Boulogne-sur-Mer
City Tours · Nord-Pas-de-Calais
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© 2016
Boulogne-sur-Mer greets its visitors with two faces: the historic Upper Town perches behind fortress-like walls, while in the Lower Town, the maritime heart beats to the rhythm of the tides.
Haute-Ville: Timeless History
The Upper Town feels like an island of cobblestones and centuries-old houses, surrounded by a wall dating back to the 13th century. Visible from everywhere is the Basilica of Notre Dame with its impressive dome. Built between 1827 and 1866 on a partially Roman crypt, it is the city's undisputed landmark. Right next to it, the Hôtel de Ville with its medieval belfry and the neo-classical Hôtel Desandrouin bear witness to the city's turbulent past.
Basse-Ville & Nausicaá
In the Lower Town, harbors for fishing boats and yachts define the scene. This is also where the Nausicaá National Sea Centre is located, one of the largest aquariums in Europe. Over an area of 10,000 m², visitors dive into a world with over 58,000 animals. Especially the expansion "Journey on the High Seas," opened in 2018 with its 18-meter-long underwater tunnel, offers breathtaking insights into the habitat of sharks and manta rays.
Nausicaá is more than just an aquarium; it sees itself as an educational center. The exhibition "Mankind and Shores" raises awareness about the fragility of ecosystems and the necessity of marine conservation. A visit here not only leaves you speechless at the beauty of nature but also encourages reflection on our relationship with the ocean.
Editor's Tip
Combine your visit to the Haute-Ville with a boat tour in the harbor to experience the Opal Coast from a completely new perspective. It’s the best way to see how the two sides of the city work together.
