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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Yves bay and 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.

17340 Yves
- Infiniment Charentes -
- Infiniment Charentes -
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Lucia al Mare

Just a stone's throw from the village of boucholeurs and 2 steps
from the south beach, in an environment that smells of
Lucia Al Mare offers two double rooms in the owners' house.
in the owners' house.
Upstairs, bedroom with double bed (160cm), sitting area, private bathroom and WC. You can also enjoy the terrace and garden furniture in the shade of the vines. A la carte breakfasts are served on the terrace or in the dining room (fresh bread, pastries, orange juice, homemade jams, yoghurts, etc.). Fresh bottled water is available throughout the day. Trilingual reception (English, Italian and French). Free WI FI. Reservations for 2 nights minimum required.

26 rue du Pertuis Breton 17340 Châtelaillon-Plage
- Infiniment Charentes -
- Infiniment Charentes -
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Chaussumier Annie - Kareta Kareta

In a quiet environment near the port des boucholeurs in Chatelaillon-Plage. "Kareta Kareta" offers 2 guest rooms in the owner's house.
Each bedroom has 1 double bed (140cm), and a bathroom and WC that are independent but shared by both rooms. You can also enjoy the garden lounge. Breakfast is served on the terrace or in the dining room (fresh bread, pastries, orange juice, homemade jams, yoghurts, etc.). Quadrilingual reception (English, Spanish, German and French). Free wifi internet access. Enclosed private parking.

9 avenue de l'Abbé Guichard 17340 Châtelaillon-Plage
- Infiniment Charentes -
- Infiniment Charentes -
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Aquatic Center

Welcome to the Centre Aquatique de Châtelaillon-Plage! Ideal for families and sports enthusiasts with its pools, spa and water games, it offers a wide variety of activities in and around the water all day long.
Just a stone's throw from the ocean and the marina, come and enjoy the facilities of the Centre Aquatique de Châtelaillon-Plage! Open all year round, choose from a long list of activities to suit all tastes and levels.



This summer, children learn to swim! For the little ones, it's time to head for the seaside. Lessons in the beach pool are a fun way to learn. For the older ones, the aquatic center is the place to be! Head for the deep end of the pool, where qualified instructors are on hand to supervise and guide beginners and advanced swimmers alike. Baby swimmers, introduction to lifesaving, advanced swimming lessons - visit the aquatic center website to find out more about the range of sessions available!



After morning swimming lessons, it's time to eat in. Take a seat at the picnic area or discover the food from the food trucks on hand for the summer. After a short break in the shade, it's back to enjoying the outdoor pools and slides. Bubble baths, paddling pool, relaxation pool - it's sure to be a busy afternoon!



For the sporty, there's nothing like an Aquabike class to get the day off to a good start, or perhaps an Aquacombo or Aquacircuit for the more adventurous, not forgetting the weekly aquagym sessions.



The fitness room welcomes all sports enthusiasts equipped with a towel and sportswear! With group classes in gym, fitness or Pilates, light equipment and adapted exercises, there's a session for everyone to work their body, breath and coordination.



And what could be better than a visit to the sauna to relax and recuperate after working out so hard? The wellness area, with its sauna, steam room and sensory showers, can be booked for private use.



Please note that the water play area with its tunnels, jets and water umbrellas, as well as the solarium, are open from APRIL, and that the picnic areas and food trucks are only available during the summer.



Optimized accessibility for all.

7 Rue du Chemin Vert 17340 Châtelaillon-Plage
Du 05/05/2025 au 30/06/2025
- Infiniment Charentes -
- Infiniment Charentes -
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Aqua bike, aquagym and related activities

Come and pedal to the rhythm or work out to the music, supervised by specialist lifeguards, at the Centre Aquatique de Châtelaillon-Plage.
AQUA BIKE

To build stamina and strengthen muscles, aqua bike classes are perfect for anyone looking for a dynamic aquatic activity to the sound of music. Muscle maintenance, cardiovascular work, ideal for shaping your figure, let our specialized lifeguards guide you through a varied and fun-filled program.



AQUAGYM

If you prefer to combine fitness with pleasure, our range of aquagym classes is made for you! Our lifeguards will adapt to your level for an energizing, pain-free activity.



And for the undecided, come and discover the Aqua Combo: a perfect combination of aquagym and aqua bike!



All sessions are available all year round at a cost of 12.50 euros per session. Don't forget to book your place on 05 46 56 44 11.

7 Rue du Chemin Vert 17340 Châtelaillon-Plage
- Infiniment Charentes -
- Infiniment Charentes -
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Chatel Tennis Club

4 hard courts (1 covered), 2 clay courts, 1 clubhouse with changing rooms. Free access to 1 mini tennis court and 1 training wall.

Courses supervised by Nadège Buchi, state-qualified coach, and Ismael Amarouche CQP-ET.
Châtelaillon-Plage tennis school from October to June, registration at the beginning of September (adult group lessons, team training, courses for children aged 5 and over during school vacations).



In July and August, and during school vacations, every morning from Monday to Friday, we run 1.5-hour courses for beginners and advanced players.

In summer, the club also organizes beach tennis tournaments on the beach, open to all.



Rental of 1 court: from 13€.



Welcome offer: 1h free rental for 1h paid, valid only for the 1st visit.

Children's course offer: 10% discount for 2 or more children from the same family enrolled in the same week of the course / or for 1 child enrolled in 2 consecutive weeks of the course: €110 per child's course.

Allée des tennis 17340 Châtelaillon-Plage
- Infiniment Charentes -
- Infiniment Charentes -