The 12 things to do in La Rochelle

Described to the idea of visiting La Rochelle? Discover the Porte Océane (this is how we surname it), its secrets and its history.

Located by the sea, a few steps from the island Re La Rochelle is a historic city. Prefecture of the department of Charentes-Maritimes, of which it is the most populous city, La Rochelle is also recognized throughout the country for its relaxed atmosphere and medieval architecture. Visiting La Rochelle is an excellent way to reconnect with history and, at the same time, to confront the modern era.

If you want to take the air and discover a city of traditions, La Rochelle is the absolute destination. Discover the list of the must-sees we selected for a successful stay!

1. Walk around the Old Port and admire its towers

The old port is the ideal opportunity to discover the three most famous tours of La Rochelle: the towers Saint-Nicolas , of the Chain and de la Lanterne . They are the keepers of the city since the 14th century, vestiges of medieval fortifications. At the time, their role was to know and regulate the passage of the many merchant ships entering the port of La Rochelle.

La Tour de la Lanterne has the peculiarity of having served as a lighthouse and place of disarmament of the ships. As for the other two, La Tour Nicolas and Tour de la Chaîne , they were places of residence and then detention for marine prisoners and subsequently, military.

Today it is possible to climb to the top of the Tour Nicolas to observe a 360° panorama of the city.

2. Go to the mythical Fort Boyard

Located on the Longe de Boyard and belonging to the Archipel Charentais, Fort Boyard is a must-see monument on a trip to La Rochelle. Nationally famous in 1990 by the famous show of the same name, Fort Boyard is now known to all and many are those who wish to visit it.

Although visits inside the Fort are unfortunately impossible, other equally interesting choices are available to you. Thanks to many local companies, or sail around it!

In addition to this wonderful time spent at the nearest Fort, you will have the opportunity to discover the breathtaking landscapes that the archipelago offers!

3. The Halles market

Also known as Old Market, the La Rochelle Halles market is located under the Halles, at the Place de la Grande Boucherie. It is open daily, for the happiness of all the gastronome passers-by who came to seek the freshness of local seafood.

A true market to the old, with its colorful stalls, its producers to the golden boards and the thousand smells present, the Halles market will charm you! Make the full of rocky flavours and sublimate local cuisine!

4. Rock museums

Visiting La Rochelle is also discovering its museums, because there are some.

• There are those who are linked to history as Bunker de La Rochelle reminding its visitors of the importance of La Rochelle and its submarine base during the Second World War.
• On the same theme, Maritime Museum will give you an overview of the past sea life. Very informative, you will learn a lot about the glorious past of the city, fishing or merchant. The New World Museum He guarantees you to discover more about the role of La Rochelle with the New World (Americas).
• For those who art and culture are more interested, don’t miss Museum of Fine Arts La Rochelle, a classic, located in a magnificent episcopal palace. Make an appointment with many European paintings from the 15th to the 20th century! Update of 20/07/2020 : The Museum of Fine Arts is currently closed for work.
• I mean, Natural History Museum proposes a local and international look on the coast and the marshes. Follow the steps of naturalist explorers the time of a journey around science and experience for the least... unique!

5. Make a boat trip to the islands of Ré or Aix

If you are on the Atlantic coast, it is a step that you must not miss under any pretext: the boat ride.

Indeed, there are a lot of walks to go from La Rochelle to reach the islands of Ré, Aix or Oléron And approach the famous Fort Boyard! So enjoy your passage for rent a boat in La Rochelle .

6. Explore Charruyer Park

In parallel to the old town is Charruyer Park, all in length. It is thanks to Adèle Charruyer, the daughter of the country, that this park is born, following a donation and the redemption of military land that occupied space before the park.

Created at the end of the 19th century, it is crossed by two small streams of water: Lafond and Fétilly. It is therefore ideal for afternoon strolling, for walking and thus enjoying nature in the middle of town.

7. Visit the Aquarium de la Rochelle

On the old port, find the Aquarium of La Rochelle, one of the largest aquariums in Europe. With more than 12,000 marine animals, in more than 3 million litres of water, it offers you the opportunity to discover the world of the oceans.

From sea turtles to sharks to Pacific clown fish, discover a secret and surprising universe. Also, a space dedicated to children is available for their greatest pleasure!

