Rochefort, a town of art and history

Dive into the heart of Rochefort, a jewel of French heritage. Labelled a Town of Art and History, this maritime city invites you to discover its rich architectural, cultural and historical heritage, between land and sea.
Signed in 1987 by Rochefort and the Ministry of Culture, the Ville d'Art et d'Histoire label is awarded to areas that take an active approach to raising awareness of
to heritage, architecture and the living environment.
This is the case for the town of Rochefort, which since the 1970s has been committed to restoring its tangible and intangible heritage, of which the Arsenal des Mers is today the finest example.
finest example. But it's not the only one...
Rochefort, designed and built according to a checkerboard plan, took on its definitive appearance thanks to Michel Bégon, Intendant of the Navy, who organised its reconstruction in ashlar.
stone. Today, you can stroll along the long, wide avenues, discovering exceptional town houses, wrought-iron balconies, sculptures and architectural details from the period.
architectural details of the period, giving the town its royal character.

Rochefort exudes an air of exoticism, travel and adventure, just as it did in the days of the great maritime expeditions, the heritage of which Rochefort has preserved.
The palm trees that line the town and the non-European collections in the Musée Hèbre bear witness to this.
Situated in a large loop of the Charente, the town is set in a marshland landscape that offers nature lovers the chance to get away from it all on foot or by bike along the Charente paths.