Cordiers Quarter (Quartier des Cordiers)
About Cordiers Quarter (Quartier des Cordiers)
The Quartier des Cordiers is Le Tréport's most authentic historic fishermen's neighborhood, built two centuries ago at the foot of Europe's highest chalk cliffs. Named after the 'cordiers cordants' - poor fishermen who used long ropes with hundreds of hooks instead of nets - the quarter features narrow, tall houses with colorful bow-windows, wrought-iron balconies, and distinctive ceramic plaques with whimsical designs. Visitors can explore the winding streets to discover over 20 decorative ceramic plaques, including curious designs on Rue Saint-Julien showing human heads atop animal bodies. The neighborhood was partially destroyed during World War II for Atlantic Wall construction, but preserved sections showcase the maritime heritage of families who once smoked fish in basement saurisseries and rented rooms to Parisian summer tourists. Pick up a discovery leaflet at the tourist office to follow the ceramic trail, and don't miss the free funicular behind the quarter that ascends through the chalk cliff to spectacular viewpoints.
Interesting Facts
The 'cordiers cordants' fishing method was remarkably labor-intensive: each expedition required boats with 5-6 men handling ropes stretching 700-1,000 meters long, lined with 500-600 individual hooks baited with sea worms. Despite the hard work, these were the poorest fishermen in Le Treport, as they couldn't afford proper fishing nets.
The neighborhood was built directly on a bed of pebbles reclaimed from the sea, at the foot of what locals call the 'dead cliff.' Bernard Laurent, president of the Museum of Old Le Treport, recalls from childhood: 'When we went to the toilet in the cesspools, we could hear the sea!' - a testament to how close the houses were built to the shoreline.
Planning Your Visit
Opening Hours
Location & Practical Info
Address
Rue Saint-Julien, 76470 Le Tréport, France
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