Holiday rental near Montreuil-sur-Mer: the town of Les Misérables, 40 minutes away
Three kilometres of ramparts, a citadel, cobbled lanes that inspired Victor Hugo and the best dining in the Pas-de-Calais: the historic, gourmet interlude of your coastal stay.
By the Blueportel team — hosts in Le Portel · Updated on · 11 min read
Montreuil-sur-Mer is the jewel of the Opal Coast hinterland: a fortified town perched above the Canche valley, ringed by 3 km of ramparts, whose cobbled lanes inspired Victor Hugo's setting for Les Misérables — the town honours him every summer with a grand sound-and-light show. From our mobile homes in Le Portel: a 40-minute drive.
The sea retreated in the Middle Ages (despite the name!), but Montreuil kept the essentials: an intact heritage and a reputation as the gastronomic capital of the Pas-de-Calais, with a record density of fine tables. The perfect 'heritage and gourmet' day of a week-long stay.
Things to do in Montreuil-sur-Mer
Start with the rampart walk (3 km, about 1¼ hours): a tree-lined walkway with views over the Canche valley and the town's rooftops — one of the finest fortified walks in France. Continue with the citadel (16th-17th century, casemates and memories of nearby Agincourt) and the cobbled lanes of the Cavée Saint-Firmin, the most photogenic in town.
On the gourmet side, Montreuil boasts an astonishing collection of restaurants, from estaminet to Michelin-starred, and an excellent Saturday morning market. In summer, the Les Misérables sound-and-light show (late July-early August weekends, in the citadel, 500 performers) is the largest historical spectacle in northern France — book early.
Why stay in Le Portel to visit Montreuil-sur-Mer
Le Portel enjoys a rare central position on the Opal Coast: right next to Boulogne-sur-Mer and the Nausicaá aquarium, halfway between the Two Capes Grand Site to the north and Le Touquet to the south. From our mobile homes on the clifftop of Le Phare d'Opale campsite, Montreuil-sur-Mer is a 40-minute drive — and when you return, you get the quiet of a gated campsite, Le Portel beach a few hundred metres away and the sunset over the Channel from your own terrace.
Staying in Le Portel rather than at the destination itself is also a matter of budget and availability: accommodation at the tourist hotspots is noticeably pricier and fills up early in the season, while from here you can reach every destination on the coast without moving base. Le Portel is also ideally placed for British visitors: 35 minutes from the Eurotunnel terminal at Coquelles and 40 minutes from the Calais ferries.
Your sea-view mobile homes 40 minutes from Montreuil-sur-Mer
Blueportel offers two fully equipped residential mobile homes at Le Phare d'Opale campsite, on top of the Le Portel cliff, with panoramic views over the Channel:
- [Blueportel Prestige](/pages/prestige) — sleeps 6, 3 bedrooms, 12 m² covered terrace facing the sea, air conditioning, fully equipped kitchen (dishwasher, oven, hobs), private parking.
- [Blueportel Horizon](/pages/horizon) — sleeps 4, 2 bedrooms, the cosy option for a couple or small family, with the same seafront location.
- Both include wifi, quality bedding, board games and a personal welcome from your hosts Michel and Véronique — Booking guests rate the location 9.5/10 and value for money 9.8/10.
Book your stay near Montreuil-sur-Mer
Availability can be checked online in real time and seasonal rates are here. Booking direct means no platform service fees, plus personalised tips before your stay: tide times, itineraries and our favourite spots around Montreuil-sur-Mer. Any questions? The contact page usually gets a reply within the day.
Still weighing up accommodation types? Our hotel / Airbnb / mobile home comparison puts numbers on the options, and our complete Opal Coast guide covers 25 highlights with ready-made itineraries.
Stay facing the sea in Le Portel
Blueportel offers two fully equipped mobile homes at Le Phare d'Opale campsite, on the clifftop of Le Portel: panoramic sea view, covered terrace, 10 minutes from Nausicaá and at the heart of the Opal Coast.
Frequently asked questions
Why is Montreuil-sur-Mer called 'sur-Mer' with no sea?
In the Middle Ages Montreuil was a busy port on the Canche estuary; gradual silting pushed the sea some fifteen kilometres away. The town kept its name — and its rich port history explains the ramparts, citadel and abbeys.
How long do you need to visit Montreuil-sur-Mer?
Half a day covers the ramparts, citadel and lanes; a full day adds a gastronomic lunch and a detour through the Course valley or the nearby Chartreuse de Neuville. An excellent option for uncertain weather.
How far is Montreuil-sur-Mer from the Blueportel mobile homes?
About 45 km — a 40-minute drive from Le Phare d'Opale campsite in Le Portel. Le Portel's central position lets you combine Montreuil-sur-Mer, the Nausicaá aquarium (10 minutes) and the rest of the Opal Coast in the same day.
Can I book for just a weekend?
Yes, Blueportel mobile homes can be booked from 2 nights, all year round. Availability is shown online in real time, and booking direct avoids platform service fees.
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