8. Taste with the specialities of the rocky cuisine

In La Rochelle, if there is something to taste, it is obviously the Charente specialties. First, mussels , oysters or salt are very abundant and by their freshness, even better than elsewhere!

Then let yourself be seduced by the tender flesh of Potatoes of the Island of Re ; ♪ Marans extra-roux eggs a breed of regional hen; the goat cheese , whose milk is largely produced in Charente... For dessert, spit in front of the vintageas charentais , a corn flan, or in front of a galette , a large sweet butter biscuit in Charente.

So many flavors to discover, for the little ones like the big ones!

9. Discover the old town of La Rochelle

We enter the old town by the Gate of the Big Clock, which serves concretely as a passage between the port and the center. The buildings of the old town have been able to preserve a medieval architectural style, giving a considerable cachet to the whole.

Indeed, some of them date back to the 15th century! By walking around the old town, discover the Hotel de Ville, in the appearance of a strong castle, or the many private hotels whose facades are made of wood or engraved stones.

A real jump back for a terribly attractive atmosphere! Do not miss discovering some of the “secret” passages of the old city, and learn to visit La Rochelle as an explorer!

10. The marina of Minims

In the heart of the Minimes district, the marina of La Rochelle is illustrated by its large size. Moreover, it is one of the world’s largest marinas!

Created in 1972, it can accommodate more than 5000 boats on more than 70 hectares. Very pleasant to visit, especially at sunset, the marina of Minimes offers a nice view of La Rochelle. It also reinforces its maritime city position.

11. Attend the festivals of La Rochelle

La Rochelle is a vibrant, vibrant and culturally driven city. Each year, several festivals take place. The best known of them is of course The Festival des Francofolies . Since 1985, it has become one of the most important dates of the musical calendar of France.

It hosts the whole French scene currently for 5 days at the broken rhythms! Otherwise, don't miss it Classical Festival dedicated to classical music, or audiovisual festivals: Festival du Film d’aventure , Festival de la Fiction TV ... Many dates to mark a white stone!

12. La Rochelle by bike

The Veldyssey

From Hendaye, south-west of France, and to Roscoff, in the Finistère, ride along the Atlantic Ocean by bike! So, on the way, do not miss visiting La Rochelle, an important step. Discover the coast, following a marked journey, and test the “slow-tourism”, which offers you the opportunity to visit at your own pace and according to your desires!

Vélo Francette

Vélo Francette is a huge cyclable line connecting Ouistreham, north of Caen La Rochelle. Discover the richness of France, walking 650 kilometers of roads and roads, following a marked itinerary. Ideal to visit and marvel at the cultural, architectural and natural heritage of France.

How to get to La Rochelle?

By car

The highway does not pass directly to La Rochelle but it is approaching to Rochefort or Niort. Then you will have to follow European departments, nationals or roads. The journey is done overall well, although in very high season you might encounter traffic jams.

Car

Many of them travel throughout France to allow their passages to travel less. Companies like FlixBus, BlablaBus or Ouibus offer this kind of service. The journey is however longer or less depending on your departure city. A little slower than the car, the car remains a very economical alternative to visit La Rochelle without ruining.

By train

La Rochelle is accessible by rail from all over France! Indeed, Bordeaux , Paris , Angouleme or Nantes are cities from which you can reach La Rochelle. Not without correspondence depending on where you come from, the train remains a very good way to travel quickly at a lower cost.

By plane

It is important to know that the airport of La Rochelle is very turned internationally with flights for the Ireland , Switzerland or England For example. Connected to the airports of Lyon, Nice and Ajaccio, you can come directly to La Rochelle by plane from these cities.

On the other hand, if you come from elsewhere, it will cause correspondence or even a stopover. For example, since Paris, a correspondence in Lyon is expected on the schedule. You decide what is best for you, both in terms of time and money.

We therefore recommend that you consult a comparison of flights as Skyscanner to learn more about the best offers of the moment.

Where to stay in La Rochelle?

In terms of housing, La Rochelle is absolutely not the rest. On the contrary, according to your preference, hotels, guest rooms, Airbnb or campsites are at your disposal. We recommend you to stay in the neighborhoods of downtown for an authentic rock experience. Walks and night entertainment! On the other hand, other neighbourhoods are completely envisioned, such as popular area of Fétilly , with its historical villas or Minimes district And her lovely marina!