Boulogne

The Port of Boulogne-sur-Mer is the ideal departure point for discovering the " Côte d'Opale " coast from the 'Two Caps' National site to the Marquenterre Nature Reserve.
Being near the town centre the port is just next door to Nausicaa, the largest complex in Europe that is completely devoted to the sea. The National Sea Life Centre is visited by 800 000 persons each year. Come and discover for yourself the 11 000 marine animals, watch the rays surface just waiting to be stroked, see the sea lions glide beneath your feet or come face to face with the sharks.
Discover the 'Haute Ville', the older part of Boulogne with its cobbled streets, ramparts that date from the XIII century and the chateau from the same period which is the best conserved example in northern France.
This château is today also a museum that is doted with magnificent and rich displays including Greek vases and Etruscan objects, the most important collection of Eskimo masks in Europe, and an Egyptian section that is connected to Mariette an Egyptologist native of Boulogne-sur-Mer.
Whilst in the 'Haute-Ville' stop and admire some of its most celebrated monuments : the belfry, cathedral, and former Annonciades convent.
Napoleon has also left his mark in the town's history. In souvenir of his encampment when he planned to invade England, the "Colonne de la Grande Armée" column was erected, the highest in France.
Between Nausicaa and the 'Haute-Ville' is the modern, bustling, pedestrian centre of Boulogne-sur-Mer lined with shops and cafés. Take a walk along the 'Quai Gambetta' which offers pleasant views of the port and the town. A lively market is held every Wednesday and Saturday on 'Place Dalton' just in front of Saint Nicolas the oldest church in Boulogne.