ABOVE: boulogne sur mer port de plaisance.
Boulonnais region still has a few surprises
From north to south, the Boulonnais landscape is richly varied. Whatever you want – a weekend break or a longer holiday – take your time to discover the coastal towns of Boulogne-sur-Mer, Wimereux, Le Portel-Plage, Equihen-plage and Hardelot, which make up the charming Côte d’Opale.
Savour the typical recipes using fish and fresh market produce, explore the villages with their local traditions and the men and women who give the region its rich character.
Take advantage of a rare and protected environment: from the rugged contours of the Channel coast to the verdant, undulating inland landscapes. Enjoy the prestigious past of Boulogne-sur-Mer, with an attentive eye on the flora, marine birds and the creature of the deep...
As well as the sea to enjoy, there are parks, gardens and forests, ancient dwellings, monuments and an architecture which continues to bear witness to a rich and varied past.
From the moment you arrive, step through the doors of the tourist office where everything has been done to offer you the very warmest welcome. You will find all the information you need to make your stay unforgettable.
Have a nice stay!
- Boulogne sur-Mer, town of art and history, City of the Sea
- Just a step from the Channel Tunnel at the heart of the Côte d’Opale, Boulogne-sur-Mer will surprise and seduce you.
- Its 2000 years of history is marked by the presence of Romans, the English and Napoléon...
- Its history is very rich and is visible through many civilian, military and religious buildings.
- You will be delighted with its pedestrian streets, its colourful markets and its numerous restaurants where fish specialities are served.
- Located just outside the heart of town centre, the port offers many activities including fishing, boating and the Cross-Channel ferry.
- Next to the beach the Nausicaà National Sea Centre is well worth a visit.
September : main events in Boulogne-sur-Mer
Friday 19th and Saturday 20th: la route du poisson
Discover the route made by the wholesale fishmongers who, up until the mid 19th century, would cover 300 kilometres in 24 hours to the steady trot of their Boulonnais horses to take fresh fish from Boulogne-sur-Mer to Paris. The road retraces this historic journey.
This event brings together more than 800 participants, 300 horses and attracts some 300,000 spectators along this heroic route!
Saturday 20th and Sunday 21th: The Fête de la Beurière
This quarter is famous for having sheltered a large part of Boulogne’s seafaring population until the World War II. During the festival, net menders, ironers of traditional head-dresses display their craft in the staircases which snake between the houses.
Saturday 20th and Sunday 21th : Heritage Days
During the Heritage Days, free guided tours are proposed in numerous historic sites such as (some of them are just open on that occasion) the belfry and the Town Hall, the castle, Notre-Dame Basilica, the Crypt of the Basilica, Imperial palace (or Palais imperial), East Cemetery, the theatre, Casa San Martin, Synagogue, Saint Nicolas Church.
To get more information or to request free brochures visit www.tourisme-boulonnais.com or tourisme@agglo-boulonnais.fr and try to win free tickets for Nausicaa (simply stipulate SE0908 in your demand).