The Ramparts

The 13th century city walls surrounding the Old Town are the best - preserved fortifications in the north of France. Built by the Count of Boulogne, Philipe Hurepel, on the site of an ancient Roman fort, the Ramparts are made up of seventeen turrets and four gates , which have changed very little over the years, and surround the Cathedral, the château, the 17th century watchtower and the cobbled streets of the Old Town. From the gates, visitors can access the ramparts from where they can enjoy fantastic views over the lower town and the surrounding countryside.

Maison de la Beurière

This tiny museum is set inside an authentic fisherman’s cottage, built in 1870, in the former seamen's district of Boulogne-sur-Mer and shows how fishermen and their families lived at the beginning of the 20th century with authentic displays of furniture, clothes and objects from the time.

The Promenade San Martin & The Beach

The sandy beach is perfect for children and adults alike, with a variety of water sports to enjoy throughout the year. The Promenade San Martin is dominated by the statue of the Argentine Libertador, José de San Martin, inaugurated in 1909, and is also busy with shops and stalls in the summer. Visitors can also walk out to the little red lighthouse and enjoy the views across the water.

Nausicaä

The National Sea Discovery Centre of Nausicaa allows visitors to learn all about the seas and oceans of the world in a hands-one xperience combining education and entertainment. The 36 aquariums contain 32,000 living creatures, including sharks, multicoloured fish and sea-lions and there is even a huge Touch Tank full of skate, turbot, cod and dogfish which is open-topped allowing visitors to stroke its inhabitants. With a variety of permanent and temporary exhibitions, the centre is trying to educate visitors in the importance of maintaining marine life. The current ‘Stormy Weather on our Planet” exhibition aims to educate people about ecology and the effect of dramatic meteorological disturbances such as drought, floods and storms and takes them on a tour around the world so they can understand the main causes of global warming and what they can do in their daily lifestyle to help. The tour ends with a gripping film in 3D about sea management and the need for biodiversity. www.nausicaa.fr

The Parc Naturel Regional Boulonnais and the Fôret de Boulogne

Boulogne is surrounded by the nature reserve of the Parc Naturel Regional Boulonnais which stretches for 100km from the bay of Authie to the Oye beach, and is made up of cliffs, dunes and marshes, creating a safehaven for birds and plants. Visitors can enjoy guided tours along its footpaths. The Forest of Boulogne covers 200 hectares and has many sign-posted footpaths for visitors to ramble along.