The 14 things to do in Rochefort

Visit Rochefort: what are the best things to do and see in this historic city of Charente-Maritime?

Beautiful and peaceful historic city of Charente, Rochefort is located in a river loop on the right bank. A new city, it owes its creation in 1666 to the installation of a formidable maritime and military arsenal. Rochefort thus inherits from this prestigious past an incredible and remarkable heritage. Today a major cultural and tourist destination in Charente-Maritime, you will enjoy its authentic atmosphere, its thermal baths and its exciting museums.

Are you planning to visit Rochefort soon? In this article you will find the 14 things to do in Rochefort.

1. Downtown

First step to visit Rochefort, the city centre houses many small wonders. Start your discovery with Colbert Square, Rochefort's nerve centre. Famous thanks to the film Les Demoiselles de Rochefort, you will enjoy its special hotels, fountain and tidal clock.

From this place, you can explore the adjacent streets and discover the authentic shops and cafés of the centre. Take a tour of the church of Saint-Louis de Rochefort, one of the few testimonies of the neo-classical architecture of Charente.

2. L’Arsenal des Mers

One of the must-see attractions to visit Rochefort is obviously the vast complex of the Arsenal des Mers. The latter houses several museums and exhibition areas that will take you on a good day.

The Hermione

This is probably the uncontourable to visit Rochefort: the replica of the Hermione frigate. Located in the Arsenal de Rochefort, its home port, you can discover it during an hour’s visit. You will then relive his crazy maritime adventures and discover life aboard this frigate that has flowed from 1779 to 1793. You will learn more about his crew and his maintenance workshops.

La Corderie Royale

La Corderie Royale will allow you to discover the craft of cordiers and their work in this former cordage factory. This iconic historic monument of 374 meters is located along the Charente. Here you will learn more about the history of the place, but also about its manufacturing activity through an immersive show. Workshops will also let you discover the whole process of transformation of raw hemp into wire and then into rope for ships.

The Navy Museum

This Musée de la Marine retraces the history of the Arsenal des Mers de Rochefort and is a must to visit Rochefort. It is located in one of the oldest civilian buildings in Rochefort: the particular Hotel of the lord of Cheusses. Here you will discover a wonderful collection of boat models, paintings, sculptures, weapons and navigation instruments. These objects will carry you into the life of this impressive maritime Arsenal, from its founding by Louis XIV to the twentieth century.

The giant Periscope

The giant Periscope offers 8 interactive experiences on the theme of observation and communication at sea. These will bring you a better understanding of the great scientific and maritime inventions of the past centuries. These were then aimed at seeing without being spotted and communicating without being decrypted, crucial objectives for the Navy. A must-see step to visit Rochefort!

Accro-mâts

The Accro-mâts is a unique space of hip. This route will pass you from mast to mast and climb in the ropes such as gabiers on a frigate. You will evolve on a ship-shaped structure. In these summits, you will enjoy a breathtaking view of the entire Arsenal des Mers! This activity is perfect for families parties to visit Rochefort.

Oceana Lumina

To finish your day at the Arsenal des Mers, you will be able to participate in this superb night show. Oceana Lumina is thus a poetic evocation of the epic journeys of the past that have transformed so many sailors. This immersive and participatory experience takes place at nightfall. You will then be transported in the past thanks to an amazing and worked scenography, mixing sounds, lights and videos.

3. Les Jardins des Retours

The Back Gardens are located near the Royal Corderie. Their name evokes the great scientific expeditions of the 18th and 19th centuries of which Rochefort was then the port of departure and return. This beautiful space is now called the “Marine garden”. However, he kept his original route with his bosquets and parterres. You will also cross a variety of plant species, homage to the naturalist and botanical expeditions of the previous centuries.

4. The Remparts of Rochefort

The fortifications of Rochefort, which dates back to 1662, are a must-see step to visit Rochefort. They then preferred aesthetics to functionality and efficiency. The ramparts of Rochefort were composed in 1690 of three bastions and eight triangular redents backed by Charente.

Unfortunately, most have been destroyed to give way to homes and roads. Two large portions can be admired, however: one close to the Begon door and the other smaller at the roundabout of the avenue of November 11.

5. The Théâtre de la Coupe d’Or

Municipal and historical theatre of Rochefort, this monument dates back to the 18th century. Today restored and renovated, it continues to host theatre performances. To find out, you will have to book a place. Do not hesitate to do so during your stay in Rochefort. In addition to the performance of the actors, you will appreciate the setting and interior of this magnificent historical monument.

6. The Museum of Ancient Trades

If you visit Rochefort, you will have a lot to do in terms of museums. The Musée des Commerces d’autrefois showcases the boutiques and small trades of the past through an exciting exhibition.

About more 1000 m2 are exposed to thousands of promotional items, but also rebuilt stores of nature. These neat collections and scenography await you in a former warehouse of the twentieth century spreading over four levels. The visit usually lasts one hour and thirty minutes .

