Crypt Our Lady Basilica (Boulogne-sur-Mer, Pas-de-Calais)

The largest crypt in all of France is the crypt in the Basilica of Our Lady in Boulogne-sur-Mer: no less than 1,200 m² (1). Reopened in 2015 after thorough works. The first remains exhibited there date back to the Roman period (Roman barracks). There are many murals on display: some 160, many dating from the 1800s. There is also an exhibition of ancient religious artifacts. The value-added-seeking tourist must have seen this: a topper for the region and yet less known to the general public. Although, everything is relative: they receive some 45,000 visitors a year there anyway (2019 figures).

Some practical points: admission is paying (5 EUR in July 2022, special rates for certain categories, closed on Mondays). The site has been made accessible to wheelchair users. This is a real plus.

Tip: Check out our page on Boulogne-sur-Mer : you can combine the visit to this crypt with lots of other beautiful and interesting things!

(1) "The largest crypt in France" is what they themselves claim. However, if you include the modern, contemporary crypts, this one of the much more recent Neo-Gothic Cathedral in Lille is actually the largest. According to the latter, even one of the largest in Europe. It covers a whopping 2,500 square meters. 'Tis just a factoid, but right is right 😉.

Indication of the location on the tourist map of top.vlaanderen.
Indication of the location on the map of Google Maps
Internet media of the Crypt: Webstek(Practical info)
Wikipedia page about the basilica: Dutch-language - French-language - English-language
Web page of Boulogne-sur-Mer on top.vlaanderen.