Planning a Trip to La Rochelle? Here’s What the Brochures Forget to Mention
If you love a bit of history mixed with wonderful seafood and spectacular views of the ocean, you’ll love La Rochelle in southwest France.
Located in the Charente Maritime, La Rochelle is the gateway to the French Atlantic. Its harbor is famous for great seafood, beautiful scenery, and, of course, the legendary Knights Templar, who had a base at this port.
History oozes from every part of this historic town, and the three towers are a constant reminder of the fierce battles that have been fought over the centuries.
It’s my favorite place to bring visitors when they come to stay, but like any town, there are some places to add to your list and some that should stay off it.
So let’s dive in and discover everything there is to know about this seaside town ready for your trip.
Take a Private Walking Tour of La Rochelle
Don’t miss out on any of what La Rochelle has to offer. Immerse yourself in the history and culture, and fully customize your experience.
Guides speak English, French & Spanish.
Listen To My Podcast Episode on La Rochelle
Is La Rochelle worth visiting?
Yes, La Rochelle is definitely worth visiting. Its charm draws you in from the minute you set foot on its pavements.
While the harbor with all its cafés and restaurants is a real drawcard, the market and the narrow streets in the town are also worth a visit.
They’re just filled with quaint shops, old arcades, and so much to feast your eyes on.
One of our visits with some friends coincided with Fête de la Musique (World Music Day). It was wonderful, as live music played everywhere, and the place was just buzzing.
It also has an eventful history with a beautiful Old Port whose towers once served as a defense against invaders.
It was said that the Knights Templar had a significant presence in La Rochelle during the Middle Ages. It was here that they disappeared, never to be seen again, on the eve of the call for their arrest in France.
Founded in the 12th century to protect pilgrims traveling to the Holy Land, these Christian knights helped to establish the port as a major center of trade and commerce.
They were also responsible for fortifying the city by building watchtowers and gatehouses around it.
Apparently, it was their largest base in the Atlantic, where they had their main fleet.
12 La Rochelle Attractions To Add To Your List
If you only have a few days in La Rochelle, there are 12 places worth adding to your bucket list.
No. 1 – Take a Private Walking Tour
I’ve done one of these before, and they’re fantastic if you want to explore La Rochelle’s history more deeply.
The guides knew their stuff, and I loved that they customized the tour to our interests. Hearing about the little stories, myths, and legends was fascinating.
We also learned that La Rochelle was known as “La Ville Blanche” (the white city). The tour lasted approximately two hours and was a great way to learn about the city’s history and culture.
No. 2 – Explore the Old Port | Vieux-Port
La Rochelle’s Old Port is the heart of the city and a must-visit for anyone visiting for the first time. It’s a wonderfully lively harbor surrounded by colorful buildings lined with restaurants, cafes, and shops.
Take a stroll along the harbor as I did in the picture above. Watch the boats come and go, or sit down for a coffee or cocktail and enjoy the views.
No. 3 – The 3 Towers of La Rochelle
The three medieval towers that guard the entrance to Vieux Port (the Old Port) are iconic.
The largest of these, the Saint Nicolas Tower, is open to the public and offers fantastic views over the city and the harbor.
It served as a prison and was a center of resistance during the French Revolution. Tour de la Chaîne (Chain Tower) was the next one to be built between 1382 and 1390.
It derived its name from the big chain that had to be winched up to let the boats in and out.
Finally, La Tour de la Lanterne (Lantern Tower) is the last lighthouse on the Atlantic Coast. Dating back to the end of the 17th century, it once served as a prison.
If you do nothing else while in La Rochelle, you need to climb at least one of these towers.
The views are spectacular, and they will give you a perspective on why they were needed. Tickets are €9.50 and include all three towers.
No. 4 – Walk the Ramparts for Panoramic Views
Most old cities needed protection from enemies, and La Rochelle was no exception.
The walls that once surrounded the city to keep invaders out now offer a beautiful walking path with panoramic views over the harbor and the surrounding countryside.
Walking along the ramparts is the perfect way to soak up the atmosphere of this historic city.
No. 5 – Visit the Maritime Museum
This fascinating museum is housed in a restored 18th-century shipyard, which is very cool.
It features exhibits on the history of the city’s port, its shipbuilding traditions, and maritime commerce.
There are also interactive exhibits for kids, making it a great family activity.
📍 Address: Place Bernard Moitessier, 17000, La Rochelle | 🌐 Official Website
No. 6 – Visit La Rochelle’s Central Market (Marché Central)
Housed in a beautiful 19th-century building, it’s a bustling hub of activity and the perfect place to pick up some fresh produce, artisanal goods, and local specialties.
The food market is held daily, and the general market is on Wednesday and Saturday. You’ll find everything from fresh seafood and cheese to artisanal soaps and candles at the food market.
And remember, markets are a way of life here in France.
No. 7 – Take a Boat Trip Around the Coastline
La Rochelle is perfectly positioned for you to get out on the water and enjoy the stunning coastline, all 280 miles of it, with its idyllic beaches.
Surrounded by picturesque islands and inlets, a boat trip is the perfect way to explore.
The options are endless, whether you want to go whale watching, visit the Île de Ré, or just enjoy a leisurely cruise. You can even sail around the Napoleonic Fort Boyard.
