Best attractions and places to see around Écuires include historical landmarks and diverse natural features. This commune in the Pas-de-Calais department offers a glimpse into traditional French village life. It serves as a base for exploring nearby fortified towns, natural reserves, and significant architectural sites. The area is characterized by its humid valley setting and proximity to coastal and inland attractions.
Last updated: August 2, 2026
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A very worthwhile abbey, well worth a visit.
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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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Beautiful garden that you should definitely see if you are in the area. You will discover different zones such as: The rose garden, the herb garden, the island garden, the ordinary garden, the garden of evolution, ...
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Near Écuires, you can visit the historic fortified town of Montreuil and its citadel, known for its 16th-century fortifications, architecture, and views of the Canche valley. Within Montreuil, the Saint Saulve Abbey Church, dating back to the 11th century, offers a glimpse into the region's religious history. Additionally, the 18th-century Cistercian Valloires Abbey and Gardens are renowned for their historical architecture and extensive botanical collections.
For nature and wildlife, head to Waben - Foraine d'Authie. This natural area features a series of lakes formed from old sand and gravel quarries, now a rich habitat for birds like spoonbills, cormorants, and avocets, with facilities for ornithological observation. The nearby Montreuil marsh and Beaumerie-Saint-Martin marsh also offer protected natural areas.
Yes, the Valloires Abbey and Gardens, located about 11 kilometers from Écuires, are a must-see. These extensive gardens feature 5,000 species and varieties of rare roses and shrubs, designed to follow the natural relief of the valley. The Jardin des Lianes, about 25 kilometers away, is also a regional favorite.
The area around Écuires offers various outdoor activities, especially hiking. You can find several trails, including easy to moderate loops around Montreuil-sur-Mer, such as the 'Wide view of the country side – The citadel loop'. For more options, explore the hiking routes in the Hiking around Écuires guide.
Yes, there are opportunities for cycling and gravel biking. Routes like the 'Citadel of Montreuil – Le Touquet-Paris-Plage loop' offer moderate to difficult rides. You can discover more options and detailed routes in the Gravel biking around Écuires guide.
Runners can enjoy trails such as the 'Citadel of Montreuil-sur-Mer – Citadel of Montreuil loop' which offers an easy 4.3 km run. Other moderate routes include loops from Écuires itself or Montreuil-sur-Mer. Find more running options in the Running Trails around Écuires guide.
Yes, Écuires is conveniently located near several coastal attractions. Le Touquet-Paris-Plage, an upscale town known for its beaches, is about 14 kilometers away. Fort-Mahon-Plage, another seaside resort with sandy beaches and coastal activities, is approximately 18 kilometers distant.
The best time to visit Écuires and its surrounding attractions generally depends on your preferred activities. Spring and summer offer pleasant weather for exploring gardens like Valloires and enjoying outdoor activities. For birdwatching at Foraine d'Authie, migration seasons (spring and autumn) can be particularly rewarding.
Écuires preserves remarkable traditional half-timbered houses, particularly visible on Rue du Marais. These structures offer a look at the local historical habitat and contribute to the village's charm.
The Saint-Vaast Church in Écuires is a significant landmark, dating back to the 16th century with 19th-century alterations. It features a flamboyant Gothic style and has been listed as a supplementary historical monument since 1926. Inside, you can admire capital friezes and two notable 18th-century paintings: 'The Vision of Saint Dominic' by Jouvenet and 'The Entry into the Monastery of St-Austreberthe'.
Many of the natural areas, such as Waben - Foraine d'Authie, are suitable for families interested in nature observation. Exploring the ramparts of Montreuil and its citadel can also be an engaging experience for children. The extensive gardens at Valloires Abbey offer open spaces for families to enjoy.
Beyond the main highlights, exploring the traditional half-timbered houses on Rue du Marais in Écuires offers a charming, authentic experience. The Domaine du Quiévremont, an estate that once belonged to the Acary de La Rivière family, also represents a point of architectural interest within the commune, providing a glimpse into local history away from the more frequented sites.


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