Your Essential Travel Guide To Boulogne
Discover Things To Do In Boulogne
Holidays and day trips to Boulogne have been popular with British tourists for generations thanks to its location on France's northern coastline and its beautiful town centre.
Boulogne's Ville Basse (lower town) is home to the port and the riverside with markets every Wednesday and Sunday. Here you’ll also find the aquarium de Boulogne sur mer.
Ville Haute (upper town) is a medieval town centre with original castle walls, containing the Castle, the Belfry and the Town Hall, as well as winding, narrow streets full of cafes, shops and restaurants. Ville Haute is most popular with tourists as it is a typically ‘French’ town centre.
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Famous Sights In Boulogne
Wander the town centre of Ville Haute and its medieval Castle, built in the 13th century, and surrounded by a moat filled with water lilies. The Chateau includes a museum with a collection of Greek, Egyptian and Roman artefacts, as well as an important collection of masks of Alaska.
History fans will also enjoy the Cathedral, featuring cannonballs used by King Henry VIII during his successful siege of Boulogne. Walk along the castle walls and enjoy a stunning view of both the port and the old town.
In Ville Basse you’ll find Nausicaà, an aquarium with over 35,000 animals of approximately 1000 different species.
Boulogne is also famous for its beach and is within easy driving distance of other popular beaches, such as Equihen, Le Hardelot or Le Portel.
When visiting Boulogne sur Mer, there are several great areas to consider for your stay. The Boulogne-Centre neighbourhood is a popular choice as it is home to key attractions like the Plage De Boulogne Sur Mer and Sirene Beach. Another appealing area is the Vieille Ville, or Old Town, renowned for its charming château, fascinating museum, and quaint boutiques.
As for types of accommodation, Boulogne-sur-Mer offers a wide range of options to suit different needs and budgets. You can choose from traditional hotels, bed & breakfasts, and modern apartments. There are also accommodations that offer specific amenities such as parking, which can be particularly useful if you're planning to explore the surrounding areas by car.
