Boulogne-sur-Mer is France’s most important fishing port. It was also a ferry port, although the cross Channel trade has now moved to Calais. The town is spread over 2 levels. The lower town hosting the port. This was devastated by the RAF in World War Two to prevent it being used in “Operation Sea Lion”, the planned German Invasion of England. One hundred and fifty years earlier Boulogne was considered for the same role by Napoleon. Even further back Julius Caesar set sail from the coastline near here on his successful invasion of England.

A good starting point for a tour of Boulogne is the Tourist Office. Then make your way up to the Upper Town. Sitting on the better defended hillside it fared better as it was not targeted by the RAF. It retains its walls, cathedral and Château. The town ramparts date from the 13th Century, entry to the old town is gained via one of four fortified gates.

Built on the site of a former cathedral between 1827 and 1866 the Basilque Notre Dame has remains of a Roman Temple dedicated to Diana within its Crypt. At the extreme Eastern corner of the Town Walls the Château was constructed to defend the town against attack from inland. The Château which was home to the Counts of Boulogne is now a Museum. There are a number of themes explored by the Château-Musée’s displays. Egyptian exhibits having been donated by Auguste Marriette, a local Egyptologist.

Marriette
A statue just outside the North Wall of the town depicts Marriette on top of a pyramid. Other displays include a collection of Greek vases along with Delft and French ceramic and eartheware exhibits. Ethnographic exhibits include Eskimo and Aleutian Masks. Paintings by Corot, Boudin and Frantin-Latour can also be viewed. Along with sculptures by Rodin, Pompon and Carpeaux.

If you like climbing up towers to get a fine view of a town, then try the 12 Century Beffroi. You can gain access via the Hôtel de Ville.

The big attraction in the Lower Town is Nausicaá. This is the largest sea life centre in Europe. It covers all aspects of sea life from plankton to life around deep sea hydrothermal vents to the obligatory sharks. Nausiccá is dedicated to explaining the ecological stresses on the world oceans and to highlighting the need to protect the marine environment.

Colonne de la Grande Armee
Just outside the town towards Calais the vista is dominated by the Colonne de la Grande Armée. This is the site of the Boulogne Camp where Napoleon kept his troops between 1803 to 1805 in preparation for an invasion of England. Constructed from local Marquise marble the column is 54m high and topped with a statue of Napoleon. Climbing the 263 steps affords a breathless view over the Boulonnais region and across the Channel.