Exploring Montreuil-sur-Mer

```html

Exploring Montreuil-sur-Mer

Montreuil-sur-Mer, nestled among lush green fields and tranquil countryside, has always been one of my favorite destinations to indulge in French cuisine and lifestyle. Don’t expect to stroll alongside the azure waves of the Côte d’Opale here! This charming town is located about 45 miles south of Calais, perched on a hill approximately 10 miles from the Canche River, which is one of the seven rivers that make up the enchanting Vallées d’Opale region of Pas-de-Calais, close to the southern coast of England.

Historical Highlights

Built on a hill and surrounded by towering ramparts, Montreuil is truly a sight to behold from every angle. The town is not so large that you’ll feel lost, yet it’s spacious enough to offer plenty of intriguing experiences for a short trip or a weekend getaway. You can wander around the fortified walls, visit the citadel that was reinforced during the reign of Louis XIV, and meander through cobbled streets lined with historic buildings, both grand and quaint. The famous writer Victor Hugo was deeply impressed during his stay here and even gave Montreuil a special role in his masterpiece, Les Misérables.

A Culinary Paradise

Montreuil has built an admirable reputation among food enthusiasts, thanks to several quality restaurants, including two fine dining establishments and a café led by Michelin-starred chef Alexandre Gauthier. If you plan to stay overnight, I highly recommend Les Hauts de Montreuil, part of the trusted Logis de France network, offering a cozy atmosphere, warm hospitality, and fantastic cuisine at the Le Patio restaurant, just a stone’s throw from the ramparts and the main square. If you prefer to self-cater or simply want to grab a picnic, Montreuil is also home to numerous food shops selling pastries, wines, cheeses, and meats.

Don’t miss the chance to gain insights through the Opal Coast food tours on Friday mornings, run by locals Paddy and Sarah Daly. You’ll explore the best gourmet shops and receive cooking tips through tasting sessions, culminating in a lunch featuring regional specialties at a local restaurant.

Discovering Nausicaa

On my way back to Calais, I spent the night in Boulogne, home to France's largest fishing port and the National Sea Life Center, Nausicaa. Established in 1991 to raise community awareness about marine environments, Nausicaa now boasts the largest aquarium in Europe, along with several smaller tanks showcasing marine creatures from around the world.

Nausicaa is divided into three areas: tropical waters, climate change, and ocean life, attracting visitors of all ages and interests with many exciting interactive experiences. You’ll have the chance to see manta rays, grey sharks, starfish, giant crabs, vibrantly colored tropical fish, and exquisite anemones, while learning about their roles in our planet's ecosystem. Three hours here will fly by!

Exploring Boulogne’s Old Town

Boulogne also features the historic district of Vieux Boulogne, where you can turn your back on Nausicaa and the sea to stroll through the town center and up the hill. Be sure to take a moment to look up at the vaulted ceiling of the Notre-Dame Cathedral and down into the newly restored crypt. Then, visit the old castle, now an engaging museum with rich collections, including paintings, Roman sculptures, and Egyptian artifacts collected by local archaeologist August Mariette, who helped establish the Cairo Museum of Antiquities and the collection currently housed at the Louvre.

Feasting Your Senses

Much like Montreuil, Boulogne delights both body and spirit with a variety of accommodation options, restaurants, and food shops. You can stop by the famous cheese shop of Philippe Olivier and bring along a cooler for your next dinner party, or wander the stalls along the quay to purchase fresh seafood. For a memorable seafood dinner—among many other offerings—make a reservation or stay overnight at La Matelote, located across from Nausicaa. Named after a traditional fishmonger in Boulogne, this restaurant has been a favorite for over 40 years thanks to its cozy ambiance and high-quality dishes.

The Scenic Journey Back

The quickest route back to Calais takes you through the rolling green fields with distant sea views, but for a delightful final experience, take the coastal road and stop at Ambleteuse to stroll along the beach with its 17th-century fort or the peaceful fishing village of Audresselles nearby.
The road winds through the Site des Deux Caps, which is classified as a Grand Site de France, showcasing the natural beauty of the two headlands, Cap Gris Nez and Cap Blanc Nez. This is the perfect spot to take a break and enjoy the panoramic views. Cap Gris Nez is the closest point to England, and on clear days, the English coastline is easily visible just 20 miles away.

Essential Information

To get there, I took my car on the LeShuttle service for the 35-minute journey under the sea from Folkestone to Calais. From there, it’s about a 30-minute drive to Boulogne, plus another 30 minutes to Montreuil-sur-Mer.
For accommodation and activities, check out: www.leshautsdemontreuil.fr | www.la-matelote.com | www.opalcoastfoodtours.com | www.nausicaa.fr | For more travel information: www.visitpasdecalais.com

```