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Things to do in Boulogne

Discover plenty of things to do in Boulogne during your trip to France in this informative travel guide.

Drive just half an hour south of the port of Calais and you will find Boulogne, which is not only France’s biggest commercial fishing port but is also home to plenty of historical sites, a lovely beach, and peaceful gardens.

With an impressive 35,000 tonnes of fish being landed in Boulogne each year, including around 70 different species, you’ll want to be sure that you indulge in some delicious fresh seafood when you visit this city, and there’s a whole range of other things to do in Boulogne no matter what your interests are.

To give you more freedom and peace of mind when you travel with your car, why not upgrade to one of our Flexi tickets? Allowing you to take the scenic route home and not have to rush back, our Standard Flexi and Fully Flexi tickets give you greater flexibility to your departure time!

Here we share some of our favourite things to do in Boulogne which we believe will inspire you to visit this popular destination and discover all that it has to offer for yourself. Book your next trip today to Boulogne with P&O Ferries channel crossing by ferry from Dover!

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About the city
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About the city

Boulogne’s aquarium - Nausicaá

Boulogne is home to Nausicaá, Europe’s largest public aquarium, and you are guaranteed to have an amazing day out here no matter how old you are!

Not only will you be able to wander around the aquarium and view many of its 58,000 underwater residents, but it also offers plenty of things for kids to do in Boulogne as you’ll find lots of activities that children will love including watching how some of the creatures are fed, and you might even have the chance to take part in an animal encounter too.

Nausicaá offers plenty of opportunities to learn all about sea life and the issues that face it every day, so a trip here is just as educational and thought-provoking as it is fun which makes it a great choice for all the family.

Things to do in Boulogne sur mer - Have a beach day

Another great thing for kids to do in Boulogne is visit the long and sandy beach. Not only is it perfect for families, it also offers the perfect place to sit and relax on a summer’s day, as well as plenty to do when the weather isn’t necessarily suitable for sunbathing.

Children will love the huge range of activities available to them on the beach, including the chance to play football and volleyball or jump on trampolines and bouncy castles. There is also a sand-yachting club which has equipment you can hire for sand-yachting, kite-surfing, and canoeing.

If you do simply need some time out to lay in the sunshine, you can rent out beach huts, deck chairs, and parasols which will truly set you up for the day.

Boulogne’s Old Town

A more relaxing thing to do in Boulogne is taking a walk around Boulogne’s Old Town and you will discover some of its most historical buildings, as well as some interesting places to explore if you want to travel back into the city’s past.

One of the most striking buildings in the Old Town is the Notre-Dame Basilica which stands out due to its impressive dome. Beneath the Basilica you will find the crypt museum, a maze of rooms containing artwork and artefacts from the old medieval cathedral that once stood there.

The oldest monument in Boulogne is its Belfry, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and in the centre of the Old Town you will find the Town Hall which bears the city’s coat of arms. Here there are plenty of places to see in Boulogne full of culture and history to ensure you and all your family get a fully immersive experience.

Green spaces

Once you have seen all that Boulogne has to offer you can seek some peace and quiet in some of its beautiful parks and gardens.

Next to the aquarium itself are the Nausicaá gardens which are triangular in shape and cover an impressive 17,000m². Surrounded by trees and home to a mini-golf course and a children’s playground, you’ll also find that a number of different sports are played here. Offering a perfect location with plenty of things to see and do in Boulogne.

For some relaxation, amidst the hustle and bustle of the city centre head to the lush green Bucciali Gardens, or spend time in the Jardins Tintelleries which were redesigned after being destroyed during World War 2.

The oldest monument in Boulogne is its Belfry, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and in the centre of the Old Town you will find the Town Hall which bears the city’s coat of arms.

Best places to eat in Boulogne- sur-Mer

Across Boulogne-sur-Mer there are over 360 restaurants to explore across the city with various different cuisines. Whether you want to carry on with French history and heritage and indulge in a traditional French meal or you want to try some of the local seafood there is plenty to choose from. In fact there are 28 seafood restaurants alone which you can explore to find the best place to eat in Boulogne-sur-Mer that offers local produce, great service, and an overall great experience.

Some of the best places to eat in Boulogne-sur-Mer are the restaurants located near and by the beach. The Port de Boulogne offers a variety of places to sample seafood dishes whilst watching the boats in the harbour. Here you can be guaranteed both amazing food and views for an all rounded perfect experience.

Get ready to unwind or discover fascinating historical sites, with all the places to visit in Boulogne Sur Mer. Find out for yourself when you travel from Dover to Calais with P&O Ferries.

FAQs:

1. Where is Boulogne?

Boulogne is a port city located on the coast of Northern France, Southwest of Calais and only a half an hour away from our Calais port. Boulogne makes the perfect French getaway when travelling by car by offering a wide variety of natural landscapes and things to see in Boulogne which the whole family can enjoy.

2. What to do in Boulogne?

In Boulogne-sur-Mer there are plenty of things to do and attractions to visit suitable for all ages. From visiting one of Europe’s largest aquariums, local gardens, exploring the old town and its architecture to strolling along the beach. There are more than enough things to do in Boulogne which will best suit your interests so you will never be bored.

3. How far is Boulogne from Calais?

With both cities located in Northern France, Boulogne is approximately 22 miles away from Calais meaning it’s simply 30 minutes away from our Calais port. Here you can start your holiday straight away whether it's a romantic getaway to France or a family day trip to Calais, Boulogne makes a perfect option for every French trip planned.

4. How to get to Boulogne?

You can get to Boulogne in many ways. One of the best ways is by ferry, whether you are travelling by car, bike, van, or even as a foot passenger, our ferries cater to all types of passengers. What makes travelling to Boulogne with P&O Ferries even better is our onboard facilities and the reassurance you have about being able to take back as many souvenirs as possible without going over your luggage allowance. Book your Dover to Calais ferry crossing today for the easiest journey to Boulogne possible.

5. What is Boulogne famous for?

Boulogne-sur-Mer is famous for its large fishing port, historic sites, and marine life attractions. The Nausicaá Centre, one of Europe’s largest aquariums, is a major must see. The Basilica of Notre-Dame and Boulogne Castle offer rich history and stunning views. Known for fresh seafood, especially oysters and mussels, Boulogne also boasts beautiful coastal landscapes, including Cap Blanc-Nez and Cap Gris-Nez cliffs. The town’s medieval heritage and UNESCO-listed Belfry further contribute to its charm and providing even more places to see in Boulogne.

6. Is Boulogne worth visiting?

Boulogne-sur-Mer is definitely worth visiting as it offers a great variety of things to do and see including a mix of history, stuning coastal views and unique attractions. Known widely for its vibrant fishing pirt and fresh seafood, it's a great location for the whole family to enjoy as well as nature lovers and food enthusiasts. Book your Dover to Calais ferry travel today.

7. Where to eat in Boulogne?

Known for its fresh seafood, especially oysters, mussels, and fish due to its coastal location there are plenty of places to eat. With its local cuisine heavily influenced by the sea across the city there are plenty of seafood dishes as well as many other cuisines on offer for everyone to enjoy.

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