Several thousand years ago, Coulogne was an island located south of Calais. As the sea slowly retreated, it left behind fertile soil. In the 13^th century a motte-and-bailey was probably built on this site, surrounded by rivers that provided abundant fishing. The castle was burnt down in 1251. Coulogne, together with the entire region, was annexed to the English Crown in 1347 and would remain so for 211 years. To repopulate the reconquered land, the French King made advantageous offers to newcomers in 1558 and he attracted Protestants dispelled from other areas on account of their beliefs.  Thanks to their know-how, they contributed to the economic development of the Calais region. But due to the revocation of the Edict of Nantes in 1685, they were forced to go into exile.

Coulogne was spared the scourge of the French Revolution, but the town did experience a great transformation during the industrial revolution of the 19^th century.

The Calais–Paris railway line was constructed in 1848, followed by the tram line to Calais a few years later. Many workers took up residence on the outskirts of Calais, so that Coulogne’s population grew considerably. In the First World War, British Commonwealth Troops established an important strategic support base in Coulogne. During the Second World War, the Germans set up several anti-aircraft batteries, which resulted in tragic air raids. The quiet town of Coulogne, with a population of 6000, is located along a canal which is perfect for fishing and aims to promote tourism by constructing footpaths on the banks as well as a rowing and canoe club.