Meet the historic port city on the Opal Coast
Visit the charming city of Boulogne-sur-Mer
- Charming port city
- Historic centre with many sights
- Europe's largest aquarium
Get to know the historic port city of Boulogne-sur-Mer! This charming coastal city boasts a rich history and many attractions. You can have plenty of fun in the old and new parts of this beautiful city on the French Opal Coast. Perfect for a great day out during your stay at Dormio Resort Berck-sur-Mer!
Things to do in Boulogne-sur-Mer:
- The giant murals by internationally renowned street artists
- Walk along the medieval city walls;
- Boulogne's belfry;
- Notre-Dame de Boulogne;
- Napoleon's office in the Imperial Palace;
- The garden in front of City Hall;
- France's largest fishing port;
- Nausicaá: the largest aquarium in Europe;
- Culinary delights on the atmospheric promenade;
- Napoleon's monument.
Discover the extraordinary centre of Boulogne-sur-Mer
Boulogne-sur-Mer is an impressive coastal city with a little bit of everything to offer. The historic city centre located in the upper part of the city is brimming with historical treasures; further down, there is a vibrant centre with various places to eat and an attractive promenade. The ideal combination of culture and cuisine!
Tip: discover the crypt below Notre-Dame de Boulogne
One of the most extraordinary sights in the historic part of the city is Notre-Dame de Boulogne. Admire the interior and visit the crypt under the basilica that dates back to Roman times. The underground maze covers an area of 1,400 square metres, making it one of the largest crypts in France. Wander through the corridors and discover the unique murals!
Discover the beautifully preserved old town of Boulogne-sur-Mer
The historic part of Boulogne-sur-Mer is surrounded by medieval city walls and is certainly the most beautiful part of the city. Within these ramparts you will find picturesque streets, where you can imagine that you have travelled back 2,000 years ago in time; there are many sights to admire, such as the belfry, which is Boulogne's oldest building and listed as a UNESCO world heritage site. Also worth a visit is the Imperial Palace that served as Napoleon's headquarters. There’s plenty to see here, including the room that Napoleon used as an office. The city hall with its famous garden is also a gem! Every year, the site is redesigned according to a different theme.
Tip: enjoy the view from the top of the imposing monument to Napoleon
Just outside the centre of Boulogne-sur-Mer you will find the 53-metre-high Column of the Grande Armée (Colonne de la Grande Armée) with a magnificent statue of Emperor Napoleon. This marble monument is the symbol of the Camp of Boulogne. Climb the spiral staircase of 263 steps, to be rewarded with panoramic views of the city and coastline.
Visit the new part of Boulogne-sur-Mer
Although the historic part of the city is highly popular with tourists, the new part of Boulogne-sur-Mer also has crowd pleasers. Here you will find the atmospheric boulevard Saint-Beuve with its lively nightlife, where you can enjoy fresh fish specialities. It is also home to France's largest fishing port and Europe's largest aquarium: Nausicaá. No fewer than 40 different animal species live at this oceanographic centre, including the grey shark, the rabbit fish and the great manta ray. Are you a lover of fish dishes? Then visit the weekly fish market on Sundays where fishermen sell their fresh catch at the quay.
Book your stay near Boulogne-sur-Mer
A visit to the charming coastal city of Boulogne-sur-Mer is ideal for a day out when you stay at Dormio Resort Berck-sur-Mer. You will find this special city about a 45-minute drive from our resort. Stay in one of our spacious holiday homes just 900 metres from the beautiful sandy beach and take advantage of the high-quality facilities to make your stay on the Opal Coast even more enjoyable!