Summary of Attractions in Boulogne-sur-Mer
Boulogne-sur-Mer is renowned as France’s leading fishing port, landing more fish than any other location in the country.
The maritime essence of Boulogne is profound; historically, it served as the launching point for the Roman invasion of Britain and Napoleon’s plans in the early 19th century. Later, it became a popular destination for British holidaymakers seeking its beach.
Today, one of the primary attractions is Nausicaa, France’s National Sea Centre, a top-tier aquarium that appeals greatly to younger audiences.
Additionally, the city is rich in history, evident in the magnificent cathedral crypt and the well-preserved walls of the Ville Fortifiée.
During summer months, the beaches remain invigorating, equipped with numerous amenities for comfort.
Let us explore the top attractions in Boulogne-sur-Mer:
1. Nausicaa
It is appropriate for France’s National Sea Centre to be situated in Boulogne, a site where significant naval invasions were planned and the country’s most productive fishing port resides.
Directly located on the harbor, Nausicaa is one of Europe’s largest aquariums.
Children particularly enjoy this attraction, where they can interact with sharks, caimans in the mangrove exhibit, and tropical fish within a coral reef. Additionally, they can engage with marine life in the “tactile pool.” Recently, Nausicaa has incorporated exhibits for African penguins and California sea lions, both of which are major highlights for visitors.
2. Boulogne Cathedral
Similar to many cathedrals across France, Boulogne’s cathedral lost its status as a true cathedral in 1801 when the Concordat reorganized the nation’s dioceses post-Revolution.
The cathedral suffered significant devastation, with the magnificent gothic structure demolished during civil strife, and much of its interior destroyed by fire.
What stands now is an impressive neo-Renaissance minor basilica, constructed between 1827 and 1863. The architect, Benoît Haffreingue, was an untrained priest whose unconventional design soon encountered structural issues.
Consequently, it was reinforced with concrete, which ironically contributed to its survival during wartime.
3. Cathedral Crypt
While excavation commenced in 1827, the workmen uncovered a crypt of remarkable dimensions that had remained sealed for approximately 300 years.
Measuring 128 by 42 meters, it stands as the largest crypt in France, with origins dating back to the 3rd century.
The crypt is an intricate network of subterranean chambers and passageways adorned with painted walls, ceilings, and columns reflecting romanesque and gothic styles.
In 2015, the crypt was reinvigorated with new lighting, museography, and stunning liturgical artifacts and sculptures originating from the 1100s.
4. Ville Fortifiée
Encircling the upper town where Boulogne Cathedral and Château Comtal are located is a well-preserved wall, roughly following the outline of a large rectangle.
The current walls likely took shape in the 1300s; however, the layout harks back to Roman “Bounonia,” where this fortification played a key role in Claudian’s invasion of Britain and has remained unchanged since.
The walls extend for 1.5 kilometers, offering a leisurely and engaging walk with numerous attractions, including 20 towers, stone passageways, gates, a moat, and a beautiful arched bridge connecting to the Château Comtal.
Numerous charming parks are also scattered along the way, perfect for resting while enjoying the scenery.
5. Beffroi de Boulogne-sur-Mer
The belfries of northern France and Flanders have been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Boulogne boasts an exceptional one adjacent to the town hall.
This structure was built as a keep for a castle commissioned by the Count of Boulogne in the 1100s, and it is the only remnant of that castle.
Remarkably, the belfry was one of the few historical monuments to endure the Second World War unscathed.
During medieval times, the bell in the tower served a crucial social purpose, while the city seal and charter were securely stored within the tower.
The upper floors take on an octagonal shape, a feature added in the early 18th century to replace a timber spire that had been destroyed by fire.
6. Musée de Boulogne-sur-Mer
The Château de Boulogne-sur-Mer has origins dating back to the 1200s, situated in the eastern corner of the fortified upper town.
The appearance of the château has evolved significantly, primarily due to the development of artillery during the 16th and 17th centuries.
In the basement, you will discover remnants of the original Roman walls, while the museum houses a varied array of artifacts reminiscent of the cabinets of curiosity from the 17th and 18th centuries.
Among the exhibits are Grecian urns, a Theban mummy, and various medieval and Roman artifacts specific to Boulogne.
Additionally, the museum features notable works of fine art, including two bronzes by Rodin and paintings by artists such as Marten de Vos, Adriaen Brouwer, Boudin, Corot, and Courbet.
7. La Maison de la Beurière
Boulogne is deeply rooted in its fishing heritage, and directly across from Nausicaa lies what was formerly the fisherman’s quarter of the port.
