Hardelot Castle

This neo-Tudor castle features nine towers surrounded by two concentric moats, built on 13th-century foundations with distinctive British architectural elements including ornamental moldings and pointed arches.

Originally constructed as a wooden fortress in the 12th century by the Counts of Boulogne, the current stone structure was built between 1222 and 1231 by Count Philippe Hurepel de Clermont, son of King Philippe Auguste.

The castle now serves as the Franco-British Cultural Centre, displaying over 500 artifacts illustrating centuries of Franco-British relations, including tiles similar to those at the Houses of Parliament and personal items belonging to Charles Dickens.

Visitors can explore the castle through guided tours, attend seasonal festivals including the Midsummer Festival and Medieval Spring, and enjoy performances at the adjacent Elizabethan theatre that accommodates over 350 spectators.

The castle houses a pipe once owned by Charles Dickens, who secretly conducted an affair with Ellen Ternan while staying here as a regular guest during the 19th century.

Location: Condette

GPS coordinates: 50.64570,1.61148

Latest update: July 23, 2025 15:16