Château d'Hardelot

After an uneventful journey across Paris, we arrived at our B and B which happens to be right opposite the castle. The flag, half Union Jack and half Tricoleur requires some explanation. In 1848 Hardelot Castle was bought by the Englishman Sir John Hare. He rebuilt one of the best remaining towers into a Tudor-style mansion. Large receptions were given here and the writer Charles Dickens, a friend of Hare, often visited the castle. In 1897 Hardelot Castle and its dependencies were again bought by an Englishman; John Whitley. He tried to turn the area into a sports and leisure region. In 1934 the castle was sold to the priest of Condette; Father Bouley, after which it was used to house nuns. The Commune bought the castle in 1987 and it now is the centre for a celebration of the Entente Cordiale and Franco- British relations. I hope it survives Brexit!