The beaches are just one of many highlights in Boulogne-sur-Mer. Start with a walking tour around the cobbled lanes and colorful townhouses of the Old Town, visit the medieval Château Comtal and Basilica of Notre Dame, then browse the lively fish market and tuck into fresh seafood at one of the many beachfront restaurants. Another must-visit attraction is the Nausicaá Sea Center, the largest aquarium in Europe, where you can see sharks, sea lions, and penguins.
Foodies will be spoiled for choice with fish and seafood in Boulogne-sur-Mer—the town is renowned as “France’s first fishing port” and has some excellent seafood restaurants.
Boulogne-sur-Mer beach has beach huts and sunbeds for rent, along with showers, restrooms, and plenty of beachfront bars, cafés, and shops.
The town of Boulogne-sur-Mer is largely accessible for wheelchairs and strollers, including the aquarium and beach.
Boulogne-sur-Mer is located along the Opal Coast on the English Channel in northwest France. Travelers from the UK arriving in Calais at the ferry or Eurotunnel terminal can drive south to Boulogne-sur-Mer along the A16 motorway (about a 30-minute drive) or take the train (about a 90-minute journey). Trains also run between Paris and Boulogne-sur-Mer, a 2.5-hour journey.
July through August is the peak season in Boulogne-sur-Mer, and the sunny summer months are the safest bet for beach weather. Opt for the shoulder months of June and September to dodge the crowds and high season prices but still make the most of the warm weather. The fall King Herring Festival is an annual highlight, celebrating the herring fishing season.
Named for its luminous waters, the Opal Coast is a wild stretch of beaches, dunes, and sea cliffs stretching over 75 miles (120 kilometers) along the Channel coast. Boulogne-sur-Mer is ideally situated for exploring, with neighboring beaches easily reached by bike and a mix of family-friendly, patrolled beaches and natural coves frequented by hikers. Visit the popular beaches of Le Portel, Wimereux, and Hardelot, go fishing or bird-watching along the shore of Pointe aux Oies, or discover the hike-in beach at Ningles Cove.