7. The Trans-Operating Bridge and the Viaduct of Martrou

Originally in the film Les Demoiselles de Rochefort, this amazing bridge was inaugurated on 29 July 1900, after 27 months of construction. It is based on two metal towers each of 66.25 metres, located on both sides of Charente. In the past, it was possible to cross the river 40 minutes, boarding time and landing time included. Later, with the increase in traffic, it was replaced by other more functional constructions.

You can admire one of them right next to the Transborder Bridge: the Martrou viaduct. Built in 1991, it allows the crossing of the Charente to reach Royan or island of Oleron in a direction and towards Rochefort and La Rochelle the other. Know that you can always borrow the Transborder Bridge if you are pedestrian or bicycle. You will then enjoy beautiful views of Charente, its two banks and the viaduct.

8. The Hebrew Museum and the Maison de Pierre Loti

Located in the Hôtel Hèbre de Saint-Clément, this museum of art and history presents various collections. On the ground floor, you will learn more about the history of the city and the arsenal. On the second and third floors, you will discover a magnificent collection of Aboriginal works and European collections. Pending the completion of the work of the Maison de Pierre Loti, the first floor also offers an exhibition on the author and a virtual visit of the house.

9. Former School of Naval Medicine

A member of the National Marine Museum, this exciting space is held in the former Rochefort Naval Medicine School founded in 1722. She was then the first in the world. For more than 240 years, surgeons on board warships were trained.

Today museum, you will discover a history and dense collections that combine science, technology, and even politics and society! The visit is made only with a guide , think about it book in advance if you are decided to visit Rochefort.

10. The Archaeological Museum of the Old Paroisse

Another essential thing to do to visit Rochefort is the visit of the archaeological museum of the Old Paroisse. It is located in one of the oldest buildings in the city, a Romanesque church of the 12th century renovated in the 17th century. In this space, the Geography Society presents collections of objects dating from the Prehistory to the 18th century. These exhibitions will offer you an impressive overview of the history and geography of the rock region.

11. The Museum of Naval Aeronautics

If you are visiting Rochefort, a last museum should be included in your itinerary: Naval Aeronautics. Held by enthusiasts, he stood in the Dodin hangar built in 1929. During your guided tour , you will admire many different aircraft, but also engines, equipment and flight outfits. You will be immersed here in the world of aeroplane and will be accompanied by a passionate guide.

12. Le Chemin de la Charente

The banks of the Charente are designed for pedestrians like bicycles. Beautiful hikes await you all along. This way you can walk the road to Charente, a green road that runs along the Charente and Rochefort. But you can also continue to the coast and the peninsulas for further discoveries.

13. Aix Island

If you’re visiting Rochefort, you can’t miss your visit to the island of Aix nearby. From Fouras, many boats leave to this unique island. On site, various activities await you: swimming, cycling, in the forest, or discovering the historical heritage.

Two famous figures in the history of France left their traces: Vauban and Napoleon. Discover them by visiting this beautiful little island of Aix.

14. Fort Boyard

The Fort Boyard is another must to admire when you visit Rochefort. It is unfortunately not visiting, but you can observe it as close as possible during a sea cruise with a stopover on the island of Aix.

This amazing fortress was built in the 19th century to protect the rade, the mouth of Charente, the port and especially the great arsenal of Rochefort from the assaults of the English navy. A few years after his completion, however, he was turned into prison. Today, it is best known to host the eponymous program.

How to get to Rochefort?

Rochefort is located on the right bank of Charente, south of La Rochelle. You can reach this historic city by public transport or by car. You can also combine the means of transport: plane and train, plane and car, train and bus.

By plane then train

By the plane, two options are available to you. You can land at airports Nantes or Bordeaux . You can then reach Rochefort by Intercity trains. The routes last about 2 hours 25 from Nantes and 3 hours from Bordeaux. Flights regularly serve both airports from other destinations. Meet on one Compare flights to find your tickets. As for Intercities trains, they circulate several times a day at various times.

By train or bus

From Bordeaux or Nantes, Intercity trains reach Rochefort without change. But you can also go to Rochefort via La Rochelle from Poitiers or Limoges . All these cities are easily reached from other French metropolises by train or by bus.

By car

You can finally reach Rochefort by the road with your own vehicle from any French region or with a rented vehicle. In this case, for example, you can land in Bordeaux or Nantes, rent a car then visit the Charente coast and its historic cities. From Nantes, count 2 hours 20 minutes By car. The journey from Bordeaux lasts for him 2 hours On average.

Where to eat in Rochefort?

For lunch or dinner in Rochefort, several addresses are recommended. For authentic and tasty cuisine, you can visit restaurants The Beatilles , The Marydiane or O’Gabier . The latter has a terrace with views of the harbour. The Four Seasons Also worth a visit with their local cuisine worked and sometimes revisited.

Where to sleep in Rochefort?

Charming historic town, Rochefort has a beautiful hotel and tourist accommodation. You will thus have the embarrassment of choice for your foot-to-ground. Depending on your desires and budget, you can opt for a charming hotel or for accommodation at home, in a cozy apartment or an authentic house.

To sleep in a hotel, you can visit the platform Booking one of our partners. To stay at home and find the rare pearl, we recommend the platform Airbnb .