Travel Guide of La Rochelle in France by Influencers and Travelers

La Rochelle is a city in western France and a seaport on the Bay of Biscay, a part of the Atlantic Ocean. It is the capital of the Charente-Maritime department. The city is connected to the Île de Ré by a 2.9-kilometre bridge completed on 19 May 1988. Its harbour opens into a protected strait, the Pertuis d'Antioche.

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The Best Things to Do and Visit in La Rochelle

TRAVELERS TOP 10 :

1 - Muséum d'Histoire naturelle de La Rochelle

The Muséum d'histoire naturelle de La Rochelle is a natural history museum located in the city of La Rochelle, France. The museum was reopened after a major renovation in 2007.

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2 - Rivedoux-Plage

   10 km away

Rivedoux-Plage is a commune in the Charente-Maritime department in southwestern France. It is situated on the Île de Ré. The commune includes the beach of Sablanceau.

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3 - Microlight flying in La Rochelle

Fly over the Vendée coast in a microlight from La Rochelle and enjoy a magnificent 270° panorama of the most beautiful sites in Charente-Maritime! Take off from La Rochelle and fly over the Vendée coastline in a gyrocopter microligh...

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4 - Port de La Rochelle

La Rochelle is a city in southwestern France and a seaport on the Bay of Biscay, a part of the Atlantic Ocean. It is the capital of the Charente-Maritime department.

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5 - Tour Saint-Nicolas de La Rochelle

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6 - Sea Kayaking in La Rochelle

   20 km away

Admire the colours of the sunset and their reflections on the water on board your kayak, from Fouras! Sitting in your kayak during sunset, you can witness one of nature's most beautiful spectacles. Rejuvenate as the sun descends towards the horizon, ...

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7 - Angoulins-sur-Mer

   6 km away
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8 - Harbour Towers

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9 - Boat Tours in La Rochelle

   12 km away

Want to sail coastal waters with confidence? Opt for a refresher course in coastal sea driving in Châtelaillon with our partner! If you're looking to brush up on your navigation skills, this Sea Coastal Licence refresher course is for you! The ...

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10 - Châtelaillon-Plage

   11 km away

Châtelaillon-Plage is a commune in the Charente-Maritime department in southwestern France. It is located south of the city of La Rochelle and is also a suburb. It is twinned with Knebworth in England.

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11 - La Flotte

   14 km away

La Flotte is a commune in the Charente-Maritime department in southwestern France. It is situated on the Île de Ré.

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12 - Horse riding in La Tranche sur Mer

   22 km away

Go for a horseback ride in Vendée and discover the area around l'Aiguillon-la-Presqu'île with your horse! Would you like to explore the peaceful natural landscapes of the Vendée while sharing a moment of complicity with your horse...

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13 - Île-d'Aix

   16 km away
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14 - Âne en culotte

   17 km away
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15 - Jet Skiing in La Rochelle

Discover the famous Fort Boyard from the ocean during a jet ski tour from La Rochelle with AWL - Air Water Loisirs! Located between the island of Aix and the island of Oléron, the Fort Boyard is registered as a historical monument since 1950. ...

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16 - Fort Boyard

   18 km away

Fort Boyard is a fort located between the Île-d'Aix and the Île d'Oléron in the Pertuis d'Antioche straits, on the west coast of France and is the filming location for the TV gameshow of the same name.

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17 - Yves

   18 km away

Yves is a commune in the Charente-Maritime department in southwestern France. Places and hamlets include: Le Marouillet Les Trois Canons Voutron

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18 - Fouras

   20 km away

Fouras, also known as Fouras-les-Bains, is a commune in the Charente-Maritime department in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region in southwestern France. It lies 34 km south of La Rochelle.

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19 - Île de Ré

   21 km away

Île de Ré is an island off the west coast of France near La Rochelle, on the northern side of the Pertuis d'Antioche strait. Its highest point has an elevation of 20 metres. It is 30 kilometres long and five kilometres wide.

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20 - Charente

   23 km away

The Charente is a 381-kilometre long river in southwestern France. Its source is in the Haute-Vienne département at Chéronnac, a small village near Rochechouart. It flows through the departments of Haute-Vienne, Charente, Vienne and Charente-Maritime. The river flows into the Atlantic Ocean near Rochefort.

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21 - Île Madame

   23 km away

Île Madame is an island in the River Charente estuary on the Atlantic coast of France joined to the mainland by a causeway. The island has an area of four square miles and is unpopulated.

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Pictures and Stories of La Rochelle from Influencers

17 pictures of La Rochelle from Romain HUNEAU, Rémy Penet, Rafael Garcin and other travelers

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Why should you visit La Rochelle ?

Travel to La Rochelle if you like:

  🏞️ Waterway     🏖️ Ocean     🏖️ Sailing     🏖️ Shore     🚢 Dock     🗼 Landmark  

How to visit La Rochelle ?

To get to La Rochelle, you have several options. The La Rochelle – Île de Ré Airport offers flights to and from many European cities. Alternatively, you can take a train from Paris, which takes around 3 hours, or drive from other major French cities.

