Todt Battery (Batterie Todt)

The basics

Battle-scarred from when it was captured by Allied troops in 1944, the battery was once home to fearsome, long-range cannons. After walking around the site and its reinforced concrete bunkers, head inside the on-site Atlantic Wall Museum (Musée de Mur de l’Atlantique). Exhibitions feature historic weapons and artifacts, and share more about the landmark’s history. The Todt Battery is one of many military monuments along this section of the French coast. It’s a stop on several full-day tours of the region’s wartime landmarks, which typically depart from Lille and Bruges.

Things to know before you go

• Unfortunately, the Todt Battery is not accessible to wheelchair users.

• If you wish to pick up a souvenir, the museum’s on-site gift shop includes a range of military- and history-themed items.

• Todt Battery is a remarkable wartime relic that has drawn history buffs for decades.

• You can buy tickets to the museum on-site; children aged 16 and under, as well as students and families, receive discounted admission.

How to get there

The Todt Battery is in the hamlet of Haringzelle on the Route du Musée, 62 179 Audinghen. The landmark is roughly 30 minutes by car from Calais, 1 hour from Dunkirk, and 2 hours from Lille via the A16. Parking is available on-site. Public transit options are limited, so guided tours offer a convenient way to explore.

When to get there

From April through October, the Atlantic Wall Museum in the Todt Battery is open every day except Monday, from morning until early evening. The museum is closed annually, typically from mid-November until mid-February, although it does have a brief opening period during the Christmas holidays. It’s worth researching its specific opening days in advance of your visit.

Why Blockhaus d'Éperlecques is worth visiting

While the northern coast of France is dotted with numerous former batteries and bunkers, few of its coastal military landmarks rival the Blockhaus d’Éperlecques. The largest blockhouse in the region was built to be a launchpad for V2 rockets; it’s now a listed Historic Monument and home to museum exhibitions. The Blockhaus d’Éperlecques also features on history tours of the region.