# Boulogne-sur-Mer

> French commune in Pas-de-Calais, Hauts-de-France

**Wikidata**: [Q81997](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q81997)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boulogne-sur-Mer)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/boulogne-sur-mer

## Summary
Boulogne-sur-Mer is a French commune located in the Pas-de-Calais department within the Hauts-de-France region. It is a historically significant port city on the English Channel, known for its maritime heritage, cultural landmarks, and economic contributions to the region. The city is also recognized for its role in both World Wars and its continued importance in cross-Channel transport and tourism.

## Key Facts
- **Location**: Boulogne-sur-Mer is situated in the Pas-de-Calais department, Hauts-de-France region of France.
- **Population**: Approximately 42,537 residents (as of the latest available data).
- **Coordinates**: Latitude 50.725555555556, Longitude 1.6138888888889.
- **Founded**: Modern administrative boundaries established in 1790.
- **Notable Landmarks**: Basilica of Notre-Dame de Boulogne (completed 1827), Château de Boulogne-sur-Mer, Nausicaà Centre National de la Mer (opened 1991), Stade de la Libération (1956).
- **Transportation**: Served by Gare de Boulogne-Maritime, Gare de Boulogne-Tintelleries, and Boulogne-Ville railway station; connected via the Boulogne–Calais railway line.
- **Sports**: Home to US Boulogne (founded 1898) and Stade Olympique Maritime Boulonnais (founded 1935).
- **Industry**: Headquarters of Socarenam (shipbuilding, founded 1962) and Banque Adam (founded 1784).
- **Historical Recognition**: Awarded the Croix de guerre 1914–1918 for wartime service.
- **Aliases**: Known also as Port-de-l'Union and Boulogne.
- **Website**: [www.ville-boulogne-sur-mer.fr](https://www.ville-boulogne-sur-mer.fr/)
- **Wikipedia Title**: Boulogne-sur-Mer
- **Wikidata Description**: French commune in Pas-de-Calais, Hauts-de-France

## FAQs

**Where is Boulogne-sur-Mer located?**  
Boulogne-sur-Mer is located in the Pas-de-Calais department of the Hauts-de-France region in northern France. It is a coastal city on the English Channel, historically significant for its port and maritime activity.

**What is Boulogne-sur-Mer known for?**  
Boulogne-sur-Mer is known for its rich maritime history, including its role as a major port during both World Wars. It is also recognized for its cultural landmarks such as the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Boulogne, the Nausicaà aquarium, and its vibrant fishing industry.

**What are some notable landmarks in Boulogne-sur-Mer?**  
Key landmarks include the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Boulogne (completed in 1827), the Château de Boulogne-sur-Mer, the Nausicaà Centre National de la Mer (opened in 1991), and the Stade de la Libération (inaugurated in 1956).

**What is the population of Boulogne-sur-Mer?**  
As of recent data, the population of Boulogne-sur-Mer is approximately 42,537 residents.

**What historical recognitions has Boulogne-sur-Mer received?**  
Boulogne-sur-Mer was awarded the Croix de guerre 1914–1918, a French military decoration recognizing its contributions during World War I.

**What transportation infrastructure serves Boulogne-sur-Mer?**  
Boulogne-sur-Mer is served by several railway stations including Gare de Boulogne-Maritime, Gare de Boulogne-Tintelleries, and Boulogne-Ville railway station. It is also connected via the Boulogne–Calais railway line.

**What sports teams are based in Boulogne-sur-Mer?**  
The city is home to US Boulogne, a football team founded in 1898, and Stade Olympique Maritime Boulonnais, a basketball team established in 1935.

**What industries are prominent in Boulogne-sur-Mer?**  
Prominent industries include shipbuilding, represented by Socarenam (founded in 1962), and banking, with Banque Adam (established in 1784) headquartered in the city.

## Why It Matters
Boulogne-sur-Mer holds significant historical and economic importance as a major port city in northern France. Its strategic location on the English Channel has made it a critical hub for maritime trade, military operations, and cross-Channel transportation. The city's role in both World Wars underscores its geopolitical significance, while its modern infrastructure supports tourism, industry, and regional commerce. Boulogne-sur-Mer also contributes to France's cultural landscape through its historical landmarks, museums, and vibrant community life.

## Notable For
- **Historical Significance**: Recognized for its role in both World Wars and its wartime award of the Croix de guerre.
- **Cultural and Architectural Heritage**: Home to the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Boulogne and the Château de Boulogne-sur-Mer.
- **Aquarium and Tourism**: Hosts the Nausicaà Centre National de la Mer, one of the largest aquariums in Europe.
- **Transportation Hub**: Central to cross-Channel connectivity with multiple railway stations and historical transport links.
- **Sports Legacy**: Birthplace of historic and contemporary sports clubs like US Boulogne and Stade Olympique Maritime Boulonnais.
- **Industrial Presence**: Headquarters of Socarenam (shipbuilding) and Banque Adam (banking).
- **Archaeological Importance**: Contains the archaeological site of Gesoriacum, reflecting ancient Roman influence.