While many of the old cottages were destroyed during the war, one remarkably stands intact, providing unique insight into the life of a fisherman and his family in early 20th-century Boulogne.
This home, accommodating up to 15 individuals, showcases their furnishings, daily items, fishing tools, and an array of photographs and videos depicting the port’s history.
8. La Plage
Stretching from Nausicaa to the yachting club is Boulogne’s sandy beach, attracting bathers since the 1830s.
By the mid-19th century, Boulogne emerged as the most populous city in Pas-de-Calais, welcoming around 30,000 British visitors during summer for its therapeutic waters and sea air.
In July and August, lifeguards are present, and for those who venture spontaneously, equipment such as deckchairs, beach huts, parasols, and towels can be rented.
On particularly blustery days, the beach becomes a playground for sand-yachters and kitesurfers.
9. Fish Market
For early risers, Boulogne’s daily fish market, located on Quai Gambetta near Pont Marguet, offers a vibrant experience.
Arriving by 7:00 AM allows visitors to witness fishermen unloading their catches, and explore stalls featuring 70 different varieties of fish and seafood, with opportunities to handle live crabs and lobsters.
Adjacent to the fish market is a grocery market, ideally suited for stocking up on local cheese and charcuterie.
In summer, the tourist office organizes guided tours of La Criée, a modern fish auction that showcases Boulogne’s wholesale fish industry.
10. Opal Coast
Boulogne is situated on the pristine Opal Coast, extending north and south from the city.
This area encompasses a natural park characterized by expansive sandy beaches, dunes, and notably, dramatic cliffs adorned with vibrant wildflowers such as thrift and sea pink in spring.
The coastline becomes particularly striking a few kilometers north of Boulogne: Cap Gris-Nez extends into the Channel, marking the nearest point in mainland France to England.
This ancient lookout point offers clear days where visitors can see prominent vessels navigating the Straits of Dover and, in the distance, the iconic white cliffs of Dover.
A bit further away, Cap Blanc-Nez rises to 132 meters, providing spectacular views.
11. Colonne de la Grande Armée
From 1803 to 1805, over 200,000 troops gathered in Boulogne and nearby ports in preparation for an invasion of Britain that ultimately did not transpire.
During this period, Boulogne’s port underwent renovations to accommodate an invasion flotilla.
The Colonne de la Grande Armée was erected in 1804 at Wimille, on the site of the encampment on the northern edge of Boulogne, aimed at boosting troop morale.
The column reaches a height of 50 meters, with a statue of Napoleon at the pinnacle, gazing across the Channel towards England.
Visitors may ascend the stairway for a panoramic view of Boulogne.
12. Hôtel Desandrouin
Although compact, the fortified upper town contains several monuments that would enrich any walking tour.
The most fascinating among them is Hôtel Desandrouin, located on Place Godefroy de Bouilloy.
Also called the Palais Impérial, this neoclassical structure was built in the late 1770s during the reign of Louis XVI. During the Camp de Boulogne, it served as the staff headquarters for the army and hosted Napoleon on several occasions between 1803 and 1811. Guided tours are available during the summer months with prior arrangements.
13. Casa San Martin
Many may not realize that one of South America’s esteemed 19th-century military leaders spent his final years in Boulogne.
José de San Martín, the Argentine general pivotal in the liberation of his country in 1816, as well as Chile and Peru, resided here with his family during the last two years of his life. The apartment remains adorned with his furniture, uniforms, and various personal belongings.
14. Dunes d’Écault
For those seeking vast seascape views, a short ten-minute journey down the coast to Équihen-Plage will introduce you to the northern reaches of the Écault dunes.
The GR 121 walking trail winds its way through this protected area, traversing forests, marshes, and ascending dunes that rise to 90 meters in height.
The expansive views of the extensive Écault beach during low tide are rejuvenating, making hiking in this natural park an ideal precursor to a hearty meal in the fall and winter seasons.
Moreover, remnants of war-time bunkers remain throughout the dunes, adding an eerie yet intriguing element to the landscape.
15. Gastronomy
Given Boulogne’s distinction as France’s preeminent fishing port, it is unsurprising that seafood plays a critical role in the local cuisine.
Dishes such as kipper (smoked herring), mackerel in white wine, and rollmops (herring rolled around pickles) epitomize authentic flavors.
Many visitors are drawn specifically for the mussels, which are prepared either with shallots and muscadet or with tomatoes and Provencal herbs, served alongside fries and a crisp white wine.
Traditional brasseries offer enticing “Welsh” dishes, essentially a Welsh rarebit, featuring melted cheese and mustard atop bread, commonly found throughout the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region.
