Vieux port de la Rochelle

Three days… in La Rochelle

Looking out over the ocean La Rochelle is a sunny, lively and welcoming place. I took a few days out to discover one of the most beautiful towns along the Atlantic Coast.

Day 1

1 - The La Rochelle Towers

I start by having a coffee in the Old Port before we begin our tour by visiting one of the three Towers. It's great to start off with this fantastic view of the town. At the foot of the Chaîne Tower, we board a ferry (€1) for a quick ride on the water between the two towers. Then it's on to the Gabut quarter of town.

Full rate: €9; free for under 26 years. www.tours-la-rochelle.fr

2 - The Gabut

The former fishermen's district, the Gabut with its colourful wooden houses, reminds us that the town used to be an important trading partner with Scandinavian countries. Today the district is a favourite playground for graffiti artists. On the walls of a derelict factory you'll see an explosion of colour and true works of art. The Gabut is surrounded by two wharves, perfect for a terrace lunch.

3 - The Saint-Nicolas district

I continue my dawdling through another district with a maritime past. Small village within the town, and home to designer boutiques, thrift shops, art galleries, booksellers and second-hand book stalls, today the area is a great place for strolling and shopping. Head to the beautiful terraces on the place de la Solette to relax in the shade. And make sure you stop at the bar La Guignette, favourite haunt of the local youngsters, before you leave. Former rallying point for sailors, the place has managed to hold on to all its charm and authenticity.

La Guignette, 8 Rue Saint-Nicolas. Tel.: +33 (0)5 46 41 05 75.

La rochelle Terrasse Port

Day 2

1 - The Maritime Museum

On a family trip, a visit to the Aquarium is a must. But today I feel like a cultural visit to the Maritime Museum. Situated at the end of the trawlers dock, it stands out with its colourful spinnakers and invites you to see the “La Rochelle, born of the sea” exhibition, which completes the visit of floating vessels. I continue the river theme by stopping for lunch at France 1. From the ship's deck, I savour simple cuisine served with a smile.

Aquarium. Adult: €17,5. Children aged 3 to 17: €12,5. Free for the under 3's.
www.aquarium-larochelle.com
Maritime Museum. Adult: €8. Aged 4 to 18: free. www.museemaritimelarochelIe.fr

Be smart. During the summer you can get reduced rate morning and evening tickets to visit the La Rochelle Aquarium.

2 - A walk around town

Then I set off to discover the town and take a stroll through its famous arcades. From the rue de l’Escale to the rue du Minage, lift your eyes to see the beautiful timber-framed houses and splendid residences that belonged to former ship owners. On the way, you'll find plenty of places to visit such as the Saint Louis Cathedral, the Natural History Museum or the New World Museum with its majestic statue by Senegalese sculptor Ousmane Sow displayed in the courtyard.

In the evening, I make sure I take a look at what's on at the Coursive, a National Theatre reputed for its outstanding skylights. Some of the Francofolies concerts take place here!

Day 3

1 - The Bunker

Hidden away in the former market district is a strange building: a Bunker. Headquarters of the Admiral and his U-boat commanders during the Second World War, it was built on the quiet in 1941. Kept intact since the Liberation, it's an invitation to discover the story of La Rochelle between 1939 and 1945. Kids will enjoy solving the puzzles and other games.

Adults: €7.50, children aged 5 to 12: €5.50. Tel.: +33 (0)5.46.42.52.89.

2 - The Market

Set in the 19th century market halls, today's market in La Rochelle
amazes me with its smells, colours, atmosphere and fish displays. On the main market days, Wednesday and Saturday, the stalls overflow into the surrounding streets, a real treat.

Central market, open everyday until 1.30pm.

3 - A trip to the beach and a bike ride

With my basket full, I climb onto my bike and head to the beach for a picnic on the sand. The locals are lucky to have three beaches on hand, the Minimes, la Concurrence and the Chef de la baie. The last, a little bit further out from the town centre, is their favourite. Even better, getting there gives me the chance to take a ride along the sea front. On the way back, I stop off at the Corniche brasserie in Port-Neuf. From the terrace, it gives you probably the best view of the town over the bay.

La Corniche, 2 Boulevard Winston Churchill. Tel.: +33 (0)5 46 43 77 77.

3 jours ... à La Rochelle 

City break atlantique

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Riding stable Le Marais en Selle

In the natural setting of the Yves marsh near Chatellaillon Plage, the equestrian center is situated in a natural setting and has all the facilities required for horse riding.
Boarding: pasture and stalls.
Supervision by qualified ATE-BE professionals.

