As France's largest fishing port, Boulogne-sur-Mer has been a popular place for Parisians to while away a weekend eating the fruits of the sea/seafood. But if you prefer seeing your sea creatures living and want to know what's going on under the waves, why not visit Nausicaa?
The old town with its walls still in tact is a nice place to wander around taking in the Cathedral and UNESCO listed Belfry and eat at one of the many tourist-friendly restaurants.
Alternatively, you could head down to the port to get something fresh off the boat at Quay Gambetta.
The port was badly damaged in the Second World War and Boulogne's town planners, like in much of post-war Europe, decided that the best response to the brutality of war would be to rebuild in the brutalist style.
But while most brutalist buildings were quietly bulldozed away elsewhere, Boulogne still proudly flaunts its wares and pulls it off rather well in the four blocks of flats facing the quay, know by their surprisingly anglicised name 'Les Buildings'.
But if you didn't want to come to see anglicisation, what about a bit of Welsh? Welsh rarebit is a bit of a hit around here, as is moules-frites which seems popular with the Belgian tourists who now make up the bulk for foreign visitors.
Older travellers may wistfully remember when Boulogne was also a terminal for ferries from Dover and Folkestone.
...and the good news is that it probably will be again but this time for sail-powered travel.
Some of the best views of the coast (and England) can be got from the coastal path which runs to Wimereux where you could pick up a train to Calais.
Station stroll ideas
If you have an hour or two to spare waiting for a train, why not go for a wander?
Tourist info provide a set of walking trails here.
I've also made a downloadable PDF and accompanying google map here which will give you a feel for the place and take in the sights and a hike to the next station Wimereux.
Luggage
If you want to stroll without a care in the world, including your luggage, you could try using the nannybag app to find a place that will take your bags.
Getting there
30 mins from Calais
2 hours 30 mins from Paris
1 hour from Lille
Useful links
Tourist info: https://www.boulonnaisautop.com/
Where next?
How about Amiens?