Montreuil, Pas-de-Calais facts for kids
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Montreuil-sur-Mer (which is officially called Montreuil) is a small town in France. It is located in the northern part of France, in a region called Nord-Pas-de-Calais. This town is part of the Pas-de-Calais area, which is known as a "department" in France. Montreuil is a charming place with a rich history, even though its name suggests it's "on the sea," it's actually a bit inland now.
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Discovering Montreuil-sur-Mer
Montreuil-sur-Mer is a special kind of town in France called a commune. A commune is like a local government area, similar to a small city or town. France has many communes, and each one has its own local council and mayor. Montreuil is known for its old walls and beautiful buildings.
A Glimpse into History
Montreuil has a long and interesting past. It used to be a very important port city, right on the coast. Over many years, the sea moved away, leaving the town inland. This is why it still has "sur-Mer" (meaning "on the sea") in its name, even though the sea is now several kilometers away!
Montreuil During World War I
During World War I, Montreuil played a significant role. It was the headquarters for the British Army. This means it was the main place where important decisions were made by the British military leaders.
Sir Douglas Haig's Connection
One of the most famous people associated with Montreuil during this time was Field Marshal Sir Douglas Haig. He was a very important British general. His main office was in Montreuil. You can even find a statue of him outside the theatre in Montreuil-sur-Mer today. This statue reminds people of the town's role in the war and the leaders who worked there.
What to See in Montreuil
Montreuil is a lovely place to visit. It has many old buildings and historical sites.
The Town Walls
One of the most impressive features of Montreuil are its ancient walls. These walls were built a long time ago to protect the town. You can still walk along parts of them and imagine what life was like centuries ago. They offer great views of the surrounding countryside.
Beautiful Churches
The town also has several beautiful churches. The Église abbatiale Saint-Saulve is one of them. These churches show the old architecture and history of the area. They are often very peaceful and have amazing stained-glass windows and carvings.
Charming Streets
Walking through the streets of Montreuil-sur-Mer feels like stepping back in time. The narrow, winding streets are lined with old houses and small shops. It's a great place to explore and discover hidden corners.
Images for kids
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Portrait of Field-Marshal Sir Douglas Haig at General Headquarters, France, by Sir William Orpen, May 1917
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The statue of Field Marshal Haig, standing outside the theatre in Montreuil-sur-Mer
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Church, Montreuil
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Walls of Montreuil
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Ramparts
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Chapelle Sainte-Austreberthe
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A street in Montreuil-sur-Mer
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Église abbatiale Saint-Saulve
See also
In Spanish: Montreuil (Paso de Calais) para niños
