Boulogne

Located on the Cote d’Opale on the English Channel, the city of Boulogne is the second-most visited destination in Nord Pas-de-Calais and France’s largest fishing port. While there’s plenty to see wandering the streets of this thriving community, Boulogne is home to some impressive sights that definitely make it worth the trip.
The 12th century belfry is an architectural and historic landmark and one of the few buildings to have gained World Heritage Site recognition. Visitors can venture inside and check out the museum which houses Celtic remains from when the Romans occupied the area. Medieval walls, complete with four gates and 17 towers line much of the town and what remains of Boulogne’s medieval castle houses a vast collection of Egyptian art. One of the city highlights is a trip to the French National Sea Centre, which explores the relationship between humans and the oceans, as well as the history of fishing—an industry that has kept Boulogne alive and thriving.

Practical Info

Boulogne is accessible via public transportation using coach bus service from Calais or Dunkirk. Megabus also operates lines between Boulogne and Paris, Brussels and London.