Hibernia Line: Passengers to Boulogne-sur-Mer, France
For holidaymakers travelling to mainland Europe, choosing a ferry route that gives you everything you need can be a challenge. There are several choices for passengers who want to visit the western side of France, but routes that enable easy access to western France and central Europe are limited, and most have historically involved crossing the UK to take the Dover to Calais route.
The new Hibernia Line ferry from Ringaskiddy in Cork to Boulogne-sur-Mer is designed to provide a viable solution, offering passenger and cargo services to the port in northeastern France six days per week, all year round. Boulogne-sur-Mer, commonly known as Boulogne, is ideally located for exploring throughout Europe, whether you are heading to Paris or Scandinavia, and there are many reasons to make this your top choice.
Let’s take a look at the benefits of travelling directly to Boulogne-sur-Mer from Cork, and find out more about the potential to explore European destinations from here.
Boulogne-sur-Mer: The History and Landscape
Boulogne-sur-Mer is a historic ferry city, located near the Opal Coast, and it is the perfect place to begin exploring Europe. Whether you are heading over to Boulogne to explore the local area and stock up on delicious French food or you’re looking for a destination to begin your European adventure, the Cork-Boulogne-sur-Mer ferry is a good place to start.
Boulogne-sur-Mer is located in northeastern France, south of Calais and easily accessible from Paris. It is the largest sea fishing port in France and is known for its impressive aquarium and medieval old town. Historically, Boulogne was the primary Roman port used to trade with the British, and it serves as a gateway to Europe, giving easy access to Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands, as well as Scandinavia.
Today, the old and the new combine to create a thriving town with history on every corner. From the castle to the street cafes, there is plenty to explore and enjoy. When you arrive in Boulogne, you can simply step off the ferry and relax, or you can see it as the first stop on a European tour. Whether you’re looking for long, coastal walks or you want to enjoy the best seafood in the world, you’re in the right place.
Why Visit Boulogne?
If you’re travelling to Boulogne-sur-Mer, you may be taking the convenient route to Paris or moving on to explore central Europe, but it’s worth taking a few days to enjoy this historic town before you begin your next adventure. There are many tourist attractions and things to enjoy in and around Boulogne, including:
- The Aquarium. The Nausicaá is the largest public aquarium in Europe, with more than 58,000 sea creatures to discover. It is the perfect place to take the family, with activities for children to participate in, as well as demonstrations and feeding times. This is a great way to combine education with pleasure, as you find out more about the issues that threaten marine life and learn more about some incredible underwater species.
- The old town. You can easily wile away the hours walking around the historic town of Boulogne, and there are many historical buildings to discover. In the old town, you’ll find the stunning Notre-Dame Basilica, known for the architecture of its incredible dome, and beneath it, the fascinating crypt museum, which comprises a series of sunken rooms containing historic artefacts that were once displayed in the medieval cathedral that stood on this site. Boulogne’s Belfry is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and you’ll find many more examples of culture in the town and its surrounding area.
- Boulogne beach. The long, sandy beach in Boulogne is a must-visit when you are in the area, and it has plenty to offer visitors all year round. In the summer, it’s the perfect location for a sunny day on the beach, with facilities for sports such as football and volleyball, as well as trampolines and bouncy castles. The sand-yachting club hires equipment for sand-yachting, kite-surfing and canoeing, and it is possible to rent deck chairs, parasols and even beach huts to set you up for the day or the week! In the winter, it’s a beautiful place to enjoy a walk, and you can discover the coastal paths around the area to really make the most of the views.
- Parks and gardens. The Nausicaá gardens, located adjacent to the aquarium, extend for 17,000 sq metres and include a variety of trees, a mini golf course and several sporting clubs and facilities, as well as a children’s playground. Alternatively, the quieter Bucciali Gardens are a great place to escape from the fast pace of daily life, and the Jardins Tintelleries are a reminder of endurance and strength, having been redesigned after they were destroyed in the Second World War.
- Great food. There are more than 360 restaurants in Boulogne, and you’re sure to find the perfect choice of cuisine, whatever your taste buds are in the mood for! From traditional French cooking to some of the best seafood in the world, you’ll find plenty of options here. In the port itself, you’ll be spoilt for choice with a wide range of seafood restaurants and other wonderful eateries, so you can enjoy your meal with a glass of the finest French wine as you watch the boats at work. Le Chatillon is a popular choice with the locals, tucked away in the more industrial area of the city. This has been a haven for dock workers and sailors since 1950, and has an excellent reputation for fresh fish and seafood.
