Historic centre
Looking like something out of a film set, Boulogne-sur-Mer's Ville Haute, a perfectly preserved medieval city, is a must-see.
Head to the tourist office to find out what’s on in town and climb the UNESCO listed Belfry which dates back to the 12th century. There are 183 steps going right to the top from where there are stunning views over the city. The tower contains a museum of Celtic remains dating from the Roman occupation of the City and cannon balls fired on the city by Henry VIII when he laid siege to the town in 1544. the inhabitants closed the gate, Porte de Degrés and it stayed that way until 1895! Now you can walk through the gates, climb the stairs and stroll around the ancient, boulevard-wide ramparts. Guided tours are provided in both English and French languages.
There are seventeen towers around the ramparts and from Gayette tower, near the Porte des Dunes, you’ll spot a plaque dedicated to Pilatre de Rozier, the first person to fly a Montgolfier balloon over Paris. In 1785 he attempted to cross the Channel from the ramparts. It was not successful; he is buried at Wimille a little way around the coast.
Basilica Notre-Dame
The Basilica of Notre-Dame in the old town is astonishing. Built on the site of other churches dating to AD636, it doesn’t matter what your beliefs are, this place is unique, unusual and utterly fascinating. Taking a pinch from Rome’s Pantheon, London’s St Paul’s Cathedral and Les Invalides in Paris it was designed by a priest with no architectural experience – and it is magnificent.