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Boulogne
Boulogne is a town on the Opal Coast in the Calais region of northern France, at the mouth of the River Liane. The 'proper' name for the town is Boulogne-sur-Mer.
Even 2000 years ago Boulogne was the main port for Roman trading activity with England, and today it is still the most important fishing port in France. Boulogne was for a long time also an important cross-channel ferry port, bringing visitors and holidaymakers from the UK. This role continues but is much diminished since the opening of the channel tunnel reduced ferry passenger voluimes, and competition between the ferry companies increased.
Often bypassed by visitors heading south, Boulogne is an attractive resort with nice sandy beaches close to hand.
A good way to see the town is to follow the walk around the 13th century ramparts of the old town, with good views both into the old town and out to the sea and 'new' town. A museum, featuring an impressive collection of Egyptian artefacts, is housed within the castle that forms part of the fortifications. The old town is quite small and interesting to explore - many of the properties have been extensively restored in recent years.
Within the old town it is the cathedral (essentially rebuilt in the 19th century) that will first catch your attention - or at least the cathedral dome which dominates the skyline. Inside also the dome is the highlight, and is one of the largest in Europe. The belfry in Boulogne is one of a series of belfries across northern France and Belgium that are now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and dates from the 12th century.
The other side to Boulogne is the 19th century part, with impressive buildings dating from the time when Napoleon was based here including the Imperial Palace. On the coast the Grand Colonne once provided an excellent watchtower for Napoleon as he planned his attack on England.
Of course, it is the sea facing side of Boulogne-sur-Mer that lies behind all its history and development. It is now home to the French National Marine Centre - the impressive Nausicaa sea-life centre - and is very worth visiting to see a wide range of marine wildlife and also to learn about the impacts of over-fishing, pollution, etc - Nausicaa has an impressive focus on the environment, sustainable development and the impact of tourism. Hope that doesn't make it sound too serious, it's not supposed to!
Boulogne: tourist information, map, travel plans and gites
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Places to visit - Boulogne
Explore places within about 70 kilometres on a map at Visit Boulogne.
Some of the closer places are listed below (distances from Boulogne are approximate and direct - as the crow flies. Only places listed on the france this way site are shown!)
- Le Touquet Calais resort at 23 km
Tourist Classifications for Boulogne
- Listed as "Ville d'Art et Histoire" (ie focus on preserving the town heritage)
- Town is "Ville Fleurie category 4" (ie good attention to gardens and flowers)
Information and photos
This travel guide has information, holidays and photos of Boulogne when available. If you have any photos or relevant information please send them to us! Full credit will be given if they are used.
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