Partez à la découverte de La Rochelle et ses alentours

Originally a fishing village, La Rochelle is a city steeped in history, where many historic events took place. Today, you can discover many buildings, districts and museums, including the Natural History Museum, the Big Clock, the Towers and the La Palice submarine base.

The old port is only a 15-minute walk away. Alternatively, you can board the sea bus electro-solar which will drop you off at the old port, passing between the two towers.

In La Rochelle, cycling remains the most popular mode of transport. Numerous open cycle paths and lanes criss-cross the city.

Five hundred meters from the residence, the Aquarium de La Rochelle invites you on an extraordinary, immersive journey. In July and August, it’s open until 11pm, so take the opportunity to visit at the end of the day. The Maritime Museum boasts a heritage fleet of 8 ships. In its 3 visit areas, you’ll plunge into the history and life of sailors, thanks to numerous memorabilia and scale models.

On your way to the Ville en Bois district, stop off at the Musée des automates et des modèles réduits children will be delighted. They’ll discover impressive collections of antique, advertising and modern models.

Around the Old Port of La Rochelle

A stopover at the old port will capture the soul of the town and its history. Take a seat on one of the terraces for a drink or lunch, which is very popular in fine weather…

In the immediate vicinity of the Tour de la Chaîne, Rue Saint-Jean du Pérot is home to a host of fine restaurants. On the Plage de la Concurrence, fisherman Christopher Coutanceau offers an innovative and daring gastronomic journey, respecting the environment and fish stocks. The restaurant has been awarded two Michelin stars.

On the other side of the harbor, the Gabut district has a Scandinavian feel. Along the pedestrian-only quays, restaurant terraces offer a direct view of the basins. The Office du Tourisme de La Rochelle welcomes you every day of the week.

The market

A stroll through the arcades of downtown La Rochelle will take you to the central market hall. Built in the 19th century, they have retained their magnificent wrought-iron structure and glass openings. Every morning, the market offers the chance to fill your basket with local produce: fish from La Cotinière, oysters from Marennes and Ile de Ré, Boucholeurs mussels from Châtelaillon, Jonchée (fresh cheese)…