Colonne de la Grand Armée
The best way to experience the grandeur of Boulogne's architecture is to explore the city on foot. From the excited freneticism of The Port, France's largest fishing port, take the route towards the Old Town with its famous Basilica.
Since Caesar built a naval installation here, in around 55BC, Boulogne has seen the rise and fall of many empires. Perhaps the greatest legacy was left by Napoleon, who installed a garrison of 185,000 men and 2,000 boats here, with which he planned to invade Britain.
The Colonne de la Grand Armée was constructed in Napoleon's honour and a walk towards it is a truly imperial and grandiose endeavour. The colonne itself is built from local marble and rises to 50m, to north of the city. Climb the hallowed staircase and admire the incredible panoramic views of Boulogne. On a clear day you can even see Dover and the target of Napoleon's ire.
Infotainment
As you walk back in to town, stop off at one of Boulogne's top-notch historical cultural attractions, which do so much to augment the city's great appeal. The Château de Boulogne-sur-Mer was built in the 13th century by Philippe Hurepel, son of Philip II of France.
Today it houses the Boulogne Museum and a stupendous collection of art. The collection includes rare Greek ceramics, European fine art and even Amerindian sculpture. In fact, the museum houses two-thirds of the entire Kodiak tribe of Alaska's known artefacts. It is also surrounded by moats filled with water and waterlillies,that add greatly to the beauty of the scene.
Also worth a visit is the City Library in the Annuciates, with its gorgeous cloisters and gardens and fascinating collection of books on the local area. Just around the corner is the Maison de La Beurière, that will tell you all you need to know about Boulogne's rich history as France's most important fishing port.
Côte d'Opale
Between Boulogne and Calais runs the Opal Coast, which more than lives up to the loveliness of its name. Rent a car and explore the miles of dunes, craggy cliffs and charming fishing villages that make up this enchanting coastline.
Luckily for you and your Boulogne-sur-Mer Hotel, arguably the most breathtaking part of this coastline is the Opal Coast Bluff, which is where the cliffs skirt the Boulonnais hills, to the east of the city. Take a map and some walking boots and traverse these cliffs, with their magnificent views over the Strait of Dover.
For more stunning views, bring your camera to Cap Gris-Nez or Cap Blanc-Nez, the closest points on the continent from Britain, from which the white cliffs can be seen on most days. If you're after a more relaxing time, and a dip in the Channel, make sure you stop off at the picturesque Ambleteuse beach which, with its tall dunes and wide sands, is a family beach paradise.
