Boulogne-sur-Mer

Day Trips

Arrive in Boulogne-sur-Mer and settle into a charming hotel near the Old Town. Enjoy fresh croissants and café au lait at a local bakery on Place Dalton. Stroll the narrow cobblestone streets to soak up the medieval atmosphere.

Join a guided tour of the Basilica of Notre-Dame to admire its Gothic architecture and climb the bell tower for panoramic city views. Savor a light lunch of fresh bread, local cheese, and charcuterie at a sidewalk café. Wander through Rue de Lille, browsing artisan shops and galleries.

Dine at a family-run brasserie offering traditional northern French dishes like potjevleesch and moules-frites. After dinner, take a leisurely walk along the illuminated city walls for views of the sea. Cap off the night with a glass of regional beer in a cozy pub near the ramparts.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast of tartine and café crème before heading to the medieval ramparts. Walk along the ancient city walls to admire views over the harbor and the English Channel. Learn about Boulogne’s Roman origins at interpretive panels along the way.

Spend the afternoon at Nausicaä, the National Sea Centre and Aquarium, exploring interactive exhibits and marine life habitats. Enjoy a seafood salad in the on-site café overlooking the sea. Participate in a touch-pool session to get up close with starfish and sea cucumbers.

Head back to the historic center for dinner at a seafood bistro specializing in oysters and scallops. Stroll through the Place Godefroy de Bouillon as street lamps cast a golden glow over the square. End your evening with a gelato while watching the harbor lights dance on the water.

Rise early to explore the Boulogne farmers’ market at Place des Halles and sample local produce, cheeses, and pastries. Chat with vendors selling smoked fish and artisanal breads. Pick up fresh ingredients for a picnic lunch.

Take a short train ride to the fishing port of Étaples-sur-Mer. Wander the quayside to watch fishermen unload their catch and visit the Musée de la Marine National. Enjoy your market-sourced picnic on the sand dunes overlooking the sea.

Return to Boulogne for dinner at a waterfront restaurant offering grilled lobster and local white wine. Take a sunset walk along the beach promenade. End with a relaxing evening stroll around the illuminated ramparts.

Begin with breakfast at a patisserie before visiting the 13th-century Château-Musée de Boulogne-sur-Mer. Explore the medieval keep, ramparts, and exhibits on regional history. Climb the tower for sweeping views of the city and coastline.

Have lunch at a café in the castle courtyard and sample tarte au sucre. Head to the Musée de la Marine to delve into Boulogne’s maritime heritage, examining ship models and historical artifacts. Participate in an interactive map workshop to learn about famous naval expeditions.

Dine at a fine-dining restaurant offering modern interpretations of seafood classics. Take an after-dinner stroll along the Quai Gambetta, watching fishing boats return under the moonlight. Enjoy a nightcap at a bistro overlooking the old port.

Drive or cycle along the coast to the charming village of Wissant. Enjoy coffee at a beach café while admiring the chalk cliffs on Cap Blanc-Nez and Cap Gris-Nez. Explore the tidal flats at low tide and search for seashells.

Lunch on galettes and cidre at a beachside crêperie. Try a beginner’s windsurfing lesson or a stand-up paddleboarding session in the gentle coastal waters. Stop by the Maison de l’Environnement to learn about local dune ecology.

Return to Boulogne and freshen up for dinner at a steakhouse specializing in regional beef. Relax on a terrace overlooking the sea and sample a local gin and tonic. Take an evening beach walk to enjoy the sound of the waves under the stars.

After breakfast, head to the Naëla Wildlife Park just outside Boulogne. Observe red deer, mouflons, and other native species in a protected forest setting. Join a ranger-led walk to learn about conservation efforts.

Return to town for a seafood lunch featuring freshly harvested oysters and a chilled Muscadet. Spend the afternoon exploring the Fouquet Market for local specialties like marinated fish and artisan chocolates. Relax with a coffee at a café facing the harbor.

Book a table at a specialized oyster bar to taste a variety of regional shellfish. Enjoy a glass of blanc de blanc champagne. Conclude the evening with a quiet stroll along the Boulogne marina, admiring the moored yachts.

Take a day trip to the nearby town of Saint-Omer and explore its historic cathedral and canals by guided barge. Sample pastries and coffee at a canal-side patisserie. Visit the Jardin Public for a peaceful morning walk amid fountains and sculptures.

Head to Lumbres to tour the Musée du Papier, discovering the art of papermaking and printing presses. Enjoy a picnic lunch by the river bank surrounded by lush greenery. Return to Saint-Omer for a stop at a local chocolatier and taste handmade pralines.

Drive back to Boulogne for dinner at a cozy bistro serving regional fare like coq à la bière. Afterward, find a spot on the city walls to watch the sunset over the Channel. Finish with a relaxing glass of Calvados by the harbor.

Set out early to explore the Hardelot forest trails by bike or on foot. Stop at the Hardelot castle grounds to learn about its Anglo-Norman history and take photos of the moats and towers. Enjoy a picnic breakfast beneath the pine canopy.

Continue to Le Touquet-Paris-Plage for lunch at an elegant seaside brasserie. Stroll along its golden sands and marvel at the Belle Époque villas. Visit the Villa des Sables to see its art exhibitions before sampling an ice cream from a famed gelateria.

Return to Boulogne for a relaxed dinner at a traditional tavern serving Flemish-style carbonnade. Join locals in a friendly game of pétanque in the town square. Sip a local beer as the evening breeze drifts in from the sea.

Board a morning harbor cruise to learn about Boulogne’s fishing industry and spot marine birds. The captain narrates stories of sea voyages and local legends. Enjoy pastries and coffee served on deck as you glide across calm waters.

Spend a laid-back afternoon on the Plage de Boulogne-sur-Mer, sunbathing or reading under a rented umbrella. Grab a light lunch at a beach kiosk and sample moules marinières. Try a quick sailing lesson with a certified instructor along the shoreline.

Dine at a waterfront restaurant famed for its bouillabaisse and fish stews. After dinner, take a moonlit walk on the sand to admire the reflections of the harbor lights. Warm up with a hot chocolate or mint tea at a nearby café.

Enjoy your final breakfast at a charming café serving freshly baked viennoiseries and strong espresso. Take a last walk through the Old Town to pick up any remaining souvenirs. Reflect on your trip while sitting on a bench overlooking the ramparts.

Have a leisurely lunch of local specialties like tarte flambée at a cozy bistro near the port. Spend a few hours revisiting your favorite spots—perhaps the fish market or a favorite pastry shop. Take time to photograph the harbor once more and soak in the sea air.

Celebrate your final night with a gourmet multi-course dinner at a Michelin-recommended restaurant. Indulge in regional wines, delicate seafood creations, and decadent desserts. Conclude your trip with a stroll along the illuminated ramparts, savoring the memories you’ve made.