Boulogne-sur-Mer

Boulogne-sur-Mer is a city, known as a major fishing port, on the north coast of France. By the port, Nausicaá is a huge aquarium with thousands of marine species. In the fortified old town, Notre-Dame Basilica has an ornate crypt. The city’s 12th-century belfry was the keep of a Norman-era castle. Ancient Egyptian and Greek artifacts are on display at the Castle Museum, which is set within a 13th-century chateau.
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Top attractions in Boulogne-sur-Mer

Nausicaá Centre National De La Mer
1. Nausicaá Centre National De La Mer
4.4
(44470)
Aquarium
Nature & Parks
Aquarium with a touch pool, sharks, sea lions & penguins, plus tropical lagoon with colorful coral.
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Great day out. The main aquarium is huge and has a decent variety of fish. Very educational throughout,with interesting and interactive attractions that help visitors understand the importance of our oceans and rivers. Plenty of other attractions to see,with the sea lions and the coral area being my highlights. A little tricky to navigate around due to its size and number of visitors but not too crowded even during the holiday period.
We visited D on a weekday during the holidays, and it was an awesome experience! The aquarium offers a wonderful opportunity to view and learn about a wide variety of sea creatures. It's both fun and educational, especially for kids. They will definitely enjoy the interactive exhibits and get a chance to gain knowledge about marine life. The display of different types of sea fishes—from colorful reef species to large predators—is truly fascinating. The environment is well-maintained and family-friendly, making it a perfect holiday outing. Highly recommended for families looking for an engaging and informative day out! Recommended to visit in the morning session to avoid the crowds.
This should definitely be on any to do list if in or around the Boulogne area. Worth the money and time we'll spent. Would recommend leaving at least 4 hours as there is plenty to see and the large tank is truly amazing. Was shocked when seeing the large manta ray emerge from the darkness for the first time. It's also very educational so would highly recommend. Will go again next time I'm in the area
The most amazing experience! 3 main exhibits, the first of which I spent more then two hours in, gazing at the largest aquarium in Europe was comfortable, spacious and signs were easily translated. Many of the staff were bilingual and so helpful! There were little spots to eat including a restaurant, clean restrooms and lockers to store your belongings. Outside the front of Nausicaa is also a lovely green area with children's play park and access to watch the sea lions! There was so much information accessible and interactive activities to keep children engaged whilst being educational. I will absolutely return here one day!
This is a beautiful aquarium with an excellent story telling about the ocean. We really enjoyed the jelly fishes , corals and the story telling. I don't fully agree with the sea lion attraction hype but they are nice. The best is the manta ray fish in the main pool which makes all the kid wonder with awe and equally so the adults. This place has a good restaurant as well and therefore don't worry about going out for food. This place takes 4.5 hrs of you would like to walk through everything.
Such a brilliant day out with the family. It is so much bigger than we were expecting. 3 different areas to look around, with so many tanks and other things to do. Lovely restaurant on site with lots of options. Would definitely recommend to anyone going to the area. 10/10. Definitely book in advance online, we were able to book the group tickets and saved a lot of money. It was very busy, with lots of school trips. We went on a Friday.
This place is truly one of the best! It offers so much more than a typical aquarium. the experience is absolutely surreal. Please note that outside food isn't allowed, but the on-site café serves both hot and cold meals. With multiple levels to explore, it's a good idea to fuel up beforehand. Be prepared for a lot of walking, so wear comfortable shoes and come ready for an adventure!
Wonderful aquarium with huge tanks, so many different species of fish and some big Stingrays and sharks and a selection of well thought it and interesting exhibits. The cafe is good too and plenty to see and do for the day, even the kids are entertained.
Basilica of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception at Boulogne-sur-Mer
2. Basilica of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception at Boulogne-sur-Mer
4.5
(1662)
Basilica
Sights & Landmarks
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Can't tell you how cool this place is. Gotta just go see it. Lots of wows all the way round. If you love history this is amazing. Even easy for the unsteady on feet. The crypt you need to pay to visit. But the church itself is free.
Such a beautiful place. We had the opportunity to see it just before closing and it was worth it for a few minutes. Definitely will definitely be coming back soon.
The crypt was interesting and very large. The combination ticket giving entry to it and 2 other museums is great value at 11 euros.
Stunning!! So peaceful and well maintained. Could do with the information desk/shop to be at the entrance instead of the exit! No toilet facilities I have seen neither which always helps. It is lovely to visit a church that is open to the public. Something that you rarely see in England unless it is a big city.
