Boulogne-sur-Mer: Explore France's largest fishing port, the historic walled city, and Nausicaá, Europe's largest aquarium. Your coastal adventure starts here!
Boulogne-sur-Mer, an essential destination on the Opal Coast, offers a fascinating blend of maritime history, architectural heritage, and aquatic wonders. As France's largest fishing port, its life revolves around the sea, evident in its fresh gastronomy and the vibrant atmosphere of the quay. The Ville Haute, the fortified old town, transports visitors to the Middle Ages with its cobbled streets, the Basilica of Notre-Dame with its impressive dome and crypt, the 12th-century belfry (a World Heritage site), and the medieval castle now a museum with diverse collections, including France's second-largest collection of Greek ceramics after the Louvre.
In contrast, the Ville Basse is the modern commercial hub, home to Nausicaá. This marine centre is not just an aquarium but an educational and sensory experience exploring humanity's relationship with the sea, featuring giant tanks housing sharks, manta rays, and thousands of species. Boulogne was also Napoleon's Grande Armée base camp, and its column commemorates these events.
The city offers an authentic cultural experience, with lively markets, maritime festivals, and a warm welcome.
The Nausicaá aquarium inaugurates a fascinating exhibition on deep-sea ecosystems, available from
From July 12 to 14, 2025, the port will celebrate its traditional seafood festival with tastings and live music.
Conservation work on a section of Boulogne's medieval ramparts continues, with completion expected by late 2025.
New cycle routes have been inaugurated connecting Boulogne with other points of interest on the Opal Coast, promoting sustainable tourism in the 2025 season.
Throughout August 2025, the city will offer themed guided tours and exhibitions focusing on its rich fishing and naval history.
The weekly local produce market in the Ville Basse will expand its offerings and hours during the 2025 summer season, promoting regional gastronomy.
The historic Monsigny Theatre has unveiled its summer 2025 program, including concerts, plays, and dance performances.
The Boulogne tourist office has launched new initiatives to promote responsible and ecological tourism in the city and its surroundings during 2025.
Frequently asked questions about purchasing tickets
