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Boulogne Town

Legend has it that in 636 AD a boat carrying only a statue of the Virgin Mary washed up on the beach of Boulogne and made it a pilgrimage site. Now they gather for the fish!

Boulogne has always been considered a very pleasant stopover, but those staying a little longer can enjoy the beauty, charm and heritage of both the old and new town.

The town is laced with quaint streets and shops especially in Grand Rue and the pedestrianised rue Thiers and if you walk past the tidal harbour as far as the beach to the Sailor’s Calvary you will be rewarded with a good view of the port.

If you venture higher up to the old city (vieille ville) you will find the appealing thirteenth century ramparts miraculously unscathed after World War II. They surround a network of narrow cobbled streets where you can find peace from the madding crowds and enjoy a peaceful and romantic walk. The most vibrant street of the old town is rue de Lille, a cobbled pedestrianised stretch of shops, eateries and bars.

Boulogne’s claim to fame is that it is France’s premier fishing port - in fact a quarter of Boulogne’s population are involved in fishing. A staggering 60,000 tonnes of fish are auctioned annually,making this the biggest auction in France. Moreover, every year Boulogne celebrates its Fête du Poisson (Fish Festival) during July when 20,000 fish and seafood enthusiasts come to enjoy the grand procession led in spirit by the Virign Mary in her capacity as patron saint of fishermen.