The ramparts of Boulogne's old town are some of the best preserved in France
Culture and heritage
Boulogne is designated one of France’s ‘Towns of Art and History’ for the way it has preserved its architecture and heritage.
The fortifications and the castle
The ramparts surrounding the old town are some of the finest examples of surviving medieval fortifications in France. From the castle museum, you get superb views of the whole city, including the Basilica and the port.
Basilica of Notre Dame
Going up rue de Lille, you come to the Basilica – the most prominent building in the old town with its 101-metre high dome. It was built in the 19th century by Abbot Benoît-Agathon Haffreingue and has a stunning altar (produced in the workshops of the Vatican) made from 147 different types of marble and ornamental stone.
The belfry
Located next to the town hall, Boulogne’s 12th-century belfry has UNESCO world heritage status. Originally a castle keep, the belfry has been a dungeon, a chapel and a watchtower in its time, and now houses a museum containing a stained glass window depicting the Crusader Godefroy de Bouillon. You can walk up the belfry for free and get another magnificent vantage point over the city.
La Colonne de la Grande Armée
On the outskirts of the city you’ll see ‘the column of the Great Army’, a monument erected to mark the place where Napoleon Bonaparte established a vast military encampment, as he planned an invasion of England that ultimately never happened. Such was Napoleon’s standing that the 54-metre high column was paid for entirely out of the wages of his soldiers as they waited in Boulogne in 1805.
The stunning dome of the Basilica of Notre-Dame, Boulogne
Things to do in Boulogne-sur-Mer
Shopping and local life
The town centre is perfectly located midway between the old town and the port. Mostly pedestrianised, it's a lovely place for a stroll or for a bit of shopping. There are numerous shops, bars and restaurants available. After wandering along the main streets, you come to Place Dalton and the Church of Saint Nicolas; a fresh food market is held there on Wednesday and Saturday mornings, giving you the chance to sample local French produce.
Leisure and family fun
You can't visit Boulogne without experiencing the wonders of Nausicaá, the National Sea Centre. Opened in 1991, the centre is currently France's second most popular tourist attraction north of Paris. Discover giant aquariums, undersea explorations, face-to-face encounters with sharks, a touch tank where you can stroke the rays, the chance to go on board the life-size deck of a fishing boat and loads more! Everything at Nausicaá is designed so that visitors can find out more about the sea and its inhabitants; even the atmosphere takes you on a trip to the heart of the ocean! An unforgettable deep-sea adventure for the whole family!
Go on a deep sea adventure at Nausicaá
After visiting Nausicaá, you can take a stroll along the port. Boulogne-sur-Mer has the busiest fishing port in France and is also Europe's leading fish processing centre. It is a bustling, diverse port in a prime position: located within the town, it is also a combined port that serves fishing vessels, merchant shipping and pleasure boats alike.
If you are looking for the beach, head along to the little red lighthouse (next to Nausicaá). From there you can watch the incessant ballet of fishing and pleasure boats going about their business.
Museums and galleries in Boulogne-sur-Mer
Castle Museum
Follow in the footsteps of Auguste Mariette, Boulogne's own Egyptologist, at the castle museum. See oceanic and African art brought back from various expeditions. Marvel at works by major sculptors such as Rodin in the Fine Art section. As well as housing permanent collections, the Castle Museum also holds events and temporary exhibitions throughout the year.
Casa San Martin
Going down Grande Rue, you come to the Musée du Libertador San Martin, the home of a true hero of South America. General José de San Martín liberated his Argentinian homeland, Chile and Peru from Spanish rule in the early 19th century, and lived in this house when he settled in Boulogne in 1848. Find out more about the private life of this 'libertador', and the history of the South American independence movement.
La Maison de la Beurière
The Beurière House is an example of a typical house that a fisherman and his family would have lived in during Boulogne’s heyday as a fishing port. Built in 1870, the house has authentic displays of period furniture, linen and household items. The furniture, objects and clothing show how harsh life would have been, but also how proud Boulogne is of its seafaring history.
Events and festivals in Boulogne-sur-Mer
Various traditional and cultural events are held throughout the year, including:
- The Côte d'Opale festival is a music festival that takes place every July in the waterfront area of the town. The festival showcases a wide range of artists and music, from pop to jazz, classical, blues, dance and world music.
- The "Fêtes de la Mer" (Sea Festival) is held every two years and celebrates the maritime history of Boulogne-sur-Mer. Tall ships and traditional boats gather in the harbour, while the town throngs with nautical parades, maritime market stalls, music and seafood tastings.
- Boulogne's fishing port was built on its herring trade, and the Herring festival is held annually in November. The festival encourages people to try herring cooked in all sorts of ways, Try fresh herring grilled on giant barbecues on the quayside with a glass of Beaujolais straight from the wine cellar!
The port, Boulogne-sur-Mer
Drive from Calais to Boulogne-sur-Mer
From our Calais terminal, take the A16 motorway towards Boulogne-sur-Mer. You'll be at this coastal resort in barely 30 minutes!
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