Port

Boulogne-Sur-Mer

3.6Boulogne-Sur-Mer, FranceOpal Coast and Bay of Somme

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Maximum length: 82 ft
VHF channel: 9
Maximum draught: 8 ft

Marina of 510 berths inside the largest fishing harbour of France, on the Opal Coast of the Pas-de-Calais.

Guide

Approach and anchoring

Approach between the two outer breakwaters heads, red and green sector lights. Yachts enter the marina in the Bassin Napoléon via a gate that opens roughly 2 h either side of high water. When the gate is open a strong current sets across the entrance, shown by the blue light, and can push a boat onto others, so line up and keep fenders ready. The finger pontoons are short and the berths narrow, awkward for boats over about 12 m. VHF channel 9 for the marina, channel 12 for port control. Heavy ferry and fishing traffic in the outer harbour, keep clear of the main channel.

Practical

510 berths, about 50 for visitors in the Bassin Napoléon. Diesel at the fuel berth near the gate. Water, electricity, toilets and showers on the pontoons. On the visitor pontoons the starboard side has no water or power, so take the port side. A weir on the river Liane sheds a sticky foam that marks hulls, worst on the outer pontoons. A launderette is prepaid at the office. Berthing runs around 40 to 47 euros a night whatever the size. Travel lift and boatyard.

Ashore

Nausicaá national sea centre 400 m from the marina, one of the largest aquariums in Europe. Upper town ramparts from the 13th century and basilica of Notre-Dame 1.2 km uphill. A marked street-art trail winds through the lower town. Fish market on the Quai Gambetta every morning.

History

Boulogne was the departure base of Napoleon's army assembled against England between 1803 and 1805. The Bassin Napoléon keeps the name of the wet dock built at that period.