The Cathedral Notre-Dame is absolutely worth a visit. The church itself is grand and impressive, with a unique and restored dome that really sets it apart from other cathedrals I've seen. What truly stood out, though, were the crypts underneath—also recently restored and incredibly atmospheric. The scale and detail of the underground chambers are breathtaking and give a real sense of the history and depth of the place. A must-see if you're in the area!
What a stunning place 😍 We visited the crypt and the church. The crypt cost 6€ for adults and free for kids under 18. I can really recommend paying for the crypt, soo special🤩 The church have the most beautiful tower, worth to see 😍
Free access, the dome shall be the priority to visit an after catacombs- which are unique and well organized and maintained- extraordinary place with atmosphere and history which you can see and feel.
Stunning architecture! Free to enter and the perfect peaceful pause for a day out in the city.
Plage de Boulogne-sur-Mer
3. Plage de Boulogne-sur-Mer
4.3
(1691)
Beach
Outdoor Activities
Popular sand beach offering rentals of deck chairs, a summer library, beach volleyball & more.
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An excellent choice for a maximum of 4 days to swim and enjoy a small but beautiful French city. Everything is very local, cheap and beautiful, but also touristy. Considering what we eat in Paris is very ordinary, this is a great place to eat real French Croissants and all kinds of bakery desserts. Parking was mostly free all around the city. About 4 hours to Paris
This is a beach located in Boulogne-sur-Mer. It has beautiful scenery and many benches facing the sea.
The white, soft sand is stunning. A beautiful, not overcrowded beach with room to relax.
A beautiful place! You can walk around here and see the biggest have of Europe. There are a lot of restaurants and the nature is stunning. You can walk from here to Wimereux as well. This path is beautiful. Enjoy!
Opal waters and the beach so nice
Nice beach with fine pale sand. It was pretty clean, I think they clean it regularly. There are two playgrounds, one for younger children and it is enclosed, the other one for bigger children. It was quite nice but the view is not the best of you look on the left. This said it is conveniently located and just outside the Nausicaa center, so it can be a nice stop to relax after your visit.
Absolutely stunning beach, with great amenities and some lovely food and drink outlets along the edge. Great spot to stop for lunch and to relax for the afternoon.
Whenever we want to explore some places, we always find the nearest beach because we love to feel the sand on our feet, the sounds of waves, the breeze of wind.. This place is beautiful ❤️
Promenade Charles Dickens - Les remparts
4. Promenade Charles Dickens - Les remparts
4.9
(31)
Hiking area
Outdoor Activities
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(Translated by Google) Very nice walk to take on the ramparts, full of history. All on a pleasant and very well maintained trail. You will have the opportunity to rest on numerous benches and admire the panorama. (Original) Très chouette balade à faire sur les remparts, chargée d histoire. Le tout sur un sentier agréable et très bien entretenu. Vous aurez l occasion de vous reposer sur de nombreux banc et de vous laissez admirer le panorama
(Translated by Google) Touring the fortified city by the ramparts is wonderful. Many points of view. Stunning. To do and go down to the basilica. Continue and go to the castle. To do 🥰🥰🥰 (Original) Faire le tour de la ville fortifiée par les rempart est formidable. De nombreux point de vue. Superbe. A faire et descendre à la basilique. Continuer et aller au château. A faire 🥰🥰🥰
(Translated by Google) Very pleasant walk on the garden ramparts, nice view of the city, very relaxing, you forget the rampart, like a garden or a park. (Original) Très agréable promenade sur les remparts jardins, jolie point de vue sur la ville, très repassant, on oublie le rempart, comme un jardins ou un parc.
(Translated by Google) Very nice walk around the old town! The view from certain places is magnificent to see! Very nice to do, very quiet to be in a city. (Original) Hele mooie wandeling rond de oude stad! Het uitzicht op bepaalde plekken is magnifiek om te zien! Heel gezellig om te doen, heel rustig ook om toch in een stad te zijn.
(Translated by Google) A very nice circular route on the old city wall with a very nice view over the city. There are different entrances and exits into the old town (Original) Ein sehr schöner Rundweg auf der alten Stadtmauer mit einem sehr schönen Ausblick über die Stadt. Es gibt verschiedene Auf- und Abgänge in die Altstadt
(Translated by Google) A wonderful area for walking, with magnificent views in some places. Have a good day. (Original) Прекрасная зона для прогулок, местами открывается великолепный вид. Хорошего дня.
