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
EuropeFranceHauts-de-France
Boulogne-sur-Mer
Hauts-de-France, France · Europe
About Boulogne-sur-Mer
Boulogne-sur-Mer is worth a stop: 5 minutes from Saint-Léonard, 49km from White Cliffs of Dover.
Boulogne-sur-Mer is in Hauts-de-France, France, with about 47,000 people. You drive on the right here. The nearest town is Saint-Léonard, about 4 km away.
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.
Where to Stay in Boulogne-sur-Mer
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to see near Boulogne-sur-Mer?
Within an hour or so of Boulogne-sur-Mer: Nausicaá – National Sea Centre (2 km), Cap Gris-Nez (16 km), Cap Blanc-Nez (23 km), Dover Castle (49 km).
Are there any good drives near Boulogne-sur-Mer?
The nearest famous roads are Koninklijke Baan Coast Road and Crystal Palace Circuit.
Where is Boulogne-sur-Mer?
Boulogne-sur-Mer is in Hauts-de-France, France, about 4 km from Saint-Léonard.
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Quick Information
- Population
- 47,013
- Continent
- Europe
- Country
- France
- Region
- Hauts-de-France
- Timezone
- Europe/Paris
- Coordinates
- 50.7249, 1.6137
Emergency & Services
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 FranceTags
Worth the detour from Boulogne-sur-Mer
7 notable places within an hour's drive.
scenic viewpoint
Cap Gris-Nez
The closest point in France to England, a windswept headland of cliffs, lighthouse and migrating birds.
16 km · about 20 min drive
scenic viewpoint
Cap Blanc-Nez
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
Dover 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
White Cliffs of Dover
Iconic chalk cliffs reaching up to 110 meters high along the English Channel, symbolizing Britain for centuries.
49 km · about 55 min drive
tunnel
Channel Tunnel (Eurotunnel)
50 km tunnel under the English Channel - drive your car on the train
52 km · about 60 min drive
natural wonder
Baie de Somme
A vast shimmering bay of mudflats, seals and salt-marsh: one of France's great natural estuaries.
56 km · about 65 min drive
Driving roads near Boulogne-sur-Mer
- 16 kmCap Gris-NezThe closest point in France to England, a windswept headland of cliffs, lighthouse and migrating birds.
- 23 kmCap Blanc-NezDazzling white chalk cliffs on the Opal Coast with views across the Channel to England on clear days.
- 52 kmChannel Tunnel (Eurotunnel)50 km tunnel under the English Channel - drive your car on the train
Driving in France
- Drives on
- the right
- Petrol
- ~€1.85/litre
- Motorway tolls
- ~€10.00/100km
When to drive here
April to October
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