Column of the Grande Armée

This 54m high column, built between 1804 and 1841, commemorates the camp of Boulogne. The column was paid for by all the soldiers of the camp, who donated a half or full day's pay for it. One of the bronze bas-reliefs on the pedestal shows Marshal Soult presenting the design of the column to the Emperor. A staircase with 263 steps leads to the square plateau, 190m above sea level. From there you have a view of the countryside around Boulogne and, in clear weather, of the English cliffs.
On top is the statue of Napoleon dressed as the Little Corporal. It turns its back on England, in search of new horizons.

€ 4 entrance fee for the 263 steps, which are already a bit difficult for a cyclist. Going down is free again.

A statue of Napoleon Bonaparte with his back to England.