Why stay near Nausicaá rather than making the round trip?

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How to get to Nausicaá from the hotel or train station?

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On foot from the hotel, allow about fifteen minutes: it's the easiest way, and you'll pass by the marina. Nausicaá is located on Boulevard Sainte-Beuve, by the sea, next to the beach in Boulogne-sur-Mer. All access information is available on the Nausicaá opening hours and access page.

Where to park when going to Nausicaá?

The most economical option is to park your car only once for your entire stay. The hotel does not have private parking, but the Q-Park Quai de la Poste covered parking garage is 150 meters away, and the free Capécure parking garage is 800 meters away.

Nausicaá also indicates the Q-Park car parks at the beach, the Quai des Paquebots and Nausicaá, as well as the free car parks at the Capécure business park and the Liane shopping center.

Is there a free shuttle to Nausicaá?

Yes. The Nausicaá free shuttle runs every day from 9:00 am to 7:30 pm, with departures every 20 minutes. It serves the P2 Thiers, P3 Capécure, and P4 Station Liane Quai 4 car parks, as well as the train station: convenient if you're parking at Capécure.

How to get here by train?

Boulogne-Ville train station is 1.3 km from the hotel. Nausicaá indicates that it's a 30-minute walk from the aquarium, or 10 minutes by taking bus line F of the Marinéo network, Nausicaá stop, towards Baston. Regional train schedules are available on TER Hauts-de-France.

How to get here from England?

Nausicaá reminds you that the LeShuttle connects Folkestone to Calais in 35 minutes, then it's a 30-minute drive to Boulogne-sur-Mer. For a late afternoon arrival, staying overnight avoids having to drive again that same evening.

Nabil's tip: If you arrive by car on a summer Saturday or during the holidays, don't look for parking in front of Nausicaá. Park in Capécure, drop off your luggage at the hotel, and get around for the rest of your stay on foot or by shuttle.

When is the best time to visit Nausicaá to avoid the crowds?

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Nausicaá is open every day from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. The center is closed on December 25, opens at 2:00 p.m. on January 1, and closes for its annual break from January 4 to 29, 2027, according to the official schedule. Tickets are sold on-site until 1 hour and 30 minutes before closing.

When is the best time to visit Nausicaá?

Weekends and school holidays are the busiest times.

Nausicaá advises visitors to arrive at 9:30 a.m. or after 3:00 p.m. and reminds them that purchasing tickets online guarantees access in case of high attendance. Nausicaá also notes that sunny days are often less crowded. Where can I find the program of activities? The program of activities is published on the Nausicaá website and displayed in the entrance hall, at the entrance to each exhibit loop. Check it out when you arrive to plan your itinerary around the appointments that interest you.

Do I need to buy tickets in advance?

Yes, as soon as you come for a weekend or during the holidays. The center may limit or delay entry when it reaches its maximum capacity. To find out the holiday weeks, consult the official school calendar: Boulogne-sur-Mer is in Zone B.

What to do after Nausicaá in Boulogne-sur-Mer?

The beach is right next to the aquarium, and the port, the city center, and the old fortified town are all within walking distance.

The belfry of Boulogne-sur-Mer is one of the belfries listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit ideas and the events calendar are available on the website of the Boulonnais Tourist Office.

A concrete example of a weekend: Friday evening, arrival at the hotel and dinner in the city center. Saturday, breakfast at 8:00 a.m., Nausicaá as soon as it opens at 9:30 a.m., picnic lunch there, and beach in the afternoon. Sunday, old town and ramparts in the morning, departure after lunch.

Nabil's tip: Breakfast is served from 7:00 a.m. On busy days, take the bus early and leave around 9 a.m. to be in front of Nausicaá when it opens: this is the most pleasant time of day.

How much does a stay at Nausicaá cost and how can I pay less?

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What is the entrance fee to Nausicaá?

According to the official price list, admission costs €30 per adult and €23 per child aged 3 to 12 in the low season, and €31.50 and €24.50 in the high season. Admission is free for children under 3, upon presentation of proof of age.

Are there any discounts?

A special rate applies to seniors over 60, students, job seekers, large families, and people with disabilities, upon presentation of proof of eligibility and at the ticket office only.

From October 17 to November 2, 2026, an online family offer provides a 15% discount on tickets of 4 or more, including at least one adult ticket. The PASSion annual pass for Nausicaá starts at €50.

Can you eat at Nausicaá?

Yes. Nausicaá provides a room with tables and microwaves, as well as an outdoor area, for visitors who bring their own food. This is a real saving for families, especially on a visit of more than four hours. As for restaurants, Nausicaá offers three options: the Calypso self-service restaurant, the Bistrot Côté Plage for a quick meal, and La Table d'Ephélia, a bistro-style restaurant overlooking the lagoon, available for online reservation. Can you visit Nausicaá with a stroller? Yes, with escalators and elevators. Nausicaá also offers compact strollers for hire, but may restrict bulky strollers on busy days, according to its official response. Baby carriers are available free of charge.

Which room should a family choose?

For three people, the 30 m² Triple Room combines a double bed (140 cm) and a single bed (90 cm). For up to four people, the 36 m² Suite has a fully equipped kitchenette, ideal for preparing a picnic lunch the next day. Breakfast is optional, at €10 per person, served at the table from 7:00 am to 10:30 am.

Can we organize a seminar or group visit to Nausicaá?

Yes.

Group visits start at 10 people, with one free ticket for every 20 paid tickets. For businesses, Nausicaá can accommodate groups of 25 to 800 people, with half-day, full-day, or evening packages available for seminars, conferences, private tours, or dinners. To find accommodation for your colleagues, see our page dedicated to business trips to Boulogne-sur-Mer.

Nabil's tip: To save money on your entire stay, combine a weekday night (outside of holiday periods), free parking at Capécure, and a picnic at Nausicaá. Our other tips are in our guide to finding a cheap hotel in Boulogne-sur-Mer.

Key takeaways: The Faidherbe Hotel is about a 15-minute walk from Nausicaá, in the city center of Boulogne-sur-Mer. Plan to spend half a day visiting, buy your tickets online on busy days, arrive at 9:30 am or after 3 pm, and leave your car in the parking lot for the duration of your stay. To extend your stay on the coast, read our guide to the neighboring resorts: Le Portel, Equihen, Hardelot, and Wimereux.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How long does a visit to Nausicaá take?

Approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes on average, according to Nausicaá.

Is Nausicaá open all year round?

Every day from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., except December 25th, afternoons only on January 1st, and during the annual closure from January 4th to 29th, 2027.

Where can I park for free near Nausicaá?

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At the Capécure hub or the Liane shopping center, connected to Nausicaá by the free shuttle.

Can I leave Nausicaá and come back?

Yes, on the same day, by notifying reception before leaving.

Can I have a picnic at Nausicaá?

Yes, a room with tables and a microwave and an outdoor area are available for visitors.

Does the hotel have a sea view?

No, the hotel is in the city center, without a sea view, but the beach and Nausicaá are within walking distance.

Do I need to book the hotel well in advance?

For weekends and school holidays, Book as soon as your dates are set: these are also the busiest periods at Nausicaá.