Explore La Rochelle
and Ile de Ré
Must-see sites in La Rochelle
The city of La Rochelle is a must-see, not only for its rich historical and urban heritage, but also for its philosophy of life.
In fact, this coastal town of 75,000 inhabitants is a pioneer in many areas, particularly in terms of the environment and sustainable development (“perimeter safeguarded” to protect the architecture of its town center since 1971, self-service bicycles, a car-free day in September since 1996, the first electric cars available to local residents since 1999, electric buses and bus boats, the European Blue Flag for the Minimes marina…).
La Rochelle is a great place to live!
Family and cultural visits in La Rochelle
Remains of medieval fortifications, The towers of La Rochelle are the emblem of the city. Protecting the entrance to the Old Port, La Tour Saint-Nicolas, La Tour de la Chaîne and La Tour de La Lanterne have stood the test of time, and their time-polished stones tell the story of their history. The Chemin de Ronde offers exceptional views over the town and the ocean, a breathtaking panorama that takes us back into French history when we see the red beacon, known as the Richelieu beacon, which marks the spot where Cardinal de Richelieu had the dike built during the Great Siege.
Just a few hundred meters away, pass under the Grosse Horloge, the former gateway to the walls that separated the port from the city, to discover the cobblestone shopping streets. As you stroll along, you may come across the Saint-Louis cathedral, the church of Saint Sauveur, or stroll down the aisles of the marché sous Les Halles du XIXᵉ with its fresh fruit and vegetables, but above all its entire aisle dedicated to seafood: sea bass, cuttlefish, sardines, shrimps, oysters and mussels… Fishmongers, oyster farmers and mussel farmers have been welcoming and advising you with passion for several generations in some cases.
L’Aquarium de La Rochelle is a must-visit site for your Charente-Maritime getaway. A true voyage of discovery for young and old alike, this scenographic space is dedicated to the study and protection of our oceans’ flora and fauna. It’s a 2-hour journey to understand and dream about the sea, in the midst of over 600 species, each more beautiful than the last (sharks, turtles, jellyfish, piranha, seahorses… and hundreds of exotic fish from the seas and oceans). The Aquarium is open 365 days a year, April/June/September from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., July and August from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., October to March from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Visit Musée Maritime de La Rochelle is both an open-air site and an indoor exhibition area. Alongside the France 1 meteorological frigate, the museum’s emblem, the Angoumois illustrates the industrial fishing era, and the Saint-Gilles, the special features of tugs.
Just a stone’s throw away, the Joshua (Bernard Moitessier’s legendary sailboat), the Manuel-Joël, the Capitaine de Frégate Leverger (SNSM dinghy) and exceptional private classic yachts offer visitors a unique maritime experience. The permanent exhibition “La Rochelle née de la mer” (La Rochelle born from the sea), the magnificent collection of “Petite Plaisance” boats (and soon a major exhibition on the climate) support the city’s deep connection with the sea.
With a visit to the Bunkerplunge a few decades back in time to the Second World War. Tucked away in the heart of the city, hidden among the houses and shops, this underground base, headquarters of the U-Boat officers, immerses us in the daily life of the military. Untouched for 70 years, it is brimming with realism andauthenticity , retracing history with great emotion. Take a 280 m² tour through this labyrinth of rooms and find yourself immersed in La Rochelle at the height of the Occupation from 1939 to 1945!
Located in the heart of downtown La Rochelle, the Natural History Museum offers an unexpected experience! A scientific institution with the “Musée de France” label, this place of conservation, presentation and exchange of knowledge has been in existence for two centuries. Its 2,500 m² of exhibition space on 5 levels offer a fabulous journey to the heart of our natural and cultural heritage, with no fewer than 10,000 objects from naturalist and ethnographic collections assembled since the 18th century. With its modern, interactive museography, it captivates young and old alike to discover the biodiversity of natural environments and the cultural diversity of the populations of Africa, America and Oceania.
Whether you’re an enthusiast or not, you’re bound to fall under the spell of the collections at the Museum of Automata and Scale Models. With its two vast exhibition halls covering more than 1800m², it houses more than 300 moving figures: antique and contemporary automata, animated display cases, historical scenes… to delight the whole family! A recreation of the “Montmartre” district, where painters and musicians come to life in a 1900s atmosphere, featuring numerous reproductions: automobiles, vintage boats, electric trains, sound and light shows… Your eyes will never tire of this miniature universe where every detail is a source of wonder.
In addition to all its sights, La Rochelle is also the scene of many major events: The Francofolies de La Rochelle music festival (July), the Grand Pavois (Europe’s 1ᵉʳ largest boat show, held in September), the international adventure film festival (in November), the international film festival (early summer), renowned yacht races, a highly acclaimed marathon (the 2ᵉ marathon in France after the Paris marathon)…For fans of the oval ball, come and enjoy the thrills in the stands of the Stade Rochelais. Playing in the Top 14 since the 2104-2015 season, the Jaune et noir are the pride of the département and the region. Take advantage of your stay to applaud this flagship club of French rugby.
A day on the Ile de Ré
L’île de Ré is worth a visit if you’re passing through the Charente-Maritime region. Situated between the Pertuis d’Antioche and the Pertuis Breton, it can be reached from La Rochelle via a paying bridge almost 3 km long. Also worth a visit are La Flotte, which has been awarded the “Villages de pierres et d’eau” label, Saint-Martin en Ré and its historic heritage, the emblematic Baleines lighthouse, Loix and its salt marshes, La Couarde-sur-Mer and its unspoilt beaches, Les Portes-en-Ré and its nature reserve…
With a surface area of 85 km², it offers a wide range of activities: hiking and biking (over 110 km of cycle paths), water sports (sailing and fishing, surfing, paddle, jet ski, catamaran, windsurfing, canoeing…), three thalassotherapy centers, numerous local businesses to visit, markets and surprising walks through the narrow streets of the villages. Whether you’re lazing on the beach or sitting on the terrace in front of a café in the port, you’ll never tire of the atmosphere that reigns on this island so close to Oleron, yet so different…
Practical information for your visit to La Rochelle and Ile de Ré
How do I get to La Rochelle from the Les Flots-Atlantique campsite on the Ile d’Oléron?
By sea: sea link from Boyardville (passing Fort Boyard), arriving at the foot of the La Rochelle Towers, a stone’s throw from the harbor. Crossing time: 50 minutes. See Oleron/La Rochelle shuttle timetable
By road: about 1 h 30, take the viaduct, follow signs for Rochefort/La Rochelle
How do I get to the Ile de Ré from Les Flots-Atlantique?
By sea: Departure for the Ile de Ré by river shuttle from La Rochelle’s Vieux Port (arrival at Saint-Martin-de-Ré).
By road: approx. 1 h 30, take the viaduct, follow signs for Rochefort/La Rochelle, then bypass La Rochelle, following signs for Ile de Ré. A fee is charged for access to the island. rates depending on the season.
To find out more about La Rochelle and the surrounding area, visit the website of the La Rochelle tourist office.
