La Rochelle, the beautiful and rebellious city
Absolute ‘must see’ attractions in La Rochelle :
La Rochelle is in the Charente-Maritime region, on the Atlantic coast facing the islands of Ré, Aix and Oléron. Take a trip back in time in the footsteps of the figures who marked the history of the « belle et rebelle (attractive, revolutionary) » town. Make the most of the fresh sea air by walking or cycling along the sea front promenades through parks and gardens to enjoy the amazing views. Sit at a pavement café on the Vieux Port harbourside, stroll through the town’s streets and arcades, visit the market with its myriad of delicious aromas and the charming little shops at the heart of the old town, soak up the delightful atmosphere of La Rochelle.
La Rochelle Aquarium
In the town centre facing the Vieux Port harbour, stands a magical place where you can spend 2 hours in local and foreign waters. Travel to the heart of the oceans of the world to encounter more than 12,000 marine animals and understand the dreamlike undersea world. Hold your breath and gaze in wonder as you become enveloped in the Gallery of Lights. From the Atlantic to the Indo-Pacific, discover the outstanding features of one of the largest, privately-owned aquariums in Europe : La Rochelle Aquarium.
The Towers of La Rochelle
Built over 800 years ago, the Towers of La Rochelle have a great story to tell. Constructed between land and sea, they control the harbour entrance, defend the town and offer amazing panoramic views over the Pertuis (channel) and the town. The three towers - Tour Saint Nicolas, Tour de la Chaîne and Tour de la Lanterne - have had many functions during their long history, many of which can be discovered from the various graffiti on their walls.
Museums in La Rochelle
La Rochelle is a town with a thousand faces and a wealth of museums and places of interest to visit.
Musée Maritime (Maritime Museum)
At the heart of La Rochelle, tied up along the quayside of the Bassin des Chalutiers, lies the weathership ‘France I’, part of the maritime history of the town and one of a heritage fleet of 8 vessels assembled at the Maritime Museum to safeguard the maritime heritage of La Rochelle.
Stroll through the shoreside exhibition centre to enjoy the permanent exhibition « La Rochelle née de la mer (daughter of the sea) », which traces the history and development of the different harbours of La Rochelle. The ancient port of Rupella, the Port des Minimes, the commercial harbour and the fishing harbour illustrate the intensely close relationship between the town and the sea.
Musée d'Histoire Naturelle (Natural History Museum)
The Natural History Museum has stood in La Rochelle for almost two centuries. The aims of this scientific institution are essentially to preserve and exchange knowledge. Its Zoological Gallery houses an amazing exhibition of mammals and birds.
Musée du Nouveau Monde (New World Museum)
The New World Museum was opened in 1982 in the Hotel Fleuriau, an 18th century mansion which was home to the family of the same name from 1772 to 1974. The museum traces the history of the relationship between La Rochelle and Saint-Domingue (now Haïti) and also between Europe and the New World.
Francofolies Festival
Founded in 1985 by Jean-Louis Foulquier, the annual Francofolies festival gives the people of La Rochelle the chance to celebrate a shared passion for music.
Every year the festival welcomes artists from a wide range of musical backgrounds who are part of the current music scene, much to the delight of people of all generations !
The core values of the festival are to promote the French language music scene in an atmosphere of fun and community spirit. The whole town of La Rochelle is in harmony with the festival - a memorable, unique experience and a great place to meet people !
Le Grand Pavois Boat Show
Le Grand Pavois La Rochelle started in 1973. The internationally-renowned Boat Show has gone from strength to strength over the years. It is the ideal venue for boating enthusiasts, with more than 800 international exhibitors in an exhibition area of 100,000m² with 3km of pontoons. More than 750 boats are on display, including 300 on the water !
A unique adventure playground for professionals from the industry and enthusiasts in general, the Boat Show is an essential part of the region’s programme of events and makes a huge contribution to its economic progress and the development of the boating industry.
A tip from Gîtes de France : ""La Rochelle is a great place to visit and to live at any time of year. In spring especially, people enjoy sitting at pavement cafés and walking around the iconic centre of La Rochelle : the Vieux Port harbour !"
How to get to La Rochelle :
By air : La Rochelle - Ile de Ré airport (LRH) has regular direct flights to Lyon, Porto and Marseille.
Seasonal destinations include Bristol, Brussels-Charleroi, Cork, Dublin, Geneva, London Gatwick and Stansted, Manchester and Nice.
By rail : to La Rochelle station, close to the centre. TGV fast trains from Paris, Poitiers, Tours. Intercity line : Nantes-La Rochelle-Bordeaux.
By road : Easy to get to from Paris and Bordeaux. From Paris : A10 exit La Rochelle, then N11 dual-carriageway. From Bordeaux : A10 exit Rochefort-La Rochelle onto A837 then D137. From Nantes: via D137 to Marans or A83 via Niort, then N11 dual-carriageway."
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