(Translated by Google) Great walk, full of history... take a tour of the ramparts for the people of Boulogne.. (Original) Super promenade,chargée d'histoire...faire le tour des remparts pour les Boulonais..
(Translated by Google) Beautifully maintained walking paths on the city wall. With fantastic views of the new and old city while you walk through a piece of nature. (Original) Mooi onderhouden wandelpaden op de stadsmuur. Met fantastische uitzichten van de nieuwe en oude stad terwijl je door een stukje natuur wandelt.
Crypte de la Basilique Notre-Dame
5. Crypte de la Basilique Notre-Dame
4.6
(578)
Museum
Sights & Landmarks
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Absolutely beautiful museum! Great history and all the signs were in French, Dutch and English which makes it very accessible. Very sweet staff and also nice and cool especially for in the summer. Absolutely would recommend!
Nice place to visit, even with your children. I went there with my 10-year-old son who enjoyed discovering every corner of the crypt. This place is a real maze. It is quite dark but it contributes to the general feeling of mystery you get once inside. Some parts are really well preserved. They provide the visitors with useful and interesting information, but it is sometimes hard to decipher the texts written in different languages as several of the lamps are not working. But it is still worth the visit,especially as it is 6€ (if you have no special discount) and free for children (until the age of 18) If needed, there are toilets just outside the entrance (red door on the right side when coming in)
The crypt under the Basilica is a real historical gem. Very well preserved and maintained the crypt is filled with colourful murals and paintings. It is worth a visit.
Definitely must see please - I was surprised how good the crypt can be organized and maintained. It takes like 30-45 min to go thru but is worth any minute. Place has unprecedent atmosphere and kind of art of death. You will see wall art and catacombs painting all over, with all history descriptions you can feel the atmosphere of pre - Europe time.
Beautifully laid out with great lighting, so much to see. It's amazing that it isn't more publicised in the cathedral but we discovered it via Google!
A beautiful Cathedral and very nice staff! Definitely worth the visit
Well worth a visit, very interesting, lots of info in English too
Absolutely superb place to visit,your allowed to get up close to a lot of the exhibits and artefacts unlike some museums. Very informative,well laid out and excellent value for money. I certainly intend to visit again.
Château de Boulogne-sur-Mer
6. Château de Boulogne-sur-Mer
4.4
(1652)
Museum
Art museum
Sturdy castle of Boulogne counts, now housing archeology, local history & fine arts collections.
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Excellent guide for the tour inside the castle, underground and abord ground level ! Build on top of an 1800 years old Roman settlement. Nice collection.
It's got some nice things, but the historical artifacts are a little bit all over the place and unrelated as well as limited. Very hot, some aircons needed. Very strict meuseum employees, if something is not to be touched, please put a barricade around it, Talking specifically about the Polynesian canoe. My daughter was very interested and curious about it, and lightly touched it, we got thoroughly chastised after this. We are not French, so we cannot read French signs. The caste is very beautiful and a worth while visit.
Didn’t enter as didn’t found entry place ;) It was to much hidden ;) Anyway outside waking paths and around shows this magnificent small castle - house as nice and well maintained living place of Romans ;) worthy walk and seeing
The Château de Boulogne-sur-Mer is a fascinating historical site with a rich past. The museum housed within offers a diverse collection that showcases the region's heritage, making it a worthwhile visit for history enthusiasts.
It was good but unfortunately the best part was closed (level 1) with all the Egyptian and Greek artifacts. It mentions being closed till July and they are still charging full price though...
Beautiful on the outside, with a nice, small museum.
Highly recommend. Lots to see, eat and drink, in a beautiful place
Fell like few centuries ago!
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Other notable attractions

Éphémère Garden
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House of Beurière
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Beffroi de l'Hotel de Ville
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Église Saint-Nicolas de Boulogne-sur-Mer
Church
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Casa San Martín
Museum
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Boulogne-sur-Mer Fish Market
Seafood market
Shopping
Casino Golden Palace Boulogne-sur-Mer
Casino
Casinos & Gambling
Statue Auguste Mariette
Sights & Landmarks
Monuments & Statues
Au coeur des Remparts
Holiday apartment rental
Sights & Landmarks
Chapelle du Saint-Sang ⛪
Place of worship
Sights & Landmarks

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Monthly temperature highs and lows in Boulogne-sur-Mer
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