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

RELATED
ARTICLES 

That afternoon was a very hot one for a family visit to La Rochelle, so when we passed in front of the Aquarium on our...

Driven by the desire to experience travel a different way, one that is closer to nature, Vanessa Lecaille set off on an...

Twice a week, the heart of the medieval town buzzes with colourful stalls overflowing with local produce and tales of...

The elegant city of Bordeaux has undergone a massive regeneration programme and the capital of New Aquitaine now has...

She knows precisely where to find the best cheesecake, and where to sniff out new furniture. Pauline Masgnaux, author of...

Jean-François Gleyze uses his pencils to capture the essence of the towns and cities he passes through, sketchbook...

RELATED
ARTICLES 

That afternoon was a very hot one for a family visit to La Rochelle, so when we passed in front of the Aquarium on our...

Driven by the desire to experience travel a different way, one that is closer to nature, Vanessa Lecaille set off on an...

Twice a week, the heart of the medieval town buzzes with colourful stalls overflowing with local produce and tales of...

The elegant city of Bordeaux has undergone a massive regeneration programme and the capital of New Aquitaine now has...

She knows precisely where to find the best cheesecake, and where to sniff out new furniture. Pauline Masgnaux, author of...

Jean-François Gleyze uses his pencils to capture the essence of the towns and cities he passes through, sketchbook...

My address book 

Select background map
PLAN IGN
PLAN IGN
PHOTOS AERIENNES / IGN
PHOTOS AERIENNES / IGN
CARTES MULTI-ECHELLES / IGN
CARTES MULTI-ECHELLES / IGN
TOP 25 IGN
TOP 25 IGN
CARTES DES PENTES
CARTES DES PENTES
PARCELLES CADASTRALES
PARCELLES CADASTRALES
CARTES AÉRONAUTIQUES OACI
CARTES AÉRONAUTIQUES OACI
CARTES 1950 / IGN
CARTES 1950 / IGN
CARTE DE L'ETAT-MAJOR (1820-1866)
CARTE DE L'ETAT-MAJOR (1820-1866)
CARTES LITTORALES / SHOM/IGN
CARTES LITTORALES / SHOM/IGN
SCAN EXPRESS STANDARD / IGN
SCAN EXPRESS STANDARD / IGN
SCAN EXPRESS CLASSIQUE / IGN
SCAN EXPRESS CLASSIQUE / IGN
OPEN STREET MAP
OPEN STREET MAP
GOOGLE MAP - SATELLITE
GOOGLE MAP - SATELLITE
GOOGLE MAP - PLAN
GOOGLE MAP - PLAN
GOOGLE MAP - HYBRIDE
GOOGLE MAP - HYBRIDE
IGN BELGIQUE
IGN BELGIQUE
Poi picture
L'Air Marin Hotel

The team of the hotel restaurant l'Air marin welcomes you all year long in a family atmosphere.
Come and enjoy one of our renovated, air-conditioned rooms, our restaurant and our pool.

2 Rue du maquis de Bir Hakeim 17340 Yves
Du 08/04/2023 au 05/11/2023
- Infiniment Charentes -
- Infiniment Charentes -
Poi picture
Bed and breakfast 7 people - Ferme de la Platière

In a renovated 19th century farmhouse, on a wooded property of 1500m2 with a small pond, 3 independent guest rooms, arranged in the owners' house.
Room "Iris" of 18 m², on the ground floor equipped with a bed 140, a fireplace and a shower-room and WC. On the first floor, two bedrooms: "Roseau" bedroom of 20 m² with a bed 140 and a sofa bed 120 as well as a shower room and WC. Bedroom "Nénuphar" of 23 m² : 1 bed 140 with a sitting area and a shower room. Take advantage of the living room / dining room common to the guests with a kitchenette with refrigerator at disposal, the large shaded and flowered garden (garden furniture - barbecue) with small pond and parking on the property.

17340 Yves
Du 01/04/2023 au 31/10/2023
- Infiniment Charentes -
- Infiniment Charentes -
Poi picture
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 -
Poi picture
Galerie de l'Alambic

Direct sales: Pineau des Charentes, Cognac, Liqueurs, wines, Le saunier à la fleur de sel, regional products (Caramel, salt)
Come and see how we make our Pineau on the premises during a free visit. From the fermentation cellar via the wine still and to the bottling area, we will show you our skills and then invite you for a tasting Sale of Pineau des Charentes, Cognac, liqueurs, wines, Le Saunier butter with fleur de sel. You can also find some regional specialities in our shop (caramel, salt).


Come and meet us and discover our know-how during a documented visit which will cover

- the production process

- the ageing cellar

- the 1850 still

- bottling

- a gourmet tasting

The visit is free.

Route de Rochefort Les Valines 17450 Fouras-les-Bains
Du 08/04/2023 au 30/09/2023
- Infiniment Charentes -
- Infiniment Charentes -
Circuit picture

Tour : The closed stones

Reaching out to the ocean, the peninsula was a defensive point in the Charente estuary. From this privileged maritime situation, it has been able to draw other assets which today make it a renowned seaside, oyster farming and natural site.
Reaching out to the ocean, the peninsula was a defensive point in the Charente estuary. From this privileged maritime situation, it has been able to draw other assets which today make it a renowned seaside, oyster farming and natural site.

15 km
35m
Very easy
Parking de la halte TER 17450 Saint-Laurent-de-la-Prée
- Infiniment Charentes -
- Infiniment Charentes -
Poi picture
La Rochelle Paintball

A fun outdoor activity in Fouras with your family, or to celebrate a birthday, a stag or hen party, for a team building activity or for a group...
Located 15 minutes from La Rochelle and 10 minutes from Rochefort, the paintball located in Fouras invites you all year round from 8 years old to live this experience of PAINTBALL SOFT with REDUCED IMPACT, fun, much less painful than Airsoft and far from the spirit of war with game equipment for all tastes and launchers of the latest generation light, more accurate and with several power settings. All year round on reservation.

route des Coudrées 17450 Saint-Laurent-de-la-Prée
- Infiniment Charentes -
- Infiniment Charentes -