What to do in Boulogne-sur-Mer ?

The presumed birth-town of Godefroy de Bouillon and the theatre of several operations during the Second World War during the Resistance, the city is steeped in history. Here are some of the must-see tourist sites in this major town in Pas-de-Calais:

The Castle-Museum : this listed 13th century building houses several collections on the subjects of Mediterranean archaeology with Egyptian mummies, extra-European ethnography, and local history, which makes it one of the city's go-to places.

Notre-Dame Basilica : built in the 19th century in the Boulogne-sur-Mer old town, this jewel in the city centre has the largest crypt in France and bears witness to the town's great historical wealth.

The Boulogne-sur-Mer belfry: the former 12th century keep, this 37-metre tall monument has been a UNESCO World Heritage Since since 2005.

The ramparts walk : taking a stroll along the ramparts surrounding this fortified town will offer you a 360° view of the town centre and the surrounding Boulogne region.

Le Jardin Éphémère: located on the Place Godefroy de Bouillon, this vast green space changes with each season to highlight a new theme. From the fables of La Fontaine to local legends, the landscape gardeners give shape to the plants to take you on a journey as you enjoy a lovely walk.

The Street Art trail: the eighth Street Art festival took place this summer in Boulogne sur Mer, adding yet more magnificent frescoes to the 57 already adorning the town's walls. If you follow the discovery trail, you'll see the majestic fresco that adorns the walls of Nausicaá, opposite the beach.

Général San Martín Museum: the Casa San Martín was the home of General José de San Martín who died in Boulogne-sur-Mer, and was one of the heroes who marked the history of Argentina, Chile and Peru by liberating those countries. It now houses a little museum.

To find out more about Boulogne and the region's history, you can also set out to explore the surrounding towns and villages, such as Neufchâtel-Hardelot, Wimille, Wimereux, Saint-Martin-Boulogne or Ambleteuse, which also have some lovely buildings and historical monuments.

Many of the things to do and visit in Boulogne-sur-Mer, and its surrounding areas will allow you to discover the maritime traditions and sea-related activities. To begin with, you mustn't miss Nausicaá - the French National Sea Center and the largest aquarium in Europe - where you'll be able to see 1,600 species through an exploration of two worlds: "Journey on the High Seas" and "Mankind and Shores".

From the age of 8 upwards, two activities complementary to the visit are proposed: The behind-the-scenes visit and the Guided tour: the sharks at Nausicaá. What's more, it's now possible for enthusiasts to discover the job of a caretaker for a morning by walking "In the footsteps of a caretaker".

A weekend in the region will also allow you to discover the neighbourhood around the Boulogne-sur-Mer fishing port which is the Number One French fishing port with its 150 boats that criss-cross the Channel and the North Sea.

If you're looking for other things to do on the Opal Coast, not far from Boulogne-sur-Mer, discover the superb views of the sea and of the landscapes between moorlands and cliffs by setting out on a sign-posted hike to Cap Blanc-Nez or Cap Gris-Nez.

A weekend in the region also allows you to discover the fishing port area of Boulogne-sur-Mer, which is the first French fishing port with its 150 boats that travel the English Channel and the North Sea.

If you are looking for other activities to do on the Opal Coast, near Boulogne-sur-Mer, discover superb views of the sea and landscapes between moors and cliffs by embarking on a marked hike towards Cap Blanc-Nez or Cap Gris-Nez.

Boulogne-sur-Mer is situated on the Opal Coast, which is known for its great beaches. These spaces around the Boulogne conurbation are the ideal place for children's leisure activities. The most popular sport in this region is sand-yachting : an activity you do along the shore when there's a strong wind. In addition to allowing you to learn how to use the sails to steer, this racing sport can give some serious adrenaline rushes.

If you're really sporty, you can also try kitesurfing, an increasingly popular sport. With a kite to pull you along and a board, you'll be able to take to the waves, and even try to do some figures.

Just as attractive, but indoors this time, a little swimming session at the Hélicéa pool, situated a few kilometres from Nausicaá, anyone? This aquatic leisure space will be fun for all the family, what with the swimming pool, the play pool, the slides and even the balneo space.