For a seamless travel experience, book your accommodations and any guided tours in advance. If you plan to visit during the summer months, consider booking your accommodations well in advance, as this is the peak tourist season.

The cost of visiting La Rochelle is relatively affordable compared to other French cities. Expect to spend around €100-150 per day for accommodations, meals, and activities.

Some of the best things to do in La Rochelle include exploring the historic district, visiting the three medieval towers (Tour de la Chaine, Tour de la Lanterne, and Tour Saint-Nicolas), and strolling along the Old Port. For a unique experience, visit the La Rochelle Aquarium, which houses over 12,000 marine animals.

When it comes to dining, you have plenty of options. For a taste of local seafood, head to Les Flots, which offers stunning views of the harbor. If you're in the mood for French cuisine with a modern twist, try Le Boute en Train. For a more casual dining experience, visit the cozy and welcoming La Cuisine de Jules.

There are many accommodation options in La Rochelle, catering to different budgets and preferences. For a luxurious experience, book a stay at the Hôtel La Monnaie, a 17th-century building transformed into an elegant boutique hotel. If you prefer a more budget-friendly option, consider staying at the charming B&B Les Cloutils. For a unique experience, check out the Villa Verde, a stylish guesthouse with a beautiful garden.

Off the Beaten Path:

For an unusual travel experience, take a day trip to the nearby Île de Ré. This island is easily accessible by a 3km bridge or by ferry and offers a more laid-back atmosphere compared to the bustling city of La Rochelle. Rent a bike and explore the scenic coastal paths, visit charming villages, and sample local delicacies like oysters and salted caramel. The island is also home to a historic lighthouse, Phare des Baleines, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. Overall, a visit to Île de Ré provides a refreshing and authentic glimpse of French coastal life, away from the typical tourist spots.

Learn More about La Rochelle

Nicknamed the "Gateway to the Ocean", La Rochelle welcomes you to the heart of the Charentes-Maritimes. Intoxicating and dynamic, the city is full of historical treasures, rich heritage and gastronomic delights. Every year, it attracts travelers in search of breathtaking landscapes, as well as those in search of relaxation. 

For a breath of fresh air every month of the year and during the holidays, visit La Rochelle. Stroll along the Old Port and enjoy an ice cream. Enjoy the sunny terraces. Take in the view from the medieval towers or browse the shops in the Arcades. Independent, proud and flourishing, La Rochelle has always been different from other French cities.

With the ocean at its feet, this city with its unique way of life is full of treasures. A thousand-year-old city with a rich historical and urban heritage, a first-rate port complex since the 12th century, La Rochelle is a city of exchanges. It is turned towards the ocean and the world, born of a mixture of cultures resulting from its maritime trade activity. Everywhere, architecture from elsewhere reminds us of this. A fortified city, La Rochelle has many defensive monuments, including the towers of the Old Port, guardians of the city's entrance from the sea.

From the Old Port, at the foot of the towers of La Rochelle, board the boats for exotic sea trips and enjoy the fresh sea air. Discover the landscapes of the Rochelle coast, its limestone cliffs, its astonishing Phare du Bout du Monde and the famous Fort Boyard.

Start under the Grosse Horloge which marks the entrance to the old quarter of La Rochelle. On your way: half-timbered houses, alleys and arcades, vaulted or secret passages, gargoyles, large 18th century shipowners' hotels... it is the whole history of La Rochelle that is told through its exceptional heritage.

During your stroll through the old town, take care to look up to observe the sometimes discreet details on the facades of the houses and monuments. To accompany you, plaques hung on the walls of the streets and alleys have many stories to tell you.

From beach to beach and from port to port, the coastal path and its specificities can be discovered during long walks or bike rides. If you love cycling, take the Vélodyssée route through La Rochelle. Developed, safe, and punctuated with tourist stops, this cycle route is suitable for an outing for two, with friends or with the family.

La Rochelle is also known for its numerous festivals such as the famous Francofolies and the Classical Festival dedicated to classical music. So, music lovers, what are you waiting for to discover this dynamic, lively and cultured city?

Frequently Asked Questions by Travelers planning a trip to La Rochelle

How to get to La Rochelle?

To get to La Rochelle, you can land at La Rochelle-Île de Ré airport.
If you are already in France, you can easily take the car or train to the city. 

When is the best time to go to La Rochelle?

The best time to go to La Rochelle is probably in the summer, between May and September. This is the warmest and most pleasant time to discover the city. 
Especially as many festivals take place during this period. 

   Where to Stay in La Rochelle

   More Travel spots to explore around La Rochelle

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Discover more travel spots to explore around La Rochelle

  🗼 Landmark spots     🏞️ Waterway spots     🌊‍ Ocean spots     🏖️ Sailing spots     🤿 Underwater spots     🚢 Dock spots     Kitesurfing spots     Ferris wheel spots     🏖️ Shore spots     🏘️ Town spots  

  Travel map of La Rochelle

Explore popular touristic places around La Rochelle

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