The maritime city turned towards the Atlantic, La Rochelle has not only one of the most beautiful coastlines in France but also a fascinating historical heritage. The ideal destination for those who wish to organize a holiday in France, La Rochelle offers travelers who venture there a wide choice of activities, both indoors and outdoors.
Discover in this article the many things to do in La Rochelle, whether you are visiting the Charente capital alone, with family or friends!
The old Port
The historic heart of La Rochelle, the Old Port encompasses the fortified part of the city dating from the Middle Ages. This picturesque and lively district of the White City is largely pedestrianized, so it is the ideal place for a leisurely stroll or a break on one of the many restaurant terraces dotting its charming cobbled streets.
Continue your discovery of the Old Port with a visit to its famous medieval towers bordering the seafront. Three in number, the Lantern Tower, the Saint-Nicolas Tower, and the Chain Tower bear witness to the city’s past as a commercial port. Designed to serve as a residence for visiting sailors, two of them were later transformed into military prisons. Be sure to climb to the top to enjoy a 360º view of La Rochelle!
The historic center
During your stay in La Rochelle, you will also have the opportunity to admire the elegant architecture of its historic center. Enter the old town via the Door of the Big Clock, listed as a historical monument, to access Temple Street, one of the busiest in the city!
Get lost in its narrow streets, explore its secret vaulted passages, and admire the half-timbered houses and old mansions that you will come across on your way. Among the buildings not to be missed, there is obviously theCity Hall, with the air of a fortified castle, as well as the Saint-Louis cathedral.
Visit La Rochelle in the open air
If you visit La Rochelle in spring or summer and the weather is right, take advantage of its outdoor spaces designed to get some fresh air. The first place to discover: Charruyer park, the main green space in La Rochelle. Stretching for nearly 2 kilometers between Porte Dauphine and the Mail district, it is the ideal place to stroll in the middle of its green alleys on a sunny afternoon.
There are 3 beaches in La Rochelle: the Competition range very close to the city center, ideal for families, Minimes beach to admire the sunset, and the Chef de Baie beach adjoining a large green space, perfect for strolling or picnicking.
La Rochelle gastronomy
A stay in La Rochelle is the opportunity to discover its gastronomy with maritime accents. If the mussels, the Oysters, and other seafood from the region are particularly famous, the desserts will also catch your eye. Do not miss to taste the pastries made with Charente butter such as pancake, or the miles, a corn flan typical of Charente-Maritime.
The best place to discover La Rochelle gastronomy? the Halles market, also known as the old market! Futures, fishmongers, and wine merchants are gathered here to offer you the best local products. Open every day, this market is also located in splendid halls dating from the 19th century. In a few words: a must-visit to do in La Rochelle!
Fun tours in La Rochelle
What to do in La Rochelle on a rainy day? There is no shortage of options thanks to its many fun areas, perfect for visiting the city with children, or its museums retracing the fascinating history of the port of La Rochelle! Among other things, we recommend that you visit:
- La Rochelle aquarium bringing together no less than 12,000 species of marine animals from all over the world
- The bunker museum, installed in an incredible 300 m2 bunker in the city center, retracing the history of the city during the Second World War
- The New World Museum to discover, in a splendid mansion, the relations between France and the Americas in the 16th century and their evolution over time
- The maritime museum of La Rochelle, witness to the city’s incredible maritime past
Off the coast of La Rochelle
Ideally located on the edge of the Atlantic coast, La Rochelle is an ideal base for discovering the charentaise islands : Île de Ré, Île d’Aix, Île d’Oléron and Île Madame. Each island has a particular charm. Accessible by boat from the port of La Rochelle, the island of Re, and the island of Oléron will, for example, be ideal for a stay of several days which will allow you to explore their most beautiful beaches by bike. THE’Aix island and the madame Island, much smaller in size, will be the perfect destination for a day trip to nature. Bonus: a ferry crossing or a cruise off La Rochelle may allow you to see the famous Fort Boyard!
Around La Rochelle: what to see in Charente-Maritime?
If the activities to do in La Rochelle are numerous, the surroundings also offer nice surprises. Famous for its low relief, Charente-Maritime can therefore be easily explored by bike, for example by taking one end of the Velodyssey.
If you have transport or decide to hire a car, be sure to visit two of the region’s must-see places: the Poitevin marsh and Le Puy du Fou. Located less than an hour’s drive from La Rochelle, the Poitevin marsh is a unique protected natural area to discover on foot, by bike, or even better by boat to soak up its mysterious atmosphere. A little further north, the Puy de Fou will welcome you for a trip back in time, discovering one of the most spectacular amusement parks in Europe!
Sometimes forgotten by the classic itineraries for the benefit of its neighbors Nantes and Bordeaux, La Rochelle is a city that deserves to stop there for a few days. On foot, by boat, or by bike, the activities to do and places to see in La Rochelle will appeal to adults and children alike!
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