My 2 days in…Rochefort

A must-do stopover on the Atlantic Coast situated 35km southeast of La Rochelle, Rochefort has a rich maritime heritage. Let me take you on a visit to the Corderie Royale, the Maritime Museum or the Hermione, where everywhere you turn the world of the sea is present.

Musée de la Marine

Day 1

The National Maritime Museum

If you really want to understand the Maritime Arsenal in Rochefort your first stop should be the National Maritime Museum. Located in the “Hôtel de Cheusses” - former residence of Royal Navy Commanders - it exhibits old models of ships, machines, tools, paintings and countless testimonies and documents.

Full rate: €6,50, reduced rate: €5,50. Tel.: +33 (0)5 46 99 86 57. www.musee-marine.fr

La Corderie Royale

The Corderie Royale

In the heart of the Arsenal, the Corderie Royale is a magnificent building that stretches over 374 metres. Push the doors of this manufactory, where the ropes for the big Royal Navy ships were made, and you'll be instantly plunged into the atmosphere, probably due to the distinct odour of the vegetal fibres. In the workshops you'll discover the crafts of spinners, stranders, knot and rope tiers...

Pass Arsenal des Mers

L’Hermione et l’Accrô-mats

The Hermione and Accro-masts

The Hermione: a famous frigate used by the Marquis de La Fayette to support the American independents in 1780. Result of over seventeen years work, today the Hermione is the biggest replica of an ancient vessel ever rebuilt in France. Inspired by the experience, find out what is was like to be a deckhand at the neighbouring Accro-masts adventure park in the shape of a frigate. Acrobatic thrills and a taste of life at sea guaranteed on the ship's deck. Welcome aboard sailor!

To recover from your emotions, take a stroll through the Jardin des Retours garden that runs the length of the Corderie Royale. Designed by the landscaper Bernard Lassus it has plenty of relaxing views over the Charente river. Then why not stop for lunch in the harbour.

In the evening, take in a show at La Coupe d’Or, a superb 17th century Italian-style theatre.
Check out the programme at www.theatre-coupedor.com*

Rochefort - place Colbert

Day 2

The Bird “Sanctuary”

On the banks of the Charente, the lagoon station treats the sewage and water waste from Rochefort in an economically and environmentally-friendly way. It is also a great spot for sea birds. Take a silent walk around this 70-hectare site to discover this out-of-the-ordinary ornithological spot. Don't forget your binoculars!

Nature Space. Tel.: +33 (0)5 46 82 12 44. Full rate: €6; reduced rate : €5. Free for the under 10.

A walk around town

Built around a checkerboard plan, Rochefort took on its finished appearance thanks to Michel Bégon (Navy Intendent 1688-1710) when he organised the rebuilding of the town in cut stone. Make the most of a stroll through the streets and squares to get a full picture of the architecture and layout. Don't miss the Place Colbert, famous as the setting for cult French film “Les Demoiselles de Rochefort” by Jacques Demy, with Catherine Deneuve and Françoise Dorléac.

Enjoy a refreshing drink or a bite to eat on one of the many terraces.

In the evening, treat yourself to a night visit of local history with the Noctambulations: an entertaining and out-of-the-ordinary experience that I would highly recommend!

Noctambulations, every Tuesday in July (9.30pm) and August (9.00pm). www.rochefort-ocean.com

Rochefort 

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PHOTOS AERIENNES / IGN

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CARTES MULTI-ECHELLES / IGN

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TOP 25 IGN

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CARTE DES PENTES (PLAN IGN)

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PARCELLES CADASTRALES

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CARTES AÉRONAUTIQUES OACI

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CARTE 1950 / IGN

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CARTE DE L'ETAT-MAJOR (1820-1866)

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CARTES LITTORALES / SHOM/IGN

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Le Domaine du Ferret Restaurant & Spa

40 avenue de Capéran Claouey 33950 LEGE-CAP-FERRET
Du 01/01/2023 au 31/12/2023
- OT Lège-Cap Ferret -
- OT Lège-Cap Ferret -
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Réservoirs de Piraillan

A favourite area for the grey heron, and home to a wide variety of plant species.

Piraillan 33950 LEGE-CAP-FERRET
Du 01/01/2023 au 31/12/2023
- OT Lège-Cap Ferret -
- OT Lège-Cap Ferret -
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Office de Tourisme de Lège-Cap Ferret

1 avenue du Général de Gaulle Claouey 33950 LEGE-CAP-FERRET
- OT Lège-Cap Ferret -
- OT Lège-Cap Ferret -
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La Vélodyssée - De Lacanau océan à Arcachon

Get ready to discover Arcachon Bay (known locally as the Bassin d’Arcachon), a lagune that opens out onto the ocean, making a sort of inland sea. Oyster farming, fishing and sailing are the bay’s main activities. In the centre lies ‘the Isle of Birds’ and its huts built on stilts.

162 km
4h 20m
Easy
33680 LACANAU
- OT Médoc Atlantique -
- OT Médoc Atlantique -
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Les Pieds dans l'eau

Cabane 13 Quartier ostréicole du Four Le Four 33950 LEGE-CAP-FERRET
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"Cabanes en fête - Huîtres et Entre-2-Mers" 5th edition

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If you walk through the port you will find bands, sea songs, exhibition of our local artists work, parade of ancient rigging, fireworks...


Free access, Port Ostréicole from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Port ostréicole 33510 ANDERNOS-LES-BAINS
Du 02/12/2023 au 02/12/2023
- OT Andernos-les-Bains -
- OT Andernos-les-Bains -