For many visitors to France from the UK Boulogne is just another ferry port. The Dover-Boulogne ferry route is popular choice, and while many holiday-makers arriving in France quickly drive off the ferry and head straight on to their destination, those same people on their return journey often arrive in Boulogne with time to kill before their departure back to the UK. If you are heading over to France from Dover via Boulogne, here are my Europe travel tips just in case you have spare time on your return journey. Of course, if you are not in a hurry to get on to a specific destination in France or have time before catching your ferry back to the UK, here are my tips for things to do in Boulogne.

Boulogne-sur-Mer has recently been awarded the status of ‘Town of Art and History‘; and anyone who has already taken time to explore the city will agree there are lots of Boulogne sightseeing opportunities. The fortified old town still contains its original city wall, for fans of religious architecture there is a XIII Century basilica and château.

The château now serves as a museum, and has a wonderfully eclectic mix of artefacts, including Egyptian, Gallo-Roman and Medieval antiquities; a collection of masks from Alaska and other African and Oceanic art; a vast collection of porcelain and pottery; and the usual idiosyncratic fine art collection.

But, if you need a Boulogne attraction up your sleeve for the children – worry not!  The Nausicaá oceanarium, is said to be one of the best in the world. It has been open for 18 years now and makes a great effort to provide a varied programme of events that raises awareness about the seas of the world and their resources. There are over 35 000 animals, from sea lions to sharks, in some 4,5 million litres of water and displayed in 5000 square meters of exhibitions and aquariums to capture the imagination of the deep for visitors of all ages. Or, you could treat your children to the unique experience of petting stingrays in the touch pool! Something they will not forget in a hurry.

I hope that you’ve enjoyed my tips for things to do in Boulogne and you may even decide to take a short break there or an overnight stay on your journey elsewhere.

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