- The castle. The castle or Chateau de Boulogne-sur-Mer is located in the port area of Boulogne and is home to the Boulogne museum. Discover the history of the castle, which was built by the Count of Boulougne, Philippe Hurepel (1180-1234), in the 13th century. The castle sits in the eastern corner of the medieval walls that surround the Haute Ville, the part of Boulogne that is on a hill. You can still see some of the original Roman town wall in the castle basement, and you will discover the alterations that were made throughout the last millennium as you explore the museum.
Boulogne is simply packed with exquisite cafes, restaurants and places to stay, and you’ll find a range of holiday homes, hotels and guesthouses to choose from.
Reasons to Explore From Boulogne
Holidaying in France and further afield in Europe can enable you to visit historic landmarks and explore some of the most beautiful destinations in the world. Whether you want to journey towards Paris or head across Germany or up into Scandinavia, Boulogne-sur-Mer is a good place to start.
There are, of course, thousands of incredible places to explore in Europe and here are just a few of our recommendations:
- The city of Bruges, in Belgium, is known as ‘Venice of the North’ thanks to its beautiful canal network and medieval architecture. It’s just a two-hour drive from Boulogne-sur-Mer and is a wonderful destination in its own right or as a short stop on your European tour. Ensure that you take the time to explore the Markt Square and visit the historic Basilica of the Holy Blood, and don’t forget to take a break to enjoy some delicious Belgian waffles!
- Paris is just 259km, or 161 miles, from Boulogne-sur-Mer, and this will take you less than three and a half hours on the A16 highway. This is a toll road that will take you directly to the capital, or you can take the scenic route on the D901 without tolls. Paris is overflowing with culture and attractions to explore, and we recommend a boat trip on the River Seine to take in everything this beautiful city has to offer. Check opening times for major attractions such as the Eiffel Tower, and don’t forget to set aside a little time to explore the side streets around the Sacre Coeur, as this is a magical area that will give you a chance to reset after the busy city centre.
- If you fancy a road trip to Scandinavia, you’ll love the scenic journey from Boulogne. There are many routes to choose from, and the drive from Boulogne to Stockholm is popular. This takes around 16 hours in total, and we recommend planning a road trip over several days to take in a variety of sights along the way. Alternatively, many people enjoy the drive via Belgium, passing through Antwerp and then driving north into Denmark via Hamburg, Germany. If you have a couple of weeks to dedicate to your travels, this is a fantastic way to see more of the world and is usually much quieter than the more commercial routes.
- Baie de Somme. The Baie de Somme is a wonderful area to explore, located in the Western Somme, between Lille and Paris. You can take the Baie de Somme railway for a truly special way to discover this part of the world, or take a driving tour at your own pace to make the most of your vacation. There are plenty of walks and bike rides to help you slow down and relax, as well as boat trips on the sea or on the Somme River, and you’ll find sporting activities, theatres and historical sites to keep you and your family entertained. There are several markets in the area all year round, and taking the time to explore these is a pleasure in itself! Find out more from the local tourist board when you are planning your trip.
- Amiens is a beautiful city in northern France, just over an hour away by car from Boulogne-sur-Mer. It is home to some of the most famous tourist attractions in France, including the stunning Gothic cathedral and the house of the author, Jules Verne. The floating gardens in the centre of town, known as Les Hortillonnages, are not to be missed, and the summer months see a variety of garden festivals and light shows in Amiens.
The sky is your limit when you are exploring in France and central Europe, so don’t limit yourself to the area immediately around Boulogne – although this is well worth a visit. If you have an extended time to explore, grab an old-school map and start planning a trip which will enable you to discover the smaller towns and villages as well as the big cities en route, and don’t forget that you can easily travel from Boulogne to Belgium, Germany, Luxembourg and Scandinavia, so this is the perfect place to begin your European adventure.
Convenience and Comfort
As a passenger on the new Hibernia Line, whether you are taking a trip for business or for pleasure, you can be sure that you won’t have to compromise on comfort with a private cabin and well-appointed facilities. The crossing takes around 21 hours, and the 350 cabins are designed to ensure that you can arrive feeling rested and ready to make the most of your trip.
If you want to explore a whole new world and need to find an alternative to flying, the Hibernia Line from Cork to Boulogne-sur-Mer is the perfect choice for you. Start at Boulogne to discover everything this part of France has to offer, or plan an epic road trip that takes in several countries. From car hire to exquisite hotels and friendly guesthouses, Boulogne-sur-Mer is an excellent place to begin.
The Hibernia Line: Passenger Ferry to Boulogne
The Hibernia Line offers six departures per week in two high-quality, 350-cabin vessels, giving passengers a new way to travel easily between Cork and Boulogne-sur-Mer. This service also offers freight services for businesses moving cargo within the EU, reducing pressure on congested routes and providing a real alternative for the post-Brexit markets.
The new Hibernia Line schedule allows you to choose the crossing that suits you and your family so that you can holiday at your own pace. We look forward to welcoming you!