Hardelot Castle

Hardelot Castle is a neo-Gothic fortress in Condette featuring nine towers surrounded by two concentric moats, constructed on 13th-century foundations. The structure displays characteristic British architectural elements including decorative moldings and pointed arches that distinguish it from traditional French castle designs.

The castle was originally built as a wooden fortress in the 12th century by the Counts of Boulogne, with the current stone structure erected between 1222 and 1231 by Count Philippe Hurepel de Clermont, son of King Philippe Auguste. This transformation from timber to stone marked a significant shift in military architecture of the period.

The castle now serves as a Franco-British Cultural Centre, showcasing over 500 artifacts that document centuries of shared history between the two nations. Visitors can see decorative tiles resembling those found in Parliament and personal belongings that illustrate the deep cultural ties between France and Britain.

Access is primarily through guided tours that help visitors navigate the various rooms and galleries within the structure. The grounds also feature an adjacent Elizabethan theatre with seating for over 350 people, where seasonal performances and festivals take place regularly.

The castle houses a pipe that once belonged to Charles Dickens, who was a frequent guest here during the 19th century. This literary connection to the Victorian era adds a layer of historical intrigue for visitors interested in that period.