Destinations

Your Essential Travel Guide To Boulogne

Boulogne marina

Things To Do In Boulogne

Holidays and day trips to Boulogne-sur-Mer in France have been popular with British tourists for generations thanks to its location on the country’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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Getting there

Getting there

Traditionally, Boulogne has been a popular tourist destination for British and Belgian tourists, partly because of how easy it is to get there.

It is still easy to get to Boulogne using any of our routes to France. It's just 22 miles from Calais to Boulogne and approximately 50 miles from Dunkirk, down a route which takes you past golden, windswept beaches, rugged cliffs and more. You can also reach Boulogne in under 2 hours from our port in Dieppe, heading east.

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.

Where to visit in Boulogne

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.

Travel guides

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Calais

Visit Calais with a DFDS ferry crossing and discover this historic city with the charms of the coast and a preserved natural environment.

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Dunkirk

Take a ferry with DFDS from Dover to Dunkirk and explore this famous port town, ideal for beach holidaymakers, nature lovers and history enthusiasts.

Amiens

Amiens

Visit Amiens, a popular weekend destination with many historical sights, including Notre-Dame Cathedral.

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FAQS

DFDS offers a range of ferry services to France, providing convenient routes for travellers wishing to explore Boulogne-sur-Mer and the surrounding areas. While DFDS does not have a direct route to Boulogne, it offers three convenient options. The closest option is the Dover to Calais route, with Calais just a short drive from Boulogne, making it a practical choice for those wanting to visit the city. Alternatively, take the Dover - Dunkirk route.

Boulogne-sur-Mer is rich in history and culture. Visitors can explore the old town with its medieval walls, the 13th-century Belfry, the Castle Museum, and the impressive Notre-Dame Basilica. Don't miss out on Nausicaá, the largest aquarium in Europe, or enjoy a leisurely stroll by the beach and marina.

Boulogne, also known as Boulogne-sur-Mer is located in the Pas-de-Calais department in Northern France. It's situated along the English Channel coast and is a key fishing port in France.

Boulogne-sur-Mer is approximately 33 kilometers (20 miles) southwest of Calais. The drive typically takes about 30 minutes via the A16, depending on traffic.

There are several ways to reach Boulogne-sur-Mer. The most common route is to take a DFDS ferry from Dover to Calais and then drive to Boulogne, which is approximately a 30-minute drive. Those wishing to take the ferry from Newhaven to Dieppe can drive to Boulogne in approximately 2 hours, passing through the scenic Normandy region.

In addition to its historical sites and museums, Boulogne-sur-Mer offers delightful dining experiences centred around its fresh seafood; perfect when paired with a glass of wine from one of France’s many famous wine regions. In Boulogne, you can also visit the bustling fish market, explore the charming old town, or simply enjoy a relaxing day at the beach.

Boulogne-sur-Mer is renowned for its rich history and maritime heritage. It's home to Nausicaá, the largest aquarium in Europe, and is famous for its medieval old town, which includes the 13th-century Belfry and the Castle Museum. The city is also known as one of France's most important fishing ports.

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