landmark
Nausicaá – National Sea Centre
Europe's largest aquarium in Boulogne-sur-Mer, France with a stunning open-ocean tank and conservation mission.
2 km · about 5 min drive
Hauts-de-France, France · Europe
Boulogne-sur-Mer is worth a stop: 5 minutes from Saint-Léonard, 49km from White Cliffs of Dover.
Boulogne-sur-Mer is a town located in Hauts-de-France, France. With a population of 47,013, it is an important destination in Europe.
On a road trip, Boulogne-sur-Mer sits in France, where you drive on the right. It's in the Europe/Paris time zone. Below you'll find where to stay, things to do nearby, and everything you need to add Boulogne-sur-Mer to your route.
Boulogne-sur-Mer (French: [bulɔɲ syʁ mɛʁ] ; Picard: Boulonne-su-Mér; Dutch: Bonen; Latin: Gesoriacum or Bononia), often called just Boulogne (UK: , US: ), is a port city in Northern France. It is a sub-prefecture of the department of Pas-de-Calais. Boulogne lies on the Côte d'Opale, a touristic stretch of French coastRead more
on the English Channel between Calais and Normandy, and the most visited location in the region after the Lille conurbation. Boulogne is its department's third-largest city after Calais and Arras. It is also the country's largest fishing port, specialising in herring.
Boulogne is an ancient town and was the main Roman port for trade and communication with its Province of Britain. After a period of Germanic presence following the collapse of the Empire, Boulogne was integrated into the County of Boulogne of the Kingdom of France during the Middle Ages. It was occupied by the Kingdom of England numerous times due to conflict between the two nations. In 1805 it was a staging area for Napoleon's troops for several months during his planned invasion of the United Kingdom.
The city's 12th-century belfry is recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site (along with other belfries of Belgium and France), while another popular attraction is the marine conservation centre Nausicaa.
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Boulogne-sur-Mer offers many attractions including tourist sites, museums, parks, and local restaurants. Explore famous landmarks, scenic roads, and natural wonders on our interactive map and plan your visit.
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Boulogne-sur-Mer is located in Hauts-de-France, France, Europe. The coordinates are 50.7249 latitude, 1.6137 longitude.
Boulogne-sur-Mer has a population of approximately 47,013 people, making it a town in France.
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Essential numbers in France
Carrying a warning triangle and hi-vis vest in your vehicle is mandatory. Motorway emergency phones connect to official breakdown services only.
Full driving guide for France7 notable places within an hour's drive.
landmark
Europe's largest aquarium in Boulogne-sur-Mer, France with a stunning open-ocean tank and conservation mission.
2 km · about 5 min drive
scenic viewpoint
The closest point in France to England, a windswept headland of cliffs, lighthouse and migrating birds.
16 km · about 20 min drive
scenic viewpoint
Dazzling white chalk cliffs on the Opal Coast with views across the Channel to England on clear days.
23 km · about 25 min drive
castle
A medieval fortress overlooking the English Channel, known as the Key to England due to its strategic defensive significance.
49 km · about 55 min drive
natural wonder
Iconic chalk cliffs reaching up to 110 meters high along the English Channel, symbolizing Britain for centuries.
49 km · about 55 min drive
tunnel
50 km tunnel under the English Channel - drive your car on the train
52 km · about 60 min drive
natural wonder
A vast shimmering bay of mudflats, seals and salt-marsh: one of France's great natural estuaries.
56 km · about 65 min drive
April to October
Other places to explore near Boulogne-sur-Mer.
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