South-East England and North-West France are tantalisingly close, almost begging for a bridge to connect our worlds… A mean there is ‘The Tunnel’.

A mere 22 miles of water, the English Channel, stands as the barrier separating us “Islanders” from “The Continent.”

Isn’t it ridiculous that such a tiny stretch of sea keeps us apart… And perhaps “safe” through history?

The trip to Boulogne-Sur-Mer (Boulogne-On-Sea) was a day trip whilst visiting my friends in Kent, England. We arrived very early in the morning at the ferry port in Dover and took the 2 hour ferry trip as foot-passengers across to the town of Calais in France.  The weather was stunning with bright blue skies and glistening seas from the sun. The views looking back to England and Dover’s White Cliffs were unbelievably beautiful. 

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Boulogne-sur-Mer is the largest fishing town in France and everywhere there is evidence of the importance of this trade. Fish stalls line the port selling fish direct to the public.  There is a huge industrial area where the fish is auctioned and factories freeze, smoke, salt, can and process the fish around the whole of Europe. 

Restaurants in the town have fish dishes galore. The Chateau Musée de Boulogne has a fabulous collection of coastal paintings from the area.   To seal the deal – there is Nausica, the huge aquarium which has around half a million visits each year.

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View from the train to Boulogne

There are two parts to Boulogne. The modern town with its outlying suburbs and the historic old town. With over 1000 shops, hundreds of bars, cafés and restaurants, several markets a week – there is something going on for visitors pretty much all of the time.

WHAT CAN BOULOGNE-SUR-MER OFFER?

THE NOTRE DAME BASILICA

Built between 1827 and 1866 by the abbot Haffreingue on the ruins of the old cathedral, destroyed soon after the French Revolution. This colossal dome together culminating to 101m  (331 feet)  in height was inspired by Saint Paul’s in London, St. Peter’s in Rome, and the Pantheon.

BOULOGNE-SUR-MER CASTLE

was built by Philippe Hurepel.  Its construction dates back to 1231. Conserved and built in the 13th century on the fortifications of the Roman military camp, it now houses the museum’s collections.

SHOPPING AND FOOD

Nestled between the harbour and the walled city, the city centre is the ideal place to soak up the warm atmosphere of the city.  There are some lovely specialist shops from arts and crafts in the old town where you can buy violet scented, to the cheese shop of Philippe Olivier, Rue Thiers,  in the new town where you can buy the notorious Vieux Boulogne – officially designated the smelliest cheese in the world.

Make your way to the marina and discover numerous restaurants with open terraces to sup fine wines, eat great food and watch the world go by.​

STREET ART

Throughout the summer months, the graffiti artists create wonderful street art around the streets of Boulogne-sur-Mer. 

The local and international artists of the “Urban Art Route” have a blank canvas to give a new face to the city.  Passers-by can now admire the varied works of art.

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Final Thoughts…

To sum up Boulogne-Sur-Mer its a pretty little French town on the coast that offers quaint little bistro’s up cobbled streets.  My trip to the town was only for a day, and from Kent, it is very do-able.

Boulogne welcomed us for the 6 hours we were there and I have to admit it did not feel rushed in any manner. Would I go back?  Maybe.  But for a day trip I am pretty happy I did it…not least to say the views returning to England as the sunsets are worth it.

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