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Measuring 2½ mls from N to S and with a population of 45,000, Boulogne is one of France's most important fishing ports. The Basse Ville (lower town) area which makes up most of the city boasts mainly uninspiring post-war constructions, but the Ville Haute (upper town) area is rich in history. Perched atop a hill and surrounded by an impressive turreted 13th-century wall, this relaxing retreat has ancient buildings, park-like walkways and pedestrianised cobblestone streets lined with cafes, bars and patisseries. The impressive colonnaded dome of Notre Dame Cathedral can be seen from most parts of town. |
| Suitability |
History buffs of all ages and budgets. Popular weekend getaway; good stopover en route to destinations farther afield. |
| Accommodation |
Nothing too extravagant. Plenty of cheap accommodation (predominantly 2-star) with slightly more upmarket choices (3-star) around the town centre. |
| Beach |
Long, wide beach of fine yellow-grey sand has a fairly narrow promenade. The beach is rather exposed to the elements and offers no facilities for sunbathing; low tide reveals a vast expanse of sand scattered with seaweed. A popular site for sand yachting (windsurfing on wheels). Sea is suitable for swimming (lifeguard service in summer). |
| Shopping |
Plenty of fashion boutiques with a good selection of hats, handbags and French lingerie. Department stores; hypermarkets on the outskirts of town. Colourful market twice a week at Place Dalton. |
| Entertainment |
Daytime: tour of town's highlights including Chateau-Museum with Egyptian and Greek antiquities (including a mummy), Natural History Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral and 18th-century town hall (good town views from the belfry); large aquarium (Nausicaa); water sports; tennis, crazy golf, cycling and 10-pin bowling.
Nightlife: some lively bars with occasional live music; half a dozen discos in Basse Ville; casino. |
| Eating |
Good range, with some inexpensive a la carte options. Romantic little restaurants dotted around the old town (Ville Haute). Fresh seafood, Italian, Mexican and Chinese, as well as fish 'n' chips for homesick day-trippers. |
| Public
Transport |
Comprehensive public bus network provides a good daytime service to surrounding areas, including the Auchan hypermarket. Buses to Calais every 2 to 3 hrs until early evening. Trains to Paris every 1 to 2 hrs (less frequent at weekends). |
| Excursions |
Full day: sightseeing trips to Bruges, Honfleur and Lisieux; all available July and August only. |
| Location |
On the far N coast of France. 21 mls SW of Calais. 148 mls N of Paris. 51 mls W of the Belgian border. 20 mls S of Channel Tunnel terminal. 19 mls N of small Le Touquet airport. 160 mls W of Brussels international airport. |
| Position |
On River Liane, among low hills. Bounded by the English Channel to the W and a large expanse of forest to the E. |
| Contact
Information |
Post Code: 62200
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