Travel Guide of Boulogne-sur-Mer in France by Influencers and Travelers
Boulogne-sur-Mer, often called just Boulogne, is a coastal city in Northern France. It is a sub-prefecture of the department of Pas-de-Calais.
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The Best Things to Do and Visit in Boulogne-sur-Mer
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1 - Nausicaä Centre National de la Mer
Nausicaā Centre National de la Mer is a public aquarium located in Boulogne-sur-Mer in France. It is the largest public aquarium of Europe.
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2 - Château de Boulogne-sur-Mer
The Château de Boulogne-sur-Mer is a castle in the French seaport of Boulogne-sur-Mer, in the Pas-de-Calais département. It houses the Boulogne museum.
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3 - Kitesurfing in Wissant
18 km away
Go for a kitesurfing initiation session on one of the most popular spots of the Opal Coast, the magnificent Bay of Wissant, near Calais. Bed&Kite's qualified instructors will take you to the Bay of Wissant and in particular to the Pointe aux Oies...
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4 - Hardelot-Plage
10 km away
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5 - Cap Gris-Nez
16 km away
Cap Gris-Nez is a cape on the Côte d'Opale in the Pas-de-Calais département in northern France. It is between Wissant and Audresselles, in the commune of Audinghen.
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6 - Kitesurf in Wissant
18 km away
Go for a kitesurfing initiation session on one of the most popular spots of the Opal Coast, the magnificent Bay of Wissant, near Calais. Bed&Kite's qualified instructors will take you to the Bay of Wissant and in particular to the Pointe aux Oies...
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7 - Wissant
18 km away
Wissant is a seaside commune in the Pas-de-Calais department in the Hauts-de-France region of France.
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8 - Escalles
22 km away
Escalles is a commune in the Pas-de-Calais department in the Hauts-de-France region of France.
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9 - Cap Blanc-Nez
23 km away
Cap Blanc-Nez is a cape on the Côte d'Opale, in the Pas-de-Calais département, in northern France. The cliffs of chalk are very similar to the white cliffs of Dover at the other side of the Channel in England.
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10 - Le Touquet
23 km away
Le Touquet-Paris-Plage, commonly referred to as Le Touquet, is a commune near Étaples, in the Pas-de-Calais department in northern France. It has a population of 4,244 but welcomes up to 250,000 people during the summer.
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11 - Cap Blanc Nez
23 km away
Cap Blanc-Nez is a cape on the Côte d'Opale, in the Pas-de-Calais département, in northern France, culminating at 134 m. The cliffs of chalk are very similar to the white cliffs of Dover at the other side of the Channel in England.
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12 - Côte d'Opale
25 km away
Opal Coast is a coast in northern France, on the English Channel, popular with tourists.
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13 - La Manche
28 km away
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14 - Calais
30 km away
Calais is a city and major ferry port in northern France in the department of Pas-de-Calais, of which it is a sub-prefecture. Although Calais is by far the largest city in Pas-de-Calais, the department's prefecture is its third-largest city of Arras.
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15 - Parc Saint-Pierre
30 km away
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Why should you visit Boulogne-sur-Mer ?
Travel to Boulogne-sur-Mer if you like:
🏖️ Beach 🏖️ Shore 🏖️ Ocean ⛰️ Hill 🗼 Landmark 🏖️ HeadlandHow to visit Boulogne-sur-Mer ?
Why traveling there?
Boulogne-sur-Mer is a charming coastal town in northern France, known for its rich history, beautiful architecture, and picturesque seaside setting. It is an ideal destination for history buffs, foodies, and nature lovers alike. As the largest fishing port in France, Boulogne-sur-Mer offers fresh seafood and a vibrant market scene, while its medieval old town and nearby natural attractions make it a great place to explore.
How to get there?
Boulogne-sur-Mer is easily accessible by car, train, or ferry. If you're traveling from the UK, you can take a ferry from Dover to Calais and then drive for about 30 minutes to reach the town. Alternatively, you can take the Eurotunnel from Folkestone to Calais and continue the journey by car. If you prefer traveling by train, there are direct services from Paris Gare du Nord to Boulogne-sur-Mer, which take around 2 hours and 30 minutes. For those coming from other parts of France or Europe, the nearest major airports are Lille and Paris, from where you can catch a train to Boulogne-sur-Mer.
What to book in advance?
It is recommended to book accommodations and any guided tours in advance, especially during the peak tourist season (June to August). If you plan to visit popular attractions like Nausicaá, the National Sea Centre, purchasing tickets in advance can save time and help you avoid long queues.
What are the costs?
Boulogne-sur-Mer is a relatively affordable destination compared to other French cities. Accommodations range from budget-friendly hotels to more luxurious options, with prices starting at around €40 per night. Meals at local restaurants can cost between €10-€30 per person, while entrance fees for attractions like Nausicaá and the Château-Musée hover around €10-€20 per person. Public transportation is affordable, with single tickets for buses and trams costing around €1-€2.
What are the best things to do?
Some must-visit attractions in Boulogne-sur-Mer include:
1. Nausicaá, the National Sea Centre: A fascinating aquarium and marine life center, perfect for families and sea enthusiasts.
2. The Château-Musée: A medieval castle turned museum, housing a vast collection of art and artifacts.
3. The Basilica of Notre-Dame: A beautiful church featuring a mix of Gothic and Romanesque architecture, as well as stunning stained-glass windows.
4. The Old Town: Wander through the cobblestone streets, admire the historic architecture, and visit the weekly market.
5. The beach and seafront promenade: Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the picturesque coastline or relax on the sandy beach.
Where to eat?
1. La Matelote: A Michelin-starred restaurant offering exquisite seafood dishes and fine French cuisine.
2. Le Chatillon: A popular spot for traditional French fare, including fresh seafood and hearty meat dishes.
3. L'Ilôt Vert: A charming bistro specializing in locally-sourced ingredients and seasonal dishes.
Where to stay?
1. Hôtel de Londres: A comfortable and budget-friendly option, located near the train station and a short walk from the Old Town.
2. La Belle Haute: A charming bed and breakfast set in a historic building, offering a cozy atmosphere and stunning views.
3. Hôtel Métropole: A stylish and modern hotel with excellent amenities, situated in the heart of Boulogne-sur-Mer.
Off the beaten path
For an unusual and nature-filled experience, visit the nearby Caps et Marais d'Opale Regional Natural Park. This protected area features diverse landscapes, including chalk cliffs, sand dunes, and wetlands. Explore the park on foot or by bike, and keep an eye out for the various bird species that call this area home. Don't miss the stunning views from the Cap Gris-Nez and Cap Blanc-Nez cliffs, where on clear days you can see the white cliffs of Dover across the English Channel.
Where to Stay in Boulogne-sur-Mer
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More Travel spots to explore around Boulogne-sur-Mer
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