Ambleteuse

On the way between the Slack estuary and the village, visitors to this seaside resort will undoubtedly stumble across Fort Mahon, standing alone on a rocky outcrop. IT was designed by Vauban. Built between 1684 and 1690, probably on the site of the English battery of 1544, it consists of a tower accommodating a large ring-shaped casemate reinforced with a fausse-braye. The battery, flanked with two guardrooms and topped with an officer's pavilion, could contain 20 canons. The fort, which has a traditional appearance with its crenelated ramparts, has three floors of artillery. It was restored by Napoleon, and the battery was transformed during the German occupation.

Today, the fort houses an exhibition on the geographical history of the coastline.

Fort Mahon

Open on Saturday and Sunday from 3 pm to 6.30 pm in July and August and on Sunday from 3 pm to 6.30 pm in September and October. Group visits by appointment on +33 3.20.54.61.54

The Musée Historique 1939-1945 in Ambleteuse presents the noteworthy events of the second world war, from the campaign of Poland in 1939 to the capitulation of Japan on 2 September 1945, with explanations, maps, objects, uniforms and weapons, all of which are authentic and relative to this period of history. This museum is unique in France and complements the other establishments in the region. Most museums and sites in France only cover a precise period of the Second World War. Reports from the time and a film on the battle of Normandy are projected in a room which imitates 1940s' décor.

It took over thirty years of research all over the world to bring together the rich collections presented here. Of particular interest are the reconstitution of a street in Paris under the occupation and rare objects such as one of only two German regimental flags known in France.

Musée Historique 1939-1945

CD 940 62164 Ambleteuse

Tel.: +33 3.21.87.33.01

Fax: +33 3.87.35.01

Email: musee.39-45@wanadoo.fr

Open every day from 1 April to 15 October. Outside this period, open at weekends and national holidays. Closed in December, January and February.

Prices Adults: €6.90. Children (7-16 years): €5.00. Reduced price (war veterans, soldiers and students): €6.00. For groups, enquire at the museum.

Website of the regional tourist board for the Nord

Official website of the Musée Historique 3945

Quizz : Forts and citadels