Attractions and Places To See around Alette - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Alette, a commune in the Pas-de-Calais department of northern France, offers a tranquil setting. While Alette itself features the historic 12th-century Église Saint-Laurent, the surrounding region provides a variety of natural, cultural, and historical sites. Visitors can explore nearby fortified towns, abbeys, and natural reserves.
Best attractions and places to see around Alette
- The most popular attractions is Citadel of Montreuil, a castle that is a 16th-century pre-Vauban royal citadel. It is built on the foundations of a medieval royal castle and is classified as a historic monument.
- Another must-see spot is Montreuil and its citadel, a historic town known for its fortifications and ramparts dating from the 13th and 16th centuries. It is a significant tourist attraction in the region, located on a promontory overlooking the Canche river.
- Visitors also love Saint Saulve Abbey Church, an 11th-century abbey church located in Montreuil-sur-Mer. The church was rebuilt in the 13th and 16th centuries, featuring original 11th-century elements and notable 18th-century paintings.
- Alette is known for historical sites, natural features, and cultural attractions. The region offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from fortified towns to abbeys and natural reserves.
- The attractions around Alette are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 50 upvotes and 25 photos shared.
Last updated: May 11, 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
Highlight • Castle
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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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 Alette?
The region around Alette is rich in history. You can visit the fortified town of Montreuil-sur-Mer, home to the 16th-century pre-Vauban royal citadel, the Citadel of Montreuil. Also in Montreuil-sur-Mer, explore the Saint Saulve Abbey Church, an 11th-century church with notable 18th-century paintings, and the Chapelle Sainte Austreberthe. Within Alette itself, the historic 12th-century Église Saint-Laurent is a significant landmark.
Are there natural attractions or outdoor spaces to visit near Alette?
Yes, the area offers diverse natural beauty. You can explore the Réserve naturelle de la Baie de Canche, the Forêt d'Hesdin, the Baie d'Authie, and the Dunes d'Écault. Further afield, the Parc du Marquenterre and the Réserve naturelle de la Baie de Somme provide extensive natural landscapes, while coastal areas like Cap Gris-Nez and Cap Blanc-Nez offer stunning views.
What family-friendly attractions are available around Alette?
For family fun, consider visiting Parc Bagatelle, an amusement park located in Rang-du-Fliers. The Nausicaá – Centre national de la Mer in Boulogne-sur-Mer is a large aquarium and sea life center, offering an engaging experience for all ages. Mareis - Sea Fishing Discovery Center in Etaples also provides educational insights into sea fishing.
Can I find opportunities for hiking or cycling near Alette?
Absolutely. The region offers various routes for outdoor enthusiasts. For hiking, you can find trails like the 'Citadel of Montreuil-sur-Mer – The citadel loop from Attin' or the 'Forêt de Montcavrel loop from Mont Tronquoy'. Cyclists can enjoy routes such as the 'Le Touquet Covered Market – Citadel of Montreuil loop from Hucqueliers'. You can find more details on these and other routes in the Hiking around Alette and Road Cycling Routes around Alette guides.
What is the main historical landmark within Alette itself?
The primary historical landmark within Alette is the Église Saint-Laurent. This significant church dates back to the 12th century, with its tower and spire having undergone reconstructions in the 16th century. It is officially classified as an historic monument.
Are there any coastal towns or beaches worth visiting near Alette?
Yes, Le Touquet-Paris-Plage is an upscale seaside resort located about 17 km from Alette, known for its beaches and events. Further north, the coastal areas around Cap Gris-Nez and Cap Blanc-Nez offer dramatic cliffs and scenic views of the English Channel.
What kind of cultural experiences can I find in the area?
Beyond historical sites, you can immerse yourself in maritime culture at Mareis - Sea Fishing Discovery Center in Etaples, or explore the vast marine life exhibits at Nausicaá – Centre national de la Mer in Boulogne-sur-Mer. The charming historic center of Montreuil-sur-Mer also offers a rich cultural atmosphere with its fortifications and local life.
Are there any gardens or parks to visit for a relaxing day out?
Yes, for those seeking tranquility, the Jardins de Valloires and Le Jardin des Lianes are notable gardens in the broader area, offering beautiful landscapes and a peaceful environment for a relaxing day out.
What is the best time of year to visit the attractions around Alette?
The region is enjoyable throughout the warmer months, typically from spring to early autumn (April to October), when the weather is mild and conducive to exploring historical sites, natural reserves, and coastal areas. Summer months are ideal for seaside resorts and outdoor activities, though they can be busier.
Are there any attractions near Alette that are suitable for visitors with mobility challenges?
While specific accessibility details vary, some historical sites like the statue of Marshal Douglas Haig in Montreuil-sur-Mer are noted as wheelchair accessible. For natural areas, paved paths or accessible viewing points may be available in some reserves, but it's always recommended to check specific venue information beforehand.
What are some unique or less-known places to discover near Alette?
Beyond the main highlights, consider visiting La Chartreuse de Neuville, a historic site located about 5.8 km from Alette, offering a glimpse into monastic history. Exploring the smaller villages and their local churches, like Alette's Église Saint-Laurent, can also reveal charming, less-trafficked gems.
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