Le Boulonnais
Boulogne-sur-Mer beach
Less a swimming beach than a promenade facing England
The essentials
- Water quality
How this rating is calculated
The regional health agency samples the water several times a season and measures two faecal bacteria: Escherichia coli and intestinal enterococci.
The rating isn’t based on a single sample, but on all the results from the last four seasons. It’s recalculated every year and places the beach into one of four levels, from poor to excellent, based on the share of results that exceed European thresholds.
The upshot: a beach rated excellent can be closed on a stormy day, and a poorly rated beach can have perfect water today. The rating shows the trend, not today’s weather.
Poor
- Monitored bathing
Health monitoring and supervision
This is the period declared by the local council during which the regional health agency tests the water.
This isn’t the period of lifeguard supervision, which is down to the local council and is often shorter. Check with the town hall before relying on it.
- From 15 June to 15 September
- The sand
- Sable fin
- Dogs
- Banned from 1 May to 30 September. Allowed the rest of the year.Council order on record; the signs on site have the final say.
Boulogne-sur-Mer beach: what you need to know
It might not be the loveliest beach on the Opal Coast for swimming, but it's a must-see when visiting the town of Boulogne-sur-Mer.
You'll find most of the region's classic sports here, sand yachting and kitesurfing chief among them.
The Général-San-Martin promenade is well worth it: on foot or by bike, wander between the Nausicaá centre and the sand yachting club while taking in the sea.
- San Martin promenade
- Sand yachting
- Next to Nausicaá
- English coast
Can you swim in Boulogne-sur-Mer?
The regional health agency monitors this beach under the code FRE1262160M062160. It’s rated poor water quality over the last four seasons of testing.
3 closures or pollution incidents were reported during the last monitored season. These are one-off events, often linked to storms: after heavy rain, it’s best to wait a day or two.
Data: Ministry of Health, under Open Licence. Full details of the site are in its bathing water profile.
Our 3 restaurants
Where to eat near the beach of Boulogne sur Mer?
Our favourite
For the fish, facing the harbour
Fleur de Sel
On quai Gambetta, in the row of tables watching the boats come in. The menu follows what the fish market landed that morning.
Fish and seafood · €€ · 90 quai Gambetta
For a simple, hearty lunch
Mon cousin belge
A brasserie on place de la République, a couple of minutes from the centre. The kind of place you sit down at without booking.
Brasserie · € · Place de la République
For the evening, a favourite with locals
Le Châtillon
An institution in the harbour quarter, known to every Boulonnais. Best to call ahead if you're coming at the weekend.
Traditional cuisine · €€ · 6 rue Charles Tellier
Our 3 places to stay
Where to stay near the beach of Boulogne sur Mer?
Our favourite
For a night with a little extra comfort
Au coin du spa
A B&B that plays the cosy card, best followed by a day outdoors. Few rooms, so book early in the season.
B&B
For a tight budget, close to the centre
Ilot Désille
The good compromise for staying in Boulogne without blowing the trip's budget. Everything else is then within walking distance.
B&B
To stay in the old town
Comme à la maison
Sleeping inside the ramparts changes a visit: the cobbled streets are yours in the morning, before the cars arrive.
B&B
After the beach
Worth visiting nearby
In the same area
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