sur-Mer besides the aquarium?
Beyond the impressive Nausicaá aquarium, Boulogne-sur-Mer boasts a charming old town. You can explore its historic ramparts, visit the castle, and wander through its ancient streets, offering a glimpse into the city's rich past.
Can I find any unique cultural or religious buildings in the vicinity?
Yes, besides the Saint Saulve Abbey Church and Chapelle Sainte Austreberthe in Montreuil, you can also visit La Chartreuse de Neuville, a significant historic building that offers insights into the region's cultural and religious heritage.
What kind of cycling routes are available for touring bicycles?
For touring cyclists, there are various routes around Montcavrel. You can enjoy scenic rides like the 'Inxent – Banks of the Canche loop from Beussent' or the 'Inxent – Old Mill of Inxent loop from Montcavrel'. These routes offer a mix of moderate and difficult terrain, allowing you to explore the local landscape. More options are detailed in the Cycling around Montcavrel guide.
Most popular routes around Montcavrel
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