Want to find something a bit different to give your loved ones this Christmas? Hop across the Channel to France to pick up some goodies – and enjoy a weekend away into the bargain.

Clever sea-lions, tropical fish you can virtually dive in with and huge sharks – they’re all there for you to discover at Nausicaa in Boulogne-sur-Mer.

It takes only around half an hour to drive from Calais to the walled seaside town and once there you can spend several hours getting to know our seas worldwide at the centre, which is on the seafront itself.

In fact it’s so close to the sea, that there is a viewing area for the public on the beach outside the centre to join visitors watching the sea lions diving, clapping and performing impressive feats.

The French National Sea Centre in Boulogne celebrates its 25th anniversary this year and has attracted more than 15m visitors in that time.

You can get immersed for hours in the warren of rooms and exhibits, many of which inform visitors on the need for conservation, climate change and ecological efforts.

Look out for the viewing holes in the centre’s own reef where you can stand on steps to pop your head up into a bubble where you can see the hundreds of colourful tropical fish – little ones will be able to see Nemo and Dory’s cousins up close!

The trip ends with a finale as you meet the five Californian sea lions who live in a pool containing more than 1m litres of water – and who love to playfully swim under the glass floor and around the sides of the viewing area before you step out onto the display section where you can see them perform.

Also at the centre are plenty of other creatures, which don’t live in the seas.

They include two Aldabra giant tortoises and for this year, joining the giant aquariums, housing sea life from turtles to seahorses and pipefish to octopus, there is also the Tropical Forest, featuring yellow frogs, green snakes and blue and even purple geckos.

NAUSICAA: THE FACTS

The centre has more than 36,000 fish and other marine creatures from tiny plankton up to huge sharks.

It is based in France’s leading fishing port and principal centre for fish-food preparation.

Nothing is on sale in the bars, boutique and bookshop which harms marine life.

It’s mission is to raise awareness of the need to manage the oceans in a sustainable way and to encourage people to be responsible and keep the ocean’s resources for future generations.

SAINT OMER

While in northern France, head off the beaten track – with map in hand or, ideally, satnav handy – seek out something a bit different: a Second World War bunker with a 3D Planetarium.

The bunker is, as you might expect, away from the nearest village of Wizernes, built partly into a hillside, a short drive from Saint Omer. You could easily drive past the entrance and not know it was there!

Spend time being immersed in the story of the First and Second World Wars and see real-life artefacts which illustrate the information on show from shells and bullet-ridden helmets and many pictures from the wars – some of which are perhaps not for young visitors. Once you’ve taken a walk through the bunker and visited the exhibitions and displays – which do have headphones with English commentary – head to the planetarium, which shows films regularly through the day.

Sit back wearing 3D glasses and be awe-inspired by the show, with an introduction to the planets and our solar system, before the main feature.

ARRAS

A short drive from Saint Omer is the town of Arras, which unveils its Christmas market this weekend.

The market, which runs from Friday, November 25 to Friday, December 30, is the biggest Christmas market north of Paris.

Laid out in the setting of the Grand Place, it has a backdrop with a forest of Christmas trees and 130 artisans and exhibitors bringing a festive atmosphere to the heart of the town. Sample roasted chestnuts or spiced bread and wander the market where you can pick up crafts, jewellery, wooden toys and decorations, before going on the Big Wheel, gliding on the ice skating rink and trying the traditional carousel.

For details visit noelarras.com.

WHERE TO STAY & EAT

At Boulogne-sur-Mer why not stay on the seafront?

Dip a toe in the sea and see your footprints in the sand as you stroll across the road from your hotel to Nausicaa. Try Hotel Opalinn in Boulevard Sainte-Beuve, with a free public car park bang opposite, friendly staff and a dining room which looks out on the seafront.

Book at hotel-opalinn.com/hotel/.

Around Place Dalton – where there is a market on Saturdays – there are a range of bars and restaurants to suit everyone’s tastes, several with decking and seating al fresco. Try la Table de Nicolas. For details go to latabledenicolas.com.

And at Saint Omer head for the beautifully appointed Hotel restaurant L’industrie on one of the cobbled streets off the square, at Rue Louis Martel. In the evenings, the restaurant, which has menus to suit all pockets, heaves with locals – the best recommendation there can be. To book, visit http://hotelrestaurantlindustrie.fr/.

GETTING THERE

Travel by ferry to Calais with DFDS. To book, visit dfdsseaways.co.uk