RN 137 Le Marouillet 17340 Yves
- Infiniment Charentes -
- Infiniment Charentes -
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Equestrian Center Le Marais en Selle

The Marais en Selle equestrian centre offers you a wide range of activities all year round in a friendly and family atmosphere in a natural and protected setting.
The equestrian centre offers supervision by ATE-BE qualified professionals.

Activities :

> Horse and pony lessons supervised by BEES 1 (from 4 years old)
Rides (beach, marshes, carriage or in hand for the youngest)
> Weddings
Transportation
Breaking-in
> Passing of the federal exams of G1 and G7
Training and competitions
Sales of ponies and horses
Boarding : box, paddock or meadow
Animations (birthday, shop opening...)
Shows

RN 137 Le Marouillet 17340 Yves
- Infiniment Charentes -
- Infiniment Charentes -
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La Marouillette

Welcome to La Marouillette, in a peaceful setting just 5 minutes from Châtelaillon-Plage and Fouras. Neighboring an equestrian center and bordered by a stream, it's close to the seaside, the Marais d'Yves nature reserve and a golf course.
This 105 m2 house, surrounded by a garden, has a sheltered terrace, a spacious living room, a fully equipped kitchen, 2 bedrooms, a bathroom and an office. The first bedroom, which opens onto the terrace, has a double bed (160cm) and a large closet, while the second has 2 single beds (90cm) and a closet. Concierge services: - On request and at a charge (laundry costs), supply of bed linen (beds made up on arrival) and towels.
- Depending on your wishes, and subject to estimate/invoice, your shopping can be done and set up before your arrival, as well as other services relating to the preparation of your stay. The concierge service will welcome you on arrival, scheduled from 4:00 pm, departure before 10:00 am.

7 rue des Cigognes 17340 Yves
- Infiniment Charentes -
- Infiniment Charentes -
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Le jour de la nuit 2023

"Junior Safari"


Especially for children (6-10 years old), nature discovery activities. A playful approach to the fauna and flora of the Marais d'Yves Nature Reserve.
"Junior Safari" "Plume d'ornitho": the birds are famous in the reserve, we will discover them through a story, with a collective game and through the spyglass!

17340 Yves
- Infiniment Charentes -
- Infiniment Charentes -
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Yves Marsh National Nature Reserve

The Yves Marsh Nature Reserve is a site where it is particularly easy to approach nature.

Guided tours are offered all year round to discover birds, plants, insects and landscapes of rare beauty.
Muddy foreshore, dry dunes and pannes, marshes and reedbeds, wet meadows, tamarisk hedges, copses and thickets... A beautiful mosaic of environments has been created. On this small corner of the coast, it is home to a multitude of animal and plant species, some of which are very rare.

This area was still underwater in Roman times. Clayey sediments, dune strips and pebbles cut it off from the ocean for good around the year 1000.

Man was quick to exploit the sand. This led to the creation of ditches and depressions. The water table, which has since come to the surface, has created freshwater areas that complement the brackish lagoon, which is sometimes still flooded by storms.

Aire de la baie d'Yves 17340 Yves
- Infiniment Charentes -
- Infiniment Charentes -
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Gonçalves Thierry - Lavande

For a vacation with an ocean view, choose to spend time on one of the terraces or in the garden - the choice is yours, the sea view is guaranteed.
This modern 90 m² house offers exceptional views over the islands and breathtaking sunsets. Spread over two levels, the original layout of this house offers space for everyone. Enjoy your meals and leisure activities in the enclosed garden, and relax in the garden furniture, under the bioclimatic pergola or on the upstairs terrace. The spacious, light-filled living room is ideal for family get-togethers, with its bay window opening onto the outdoors. Gather around the table and take advantage of the open kitchen for impromptu culinary workshops. You're right in the heart of the oyster-farming district, so it's a great opportunity to try out the local produce. Ideal for 6 people, you have two bedrooms on the ground floor, a master bedroom and a bedroom with two bunk beds. For your convenience, the house has a shower room on each floor. Climb the stairs to discover the first floor, where you'll be greeted by a relaxing lounge before accessing the master suite and its private shower room, not forgetting the terrace and its exceptional view. Leave with peace of mind, with two parking spaces available in the courtyard, either on foot or by bike. On the practical side, travel light: baby equipment is already at your disposal. Share your experiences with friends and family and plan your expeditions using the WIFI connection available on request.

28 rue du Port 17340 Châtelaillon-Plage
- Infiniment Charentes -
- Infiniment Charentes -