Investigating the Scenic Boulogne-Sur-Mer
Nestled on the north coast of France, Boulogne-Sur-Mer is a charming fishing port that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and gastronomy. This picturesque town, just outside of Calais and so close to England that the White Cliffs can be seen on a clear day, is the perfect destination for a weekend getaway.
The town's rich history is evident in its well-preserved Old Town, which sits atop 9m thick stone walls that were built on top of Roman walls. Here, you can find the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Boulogne-sur-Mer, a Neoclassical masterpiece that resembles St. Paul's Cathedral in London. This cathedral, located in the historic part of Boulogne-Sur-Mer, was built between 1827-1866 on the ruins of a medieval cathedral and a Roman chapel.
Boulogne-Sur-Mer was once a significant pilgrimage site, with the shrine of Our Lady of Boulogne attracting devotees for centuries. The Basilica of Notre Dame del Mer, named for a local legend that a statue of the Virgin was washed ashore in the 7th century, is a testament to this religious past. Interestingly, the specific history of the current cathedral structure is not detailed in the available information, leaving room for further exploration and discovery.
The town's maritime history is equally fascinating. Caesar and Napoleon both established camps in Boulogne-Sur-Mer to prepare for an invasion of England. The castle in the Eastern corner of the Old Town's walls was used as barracks for Napoleon's soldiers, and today, it serves as a museum, showcasing local art, collections from around the world, and treasures such as a spectacularly preserved mummy and the largest collection of Ancient Greek vases in the world.
Boulogne-Sur-Mer is a seafood paradise, with a daily fish market and numerous seafood restaurants. The fish market is a great place to buy fresh fish at a cheaper price and support the local industry. For a unique dining experience, visit Nord Oué in Boulogne-Sur-Mer. This traditional restaurant offers a menu filled with local seafood and seasonal ingredients. During Taste Week, the restaurant offered a special set menu showcasing creative dishes.
The Calvaire des Marins, a small chapel on a cliff, is dedicated to lost sailors of Boulogne-Sur-Mer. From this breezy clifftop, you can enjoy a stunning view of the dazzling, cold, blue sea. The Basilica of Notre Dame del Mer's huge network of crypts, recently re-opened after years of restoration and investigation, is another must-visit site.
Boulogne-Sur-Mer's tourism industry is not yet fully recognized by its local residents, making it an authentic destination for travellers seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience. The town is also the perfect place to enjoy La Semaine du Gout, a culinary festival that celebrates the region's gastronomic delights.
The town's fishing industry is predominantly made up of family-run businesses, adding to its charming, laid-back atmosphere. With its rich history, stunning sea views, and delicious seafood, Boulogne-Sur-Mer is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.
- The fish market in Boulogne-Sur-Mer is not only a great place to buy fresh seafood but also an opportunity to support the local fishing industry, making it a perfect destination for outdoor-living enthusiasts and food-and-drink connoisseurs.
- For those interested in global cuisines, the traditional restaurant Nord Oué in Boulogne-Sur-Mer offers a menu filled with local seafood and seasonal ingredients, and during Taste Week, the restaurant showcases creative dishes that now contribute to the town's growing lifestyle and tourism scene.
- Embrace the town's unique blend of history, culture, and gastronomy by visiting the Calvaire des Marins, a small chapel on a cliff dedicated to lost sailors, and enjoying a stunning view of the cold, dazzling blue sea, an experience that encapsulates the lifestyle of outdoor-living enthusiasts.
- In addition to its rich history, ancient cathedrals, and maritime charms, Boulogne-Sur-Mer's proximity to England comes with a picturesque view of the White Cliffs on a clear day, making it an alluring destination for travelers seeking a weekend getaway filled with exceptional food-and-drink experiences, home-and-garden wonders, and hidden gems waiting to be discovered.
