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Castle

Hardelot Castle

Condette, Opal Coast

About this place

Located on the outskirts of Condette, the Château d'Hardelot overlooks the Lac des Miroirs and stands in the heart of a forest teeming with game. Built in the 9th century to defend against German invasions, it was restored in the 13th century by Philippe de Hurepel. At that time, it consisted of nine medieval towers and had a polygonal shape.

Now damaged, only part of the outer wall remains, along with the guardrooms, which are now occupied by the current tavern. In 1848, Sir John Hare purchased it and had it redesigned in the Tudor Revival style. His friend Charles Dickens was a frequent visitor to this residence, which he admired so much.

In the early 20th century, the castle became the property of John Whitley, who devised a plan to develop a seaside resort centered around the castle. However, tourists’ preference for the sea prevailed, and the resort was relocated. From 1958 to 1975, the castle served as a residence for the Sisters of St. Agnes of Arras.

Today, a medieval tavern is located in the former guardrooms. A discovery trail marked with signs recounting the site’s history has been created so that visitors can admire the castle’s ramparts. Its prisons, dungeons, watchtower path, and underground passages still bear witness to the harsh and epic life of that era.

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Fressin Castle

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The village of Fressin is a former medieval estate. It once belonged to the most prominent Créquy dynasty. Its Gothic church features a seigneurial chapel. The castle was built by Jean V de Créquy, one of the principal advisors to the Duke of Burgundy and a Knight of the Golden Fleece. This figure plays an important role in French history, as he participated in the capture of Joan of Arc and helped France secure victory over England during the Hundred Years’ War. His 15th-century castle served as both a great defensive fortress and a richly decorated residence. Its numerous towers and bastions provided its primary defense. Designated a Historic Monument in 1997, this feudal fortress now welcomes visitors with exhibitions and screenings that bring to life daily life at the castle, its construction techniques, and its evolution. Don’t miss the gardens, which span 3 hectares and allow you to discover the wonders of botany in a picturesque setting. The site also offers fun scavenger hunts with puzzles for children and audio-guided tours for adults. The village has preserved a beautiful collection of historic civilian architecture, including mansions, monumental porticos, a forester’s house, dovecotes, and more, dating from the 17th to the 19th centuries.
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Pont de Briques Castle

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Built around 1640, the Château de Pont-de-Briques served as Napoleon I’s headquarters from 1803 to 1805, during the Camp de Boulogne. Converted into an orphanage around 1900, the castle was repeatedly damaged in an effort to make way for a new road. In 1974, the building was preserved after being designated a Historic Monument. After being neglected for a long time, the Château de Pont-de-Briques has been undergoing restoration since 2000. The site, which has been converted into a museum, traces the castle’s history from its origins to the present day, covering the war between France and England and Napoleon’s life during that period. The goal is to raise public awareness of the castle’s history. The creation of the Legion of Honor and the Column of the Grande Armée are also highlighted here. Furthermore, this site serves as an educational resource, allowing children to discover a forgotten part of their history, the symbolism of monuments, and the evolution of urban planning in the Boulogne region through numerous maps of the Camp de Boulogne.

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