Boulogne, part of the Pas de Calais Department,  was founded by the Romans and was used by Claudius as a base for the Roman Invasion of Britain. Since Roman times it has remained a major trading port connecting Europe with Great Britain. Napoleon amassed his army in preparation for an invasion of Britain in 1805, but other matters in Europe prevented this plan from taking place. There is a 50m statue of Napoleon just outside Boulogne with his back facing England.

The British and American forces completely destroyed the harbour area of Boulogne by bombing it in June 1944, even though Hitler described it as a “fortress”. It was captured in August 1944 with the assistance of the French Resistance, who guided the invading troops though underground passages to reach the Old Town, bypassing the Nazi guards outside.

Fortunately, the Old Town survived the War relatively unscathed, and remains charming, but many tourists find the modern, and “brutalist” architecture of the re-built harbour area initially disappointing.

Its greater metropolitan area gas a population of approximately 135,000 but the centre of town has about 35,000 inhabitants.

Boulogne-sur-Mer is France’s most important fishing port, and a large part of the population make a living from fishing, including family-owned fishing vessels and the popular fish market. You’ll find the market just around the corner from where you get off the ferry and is particularly strong on Dover Sole!

Reaching Boulogne

By far the most convenient and practical way to reach Boulogne is via the new service provided by LD Lines’ Norman Arrow. It is the largest diesel-powered high-speed catamaran there is, and is worth using for the experience alone, as well as being the cheapest method of travel.

Getting About

You are likely to use your own car if you are taking the ferry, as parking in Dover is expensive and hiring a car in Boulogne is not really worthwhile given the competitive fares. Boulogne does however have a good bus service and has a SNCF station for travel on to Paris and other regions of France.

Boulogne is a great vantage point for exploring what is called the Côte d'Opale, the inspiration for writers such as Dickens and Victor Hugo. It has beautiful cliffs and beaches, so with this in mind, take your own car.