## Body

### Geography and Location
Boulogne-sur-Mer is located in the Pas-de-Calais department of the Hauts-de-France region in northern France. The city lies at approximately latitude 50.725555555556 and longitude 1.6138888888889, making it a coastal hub with access to the English Channel. It is a historically and economically significant port city, with a population of around 42,537.

### History and Founding
Boulogne-sur-Mer has a long-standing history as a strategic port and military location. The modern administrative boundaries of the commune were established in 1790. The city has been recognized for its wartime contributions, notably receiving the Croix de guerre 1914–1918.

### Landmarks and Cultural Sites
The city is home to several notable landmarks:
- **Basilica of Notre-Dame de Boulogne**: Completed in 1827, it is a significant religious and architectural site.
- **Château de Boulogne-sur-Mer**: A castle and museum that reflects the city's medieval heritage.
- **Nausicaà Centre National de la Mer**: Opened in 1991, it is one of Europe's largest aquariums and a major tourist attraction.
- **Stade de la Libération**: Inaugurated in 1956, it serves as a key sports venue.

### Transportation Infrastructure
Boulogne-sur-Mer is well-connected by rail:
- **Gare de Boulogne-Maritime**: A central railway station.
- **Gare de Boulogne-Tintelleries**: Another key station in the city.
- **Boulogne-Ville railway station**: Established in 1962.
- **Boulogne–Calais railway line**: Connects Boulogne to other regional hubs.

### Sports and Recreation
The city supports a vibrant sports culture:
- **US Boulogne**: A football team founded in 1898.
- **Stade Olympique Maritime Boulonnais**: A basketball team established in 1935.

### Industry and Economy
Boulogne-sur-Mer hosts several important industries:
- **Socarenam**: A shipbuilding company founded in 1962, employing around 250 people.
- **Banque Adam**: A banking institution established in 1784, headquartered in the city.

### Archaeological and Historical Sites
- **Gesoriacum**: An archaeological site reflecting ancient Roman influence.

### Governance and Administration
Boulogne-sur-Mer is part of:
- **Arrondissement of Boulogne-sur-Mer**: An administrative division in France.
- **Cantons**: Historically divided into cantons such as Boulogne-sur-Mer-Nord-Ouest, Boulogne-sur-Mer-Sud, Boulogne-sur-Mer-Nord-Est, and Boulogne-sur-Mer-2 (established in 2015).

### Awards and Recognition
- **Croix de guerre 1914–1918**: Awarded in recognition of the city's contributions during World War I.

### Related Entities and Cultural References
- **Boulonnais**: A traditional county of Picardy.
- **Beurré Hardy**: A pear cultivar associated with the region.

Boulogne-sur-Mer remains a vital cultural, historical, and economic node in northern France, blending its rich past with a dynamic present.

## References

1. [Portrait de Boulogne : repères](https://www.ville-boulogne-sur-mer.fr/decouvrir-et-sortir/decouvrir-boulogne/portrait-de-boulogne)
2. [À Boulogne, la rue de Folkestone évoque notre ville sœur depuis 1957. 2019](https://www.lavoixdunord.fr/644080/article/2019-09-30/boulogne-la-rue-de-folkestone-evoque-notre-ville-soeur-depuis-1957)
3. [Source](https://pastel.diplomatie.gouv.fr/cncdext/dyn/public/atlas/rechercheAtlasFrance.html?criteres.collectiviteId=24007)
4. [Boulogne Les 60 ans du jumelage entre Boulogne et Zweibrücken. 2019](https://www.lavoixdunord.fr/595135/article/2019-06-07/les-60-ans-du-jumelage-entre-boulogne-et-zweibrucken)
5. Virtual International Authority File
6. BnF authorities
7. dataset of postal codes in France. 2018
8. INSEE code
9. OpenStreetMap
10. répertoire géographique des communes
11. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
12. Czech National Authority Database
13. Annuaire de service-public.fr
14. MusicBrainz
15. Recensement de la population 2015. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies. 2017
16. Populations légales 2016
17. Populations légales 2017
18. Populations légales 2018
19. Populations légales 2019
20. Populations légales 2020
21. Populations légales 2021
22. Populations de référence 2022
23. Populations de référence 2023
24. [Code officiel géographique. 2017](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/2560698)
25. [Code officiel géographique](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/3363419)
26. [Source](http://cassini.ehess.fr/cassini/fr/html/fiche.php?select_resultat=5200)
27. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies
28. GeoNames
29. [répertoire géographique des communes. 2015](https://wxs-telechargement.ign.fr/83edtfdyqte031y0ra49d2e3/telechargement/inspire/RGC-2015-01$RGC2015/file/RGC2015.7z)
30. [2016](https://data.geopf.fr/telechargement/download/GEOFLA/GEOFLA_2-2_COMMUNE_SHP_LAMB93_FXX_2016-06-28/GEOFLA_2-2_COMMUNE_SHP_LAMB93_FXX_2016-06-28.7z)
31. YouTube API
32. [archINFORM](https://www.archinform.net/service/wd_aiort.php)
33. museum-digital