Historical Monument 5 novembre 2024 (≈ 2024)
Total protection of the fort and its systems.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
Fort Nieulay in total: housing the hydraulic system consisting of the following structures: the entrance of the waters, the canal, the lock bridge, the outlet of the waters; its external defences: the remains of the horned building west of the Fort, the half moon protecting the outlet (north) of Roger Salengro Avenue. Protection covers parcels (including soils): section DL 0001, 0002, 0004, 0005, 0006, 0010, 0051, 0107, 0110; Section DM 0021, 0022 ; Section DK 0292 to 0294, with the exception of the guard's house and the red-brick footrest close to the bunker, as delimited on the plan annexed to the decree: inscription by order of 5 November 2024
Origin and history
Fort Nieulay is a historic monument located in Calais, in the department of Pas-de-Calais (62), in the Hauts-de-France region. This military fort, whose location is estimated to be fair (note 5/10), is distinguished by its complex hydraulic system, including a water entrance, a canal, a lock bridge and a water outlet. These infrastructure, as well as its external defences such as the remains of a horned structure and half a moon, illustrate its strategic role in managing water flows and protecting the territory.
Fort Nieulay was fully classified as a Historic Monument by order of 5 November 2024, an official recognition of its heritage value. The protection covers the entire fort, with the exception of the guard's house and a red brick workshop close to a bunker. Owned by the commune of Calais, the site is located at Roger Salengro Avenue, although its accessibility to the public (visits, rental, accommodation) is not specified in the available sources. Its architecture and layout reflect the defensive and hydraulic concerns inherent in the fortifications of this coastal region.
The Hauts-de-France, and particularly Calais, have historically played a key role in maritime trade and coastal defence. Forts like Nieulay were part of a network of protections to control land and river access, while meeting the logistical needs of port cities. These structures, often integrated into hydraulic systems, were used to regulate floods and secure strategic areas, while symbolizing the military and technical power of the times concerned.
