Boulogne is a city and port, in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais région, on the coast of northern France, southwest of Calais at the mouth of the Liane River and 28 miles (45 km) across the English Channel from Folkestone, Eng. The population of the city was 44,859 in the 1999 census, whereas that of the whole metropolitan area was 135,116.

Boulogne-sur-Mer is the most important fishing port in France. 7,000 inhabitants extract part or all of their livelihoods from fishing. IFREMER (the French Research Institute for Exploitation of the Sea) and the Pasteur Institute are located in Boulogne Port. Crown and Findus are certain brands that are based in Boulogne.

Nausicaá is the big attraction in the Lower Town. This is the largest sea life centre in Europe. It covers all aspects of sea life from plankton to life around deep sea hydrothermal vents to the obligatory sharks. Nausiccá is devoted to describe the ecological stresses on the world oceans and to highlighting the need to protect the marine environment.

There is an important exhibition of masks from Alsaka in the world, the second largest collection of greek ceramics in France, collections of Roman and medieval sculptures, paintings, an Egyptian collection, African Arts etc in the castle-museum of Boulogne, in the fortified town.

The Château which was home to the Counts of Boulogne is now a Museum. There are a number of themes explored by the Château-Musée's displays. Egyptian exhibits having been donated by Auguste Marriette, a local Egyptologist.

A statue just outside the North Wall of the town characterizes Marriette on top of a pyramid. Other displays contain a collection of Greek vases along with Delft and French ceramic and eartheware exhibits.

Saint Nicholas's Church is the oldest church in Boulogne. Saint Nicholas is the patron saint of sailors and children. The festival of Saint Nicholas is celebrated here on the first Saturday of December.