LOCATION
“The beautiful basilica of Boulogne is a focal point for the old town, perched high above the port below”
Boulogne’s shopping streets throng with seafood restaurants and boutiques
biggest fishing port in France. The import/export work means that businesses here often seek out English-speakers.” We continue on past
Nausicaa. This huge aquarium, which prides itself on its conservation and education work, boasts numerous species of sharks, sunfish and manta rays in its latest tank. From the wide sandy beach on the edge of the town, we climb through the steep streets of the fishing quarter to the Quartier du Chemin Vert, renowned for its eclectic and often thought-provoking
street art. From there, we wend our way upwards. The beautiful basilica of
Boulogne is a focal point for the old town, perched high above the port below. Dating back to 633, it was destroyed during the French Revolution, with only the vast atmospheric and fascinating crypts surviving from that date. It’s astonishing that the current building is still standing, as Claudine tells us that it was rebuilt in the 1800s by Benoît-Agathon Haffreingue, a man with no architectural training who drew up the plans and supervised the works himself. The impressive dome has been the subject of an extensive restoration programme, however, reopening earlier this year. Nearby is the town’s
Greeter Claudine Feinte in Boulogne On the market
museum, which beautifully displays fine art, Egyptology and ethnography collections, including many from North and South America. Displays are in a medieval castle, with the damp and eerie Roman foundations still accessible in the underground gallery.
The castle forms part of the medieval walls, which, at nearly a mile long, encircle the fortified town completely. With around 50,000 inhabitants, it’s no wonder Boulogne feels like a city of fascinating contrasts, and Claudine concludes our tour by walking back through the commercial area, with its mix of big brands, independent retailers, cafés and restaurants.
CHANNEL HOPPING Richard Butlin and Jane Nicholas moved to Boulogne in 2020 and have just bought an apartment in the heart of the old town. They are cross-border workers, splitting their time between France and the UK. “We started exploring this area for practical reasons and felt as though we could become part of the community in Boulogne,” says Richard. “This is a very cosmopolitan city within easy reach of beaches, forest and countryside. Our plan was to retire to the south of France, but we’ll probably stay here as it’s easy to see our family in the UK and it’s such a great location.” To others thinking of
making the move, Richard says: “Assume it’s going to take longer than you expect to find your perfect home and try to visit estate agents in person. Building a relationship with them is important and they’re likely to be more responsive
The dome of Boulogne’sbasilica
in person than via email. We were also lucky that the notaire we found to help us with the purchase would look at property details and tell us whether the price was reasonable or not.” Exploring Boulogne and
its environs with local people who are passionate about where they live offers a real insight into this beautiful and fascinating stretch of the Opal Coast. Less than half an hour from Calais, it’s not surprising its history is so entwined with its neighbour across the Channel. It could be the perfect place to find your dream French house close to home. ■
Find out more about Boulogne, at
boulonnaisautop.com/en To book a Greeter tour, visit
greeters62.com
FIND MORE PROPERTIES ON
FRENCHENTREE.COM
€346,500,Ambleteuse: This beautiful house, just half a mile from the beach, has five bedrooms, a terrace, garden and garage, and is in a very desirable area (
lefebvre-immobilier.com)
€1,200,000,Ambleteuse: With a view of the town’s historic fort, this villa comprises four two-bedroom apartments with terraces; ideal for seasonal rentals (
lefebvre-immobilier.com)
64 FRENCH PROPERTY NEWS: November/December 2023
€728,000,Wimereux: This grand five-bedroom villa with a sea view is typical of the town’s 1900s architecture; it has a garden and a double garage (
lefebvre-immobilier.com)
€210,000,Wimereux: Right on the seafront, this beautiful two-bedroom apartment is in the town’s iconic Grand Hotel, and has an open-plan kitchen and living room (lefebvre-immobilier.
© SARAH DALY, PADDY DALY
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