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Claustrophobic? Afraid of tunnels? Take the ferry from Dover to Boulogne

By Nick Gent

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Published: 19Dec2009
Word count: 495
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Boulogne, France, also known as Boulogne-sur-Mer, is a fascinating place to visit on holiday and is easy to get to with a Dover to Boulogne ferry. A small port city in the region of Nord-Pas de Calais in northern France, Boulogne has a population of approximately 45,000 and has existed for about two thousand years. Boulogne is also the birthplace of the inventor of the propeller (Frédéric Sauvage) and the largest port for seafood in France.

Whether you prefer to stay in a hotel, a bed and breakfast, a guest house, a youth hostel or go camping, Boulogne's accommodations are for the most part decent and reasonably priced. Although seafood restaurants are numerous in Boulogne, there are also cafes, pizzerias and patisseries.

The largest fromagerie in France is also located in Boulogne (Philippe Olivier's) and offers an amazing selection of cheeses including Vieux Boulogne, reputed to be the smelliest cheese in the world. This cheese is very difficult to find anywhere else and there is only one place in the entire U.K. that sells it. Vieux Fromage is even more fragrant than Epoisses de Bourgogne, which is not permitted to be eaten on French public transport due to the aroma.

There is also a great variety of attractions and things to do in Boulogne. The most popular and highly recommended of these is the Nausicaa aquarium, which is France's National Sea Centre. Exhibitions include sea lions, penguins and sharks. There is even a special pool where one can actually pet stingrays. Fortunately for visitors, Nausicaa has a sign warning "Please Do Not Touch The Sharks".

The medieval part of the city and the Cathedral of Notre Dame de Boulogne are also fascinating to explore. The crypt beneath the Cathedral is supposedly the longest in France, and is thought by many to be the most interesting part of the Cathedral. The entrance fee is reasonable and parking outside the old city walls is free.

Boulogne also has a nice, long, wide beach that is perfect for sunning and building sand castles. However, if the cleanliness of the water is a factor when deciding whether or not to swim, one may wish to think twice, given the beach's proximity to the harbour. It is also a good idea to be careful where you step, as there is no law in France requiring dog owners to clean up after their dogs' droppings.

There are also festivals and events throughout the year, such as the Battle of Napoleon (Fête Napoléoniennes), during which everyone puts on costumes from that

time and pretends to reconstruct the battle. The Music and Remparts Festival is another traditional Boulogne festival. It takes place for two weeks in June every year, and consists of classical and folk music concerts that should not be missed!

Conveniently, ferries from Dover to Boulogne sail several times a day and can be booked in person, by phone or through travel agency or ferry company websites.

If your planning a trip across the English Channel to Boulogne in the near future a good resource for comparing routes and ferries and train operators, visit ==> Dover to Boulogne Ferry

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