Boulogne-sur-Mer: The Ultimate French Coastal Weekend Getaway from London
One of the joys of living in London is the ease and affordability of weekend escapes—not just across Britain, but to mainland Europe. With four major airports serving budget airlines, advance-booked affordable trains, and frequent Dover-Calais ferries (just 90 minutes by car), travel is seamless. Spotting ferry deals and Enterprise's excellent weekend car rental rates, we explored France's coast for spots perfect for cheese, wine, and fresh baguettes. Our wishlist quickly filled: Cap de la Hague and Cherbourg in Normandy, Mont Saint-Michel, Saint-Germain-sur-Ay, Villers-sur-Mer, and more.
Our journey led to Boulogne-sur-Mer, a coastal gem over 2,000 years old, ideal for a French weekend. Think elegant architecture, pristine beaches, and delectable cuisine.
We arrived swiftly—breakfast in our London flat, seaside lunch in Boulogne.
Instantly captivated by the charming fishing port, fresh seafood restaurants, and the 11th-century Belfry, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Old Town dazzles with stunning architecture, while the quirky square—featuring old cars and parts emerging from the ground—proves junk can be artfully cool.
Wednesdays and Saturdays bring vibrant morning markets stocked with fresh French wines, cheeses, and produce—perfect for stocking up before heading back to England.
Boulogne-sur-Mer shines brightest with its Medieval Castle, foundations tracing to Roman times. We marveled at stunning churches: Notre-Dame Basilica with its 100m dome and one of France's largest crypts, plus the Gothic St. Nicholas Church housing original 15th-century statues.
After town explorations and indulgent pastries, we strolled the beach to burn calories ahead of a cheese-laden dinner. Too chilly for swimming post-summer, but summer calls us back.
The surrounding countryside enchants with lush rolling hills, grazing horses, dramatic white cliffs, and Atlantic vistas—a refreshing contrast to Paris city breaks.
