The fishing village of Ambleteuse is located on the Côte d’Opale in Northern France. It was discovered by Louis XIV in 1680 when he was passing through Boulogne-sur-Mer who decided to make it a military port. Coincidentally we visited the picturesque town following a stay in Boulogne which included a visit to the old town and the NAUSICAA aquarium.
The majestic Fort d’Ambleteuse (built by Vauban in the 17th Century) still stands on the beach. Henry VIII had two forts built to show a power towards French kings, Ambleteuse was known as ‘Newhaven’ with the other fort at Cap Gris Nez ‘Blackness’. Now a World Heritage Site, Fort d’Ambleteuse has been renovated several times since it was built. The Germans used it during World War II when it was mostly destroyed. It is now owned by Les Amis du fort d’Ambleteuse who have transformed it into a museum.
Although the museum was closed when we were in Ambleteuse, little did we know there was another surprise in store. A bride in the most beautiful dress and her groom having their photograph taken. There was a little crowd that gathered to watch although there was no sign of a ceremony, not here anyway!
With a mix of both sand and stone, Ambleteuse provided POD and Daddy with the perfect opportunity to hunt for suitable stones to skim. Although for POD this typically involved hurling stones into the water! There were rock pools nearby but we’d not found any crabs. POD was hoping to spot a few having read a book about one recently.
It was one of those glorious days where you’re happy to just stop and take it all in. There was barely a cloud in the sky, it was warm and although the waves would crash against the fort, the seas were hardly rough. What a magnificent spot for capturing the big day. I’d not normally photograph strangers but this image was so perfect, it was too tempting not to.
Having made the most of our time at Ambleteuse, we headed over to Wissant which was littered with kite surfers and kites. With it being low tide, it was teaming with people enjoying the last of the autumn sunshine. POD especially loved the carousel and running down the most enormous sandbanks.
