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.

Museum of the Navy

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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Relais Thalasso Ile de Ré - Atalante

Welcome to a world of peace and wellness and wellbeing
The rooms are cheerfully decorated, more spacious and comfortable - minibar, safety deposit box, satellite TV. All rooms of Atalante hotel**** have a balcony or terrace providing views over the sea or vineyards. They are equipped with free Wifi Internet access, and some of them are equipped with air-conditioning.


Buffet breakfast served every day. Its restaurant serves French cuisine in its dining-room overlooking the sea. You can also enjoy a cocktail on the terrace in good weather.


You will have an unlimited access to the hydro-marine area with its sauna, hammam and heated seawater swimming-pool. You can also relax in the lounge with its library.


Atalande reception desk, bike hire services are open 24 hours a day. A free private car-park is available on site. The town centre of La Rochelle is only 20 minutes by car from the hotel.


The hotel is located on Loop 1 - South. You will find all the facilities and services to welcome cyclists: water jet and brush for washing bikes, possibility to repair your bike with a repair kit, bike rental on site, possibility to check-out the day before departure, breakfast from 7:30 am on request, two food points etc.

Rue Port Notre Dame 17740 Sainte-Marie-de-Ré
Du 14/01/2023 au 12/11/2023
- Infiniment Charentes -
- Infiniment Charentes -
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Townsend Anne - L'Ostreane

Warm, comfortable and very clean, this small village house has its own garden and private parking.


House of 70 sqm, Liviing room (flat screen TV, DVD player, VCR, internet, wifi), open kitchen (oven, microwave, washing machine, dishwasher) 2 bedrooms (1 double bed of 180, 2 singles beds), 1 shower room, 2 separated WC. Electric heating. Garden, yard, barbecue, garden furniture, deckchairs. Possibility to rent linen, cleaning / cleaning, and beds made extra. Linen provided for the bed in 180. Baby equipment at disposal.


Dogs welcome - No cat. Discount on bicycle rental. 4 nights stay minimum.

55 rue des Algues 17940 Rivedoux-Plage
- Infiniment Charentes -
- Infiniment Charentes -
Poi picture
Les Vignes de la Chapelle - The Originals Relais

Enjoy a unique stay in this charming ecological hotel, facing the sea and the vineyards.
Life-size Île de Ré!


Facing the vineyards and sea, located on the south coast of the island, this ecologically charming hotel (1st ecolabelled hotel in the department of Charente-Maritime) looking like a small village offers views of the islands of Aix and Oléron…


Your suite is a small ground-fl oor house accommodating 1 to 4 people with 1 or 2 bedrooms, 1 livingroom,a wooden terrace…


Free swimming-pool, Spa (jacuzzi, sauna, hammam, massages), bicycle… Enjoy yourself, get away from it all… Let you cradle by birdsongs and the melody of waves.


Les Vignes de la Chapelle – the hotel where life is calm and gracious…

5 rue de la Manne 17740 Sainte-Marie-de-Ré
Du 31/03/2023 au 05/11/2023
- Infiniment Charentes -
- Infiniment Charentes -
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Rêve de ré 3 - Toiras

In a calm area, near to the South beach and the center of Rivedoux-Plage, single-storey houses, well equipped, of differents size with private garden, gathered around a securized and heated swimming pool (from May to September).


Open year-round : Holidays - Week-ends : (from the 15th of September to the 15th of June) minimum 2 nights - Chill stay - Accommodation during events in La Rochelle.


Concerned about your tranquility, we will be in touch with the good execution of your stay.


PETS ARE NOT ALLOWED. We don't accept cheques of foreign banks. We don't take in charge bank transfer fees.


FACILITIES :

Heated swimming-pool (from May to September) securized with solarium. Confortable house, equipped kitchen with dishwasher, washing machine, microwave, pyrolysis oven, and full electrical goods.

Bathtub shower in each bathroom.


Free wifi, flat screen TV and phone.


Wide privates gardens with terrace, parasol, barbecue and garden furniture.


Linnen rental and cleaning.

Loan of baby beds and chairs.

Car park inside the residence with automatic portal.

Calm closed area for babies. Place for bicycles.

500 rue de la Fontaine 17940 Rivedoux-Plage
- Infiniment Charentes -
- Infiniment Charentes -
Poi picture
Rêve de ré 4 - Courlis

In a calm area, near to the South beach and the center of Rivedoux-Plage, single-storey houses, well equipped, of differents size with private garden, gathered around a securized and heated swimming pool (from May to September).


Open year-round : Holidays - Week-ends : (from the 15th of September to the 15th of June) minimum 2 nights - Chill stay - Accommodation during events in La Rochelle.


Concerned about your tranquility, we will be in touch with the good execution of your stay.


PETS ARE NOT ALLOWED. We don't accept cheques of foreign banks. We don't take in charge bank transfer fees.


FACILITIES :


Heated swimming-pool (from May to September) securized with solarium. Confortable house, equipped kitchen with dishwasher, washing machine, microwave, pyrolysis oven, and full electrical goods. Bathtub shower in each bathroom.


Free wifi, flat screen TV and phone.

Wide privates gardens with terrace, parasol, barbecue and garden furniture.


Linnen rental and cleaning.

Loan of baby beds and chairs.

Car park inside the residence with automatic portal.

Calm closed area for babies.

Place for bicycles.

500 rue de la Fontaine 17940 Rivedoux-Plage
- Infiniment Charentes -
- Infiniment Charentes -
Poi picture
Rêve de ré 2 - Sterne

In a calm area, near to the South beach and the center of Rivedoux-Plage, single-storey houses, well equipped, of differents size with private garden, gathered around a securized and heated swimming pool (from May to September).


Open year-round : Holidays - Week-ends : (from the 15th of September to the 15th of June) minimum 2 nights - Chill stay - Accommodation during events in La Rochelle.


Concerned about your tranquility, we will be in touch with the good execution of your stay.


PETS ARE NOT ALLOWED. We don't accept cheques of foreign banks. We don't take in charge bank transfer fees.


FACILITIES :

Heated swimming-pool (from May to September) securized with solarium. Confortable house, equipped kitchen with dishwasher, washing machine, microwave, pyrolysis oven, and full electrical goods. Bathtub shower in each bathroom.


Free wifi, flat screen TV and phone.


Wide privates gardens with terrace, parasol, barbecue and garden furniture.


Linnen rental and cleaning.

Loan of baby beds and chairs.

Car park inside the residence with automatic portal.

Calm closed area for babies.

Place for bicycles.

500 rue de la Fontaine 17940 Rivedoux-Plage
- Infiniment Charentes -
- Infiniment Charentes -