Boulogne-sur-Mer - Notre-Dame

In Roman times Bononia (now "Boulogne-sur-Mer") was the major Roman port for trade and communication with Britain. Caesar's invasions of Britain started right here.

From the 9th century on Boulogne was the capital of the "County of Boulogne". Godfrey of Bouillon and Baldwin I of Jerusalem, prominent figures in the First Crusade, were both Counts of Boulogne.

The old town, located of a hill, is surrounded by ramparts since the 13th century. In the center was a large Romanesque Cathedral, that attracted many pilgrims over the centuries, displaying a miraculous statue of the Virgin. This church got demolished (and the statue burned) during the French Revolution.

The Notre-Dame basilica, with the 100 metres high dome, seen here, was built between 1827 and 1875 on the site of the old cathedral.