Built in the 1800s, it once housed 250 soldiers. Now, it’s a popular shooting location for movies and TV shows.
My favorite way to explore and enjoy ocean views is on a Catamaran Cruise. We went on a fantastic 2.5-hour cruise, which we loved.
No. 8 – Visit Saint Louis Cathedral
La Rochelle’s Saint Louis Cathedral is a beautiful Gothic church that dates back to the 13th century.
The cathedral is renowned for its intricate architecture, and its stained-glass windows are particularly stunning.
I always find it so peaceful walking into cathedrals like this.
Something about them makes me sit and reflect, although the history behind many of them is anything but peaceful.
📍 Address: Pl. de Verdun, 17000 La Rochelle
No 9 – The Bunker La Rochelle
This one isn’t for everyone, but having studied both World Wars at school for my A levels, I’ve always been fascinated.
The bunker, built by the German army during the occupation of France, served as a lookout and a defence point.
Today, as a museum, it offers visitors a glimpse into the history of the Atlantic Wall and the role it played in the defence of Nazi-occupied Europe.
As well as visiting the museum in person, you can also get a 24-hour pass for their virtual tour.
📍 Address: 8, rue des Dames 17000 La Rochelle | 🌐 Official Website
Things to do with kids in La Rochelle
Pretty much everything listed above is child-friendly, but here are a few added extras they’ll really enjoy.
No 10 – La Grande Roue
I’ve always been a sucker for a Ferris wheel, and this giant wheel gives you panoramic views over La Rochelle.
Normally, it will take you around three times to make sure you don’t miss anything. It’s a great thing to do together as a family, and at only €5 per person, it isn’t going to break the bank.
No. 11 – Take a trip to the La Rochelle Aquarium
Open all year round, this is a great one for adults and kids. It’s one of the largest aquariums in Europe and features a diverse collection of marine animals, including sharks, rays, penguins, and seabirds.
Several large tanks and exhibits, including a tropical lagoon, a Mediterranean basin, and an oceanic reef, showcase the different habitats of marine life.
📍 Address: Quai Louis Prunier – BP 4 – 17002 La Rochelle | 🌐 Official Website
No 12 – Palmilud Aquatic Centre
Where to stay in La Rochelle
Every time I’ve visited La Rochelle, we’ve stayed somewhere different. From hotels to bed and breakfasts, there is something for everyone.
I’m not one for chain hotels, and I love finding something small and boutique-like. But with that usually comes a price tag, too.
Maison des Ambassadeurs
One of my favorite hotels was definitely the Maison des Ambassadeurs.
It’s located in the centre and only a short walk from the harbor, which was great from a location point of view. Everything was within easy reach.
I loved the feeling you got when you walked through the rooms; it was almost like walking into someone’s living room. Our room was huge, and apparently, both Gérard Depardieu and Audrey Tautou slept there, too.
There is no restaurant on site, which I found odd, but they offer breakfast.
Hôtel De La Monnaie
Hôtel De La Monnaie Art & Spa is another great place to stay. It is set in an old 17th-century building and overlooks the old harbor.
It’s a favorite with many of the musicians who participate in the Francofolies Music Festival due to its “almost” backstage access. The original decor has been replaced with modern art and has a very contemporary feel.
Part of me wishes it had stayed true to its roots as a 17th-century Royal Mint. But then, I’m a sucker for history and sticking with the original style of a building.
Hôtel & Spa du Château
If you’re like me and can’t resist a château, you’ll love the Hôtel & Spa du Château.
About ten minutes from La Rochelle, it’s set in a beautiful parkland surrounded by one-hundred-year-old cedar trees. It’s like stepping into another world.
And it doesn’t stop there; it has a bit of a chequered past, too. During World War II, this 19th-century château was a German headquarters, and before that, it was also the family property of a Cognac house.
There is also an indoor pool and spa, which redefines the word tranquil, as it is located away from the hustle and bustle of La Rochelle.
The best restaurants in La Rochelle
Located on the Bay of Biscay, it’s not surprising that fresh fish is available in pretty much every restaurant.
Most tourists head straight for the Old Port to eat as they’re looking for food with a view.
However, if you’re looking for a less touristy place to eat, I suggest heading to Saint-Nicolas, a former fishing district.
The pretty streets come alive in the evening and are full of fabulous cafés, restaurants, and wine bars.
Prao at No 10
One place we were recommended to try was Prao at No. 10, which is known for sourcing local products. They also have a good veggie selection, but Hubby was not interested.
It had a bit of a hipster vibe, with high ceilings and funky lights, but I have to say the food was excellent.
📍 Address: 10 Rue Saint-Nicolas, 17000 La Rochelle | 🌐 Make a Booking >>>
La Cave de la Guignette
If you want to hang out with the locals, go to La Cave de la Guignette.
This is a bit of a La Rochelle institution. Every evening, the locals gather for a glass or two of La Guignette Rouge, a specialty drink of the Charente Maritime.
Be warned, though, it closes at 9 pm, so make sure you don’t arrive late.
📍 Address: 8 Rue Saint-Nicolas, 17000 La Rochelle | 🌐 Make a Booking >>>
Rue St-Jean-du-Pérot is lined with great restaurants and is known as the food street by locals. It’s pretty much pedestrianized and just off the Old Port in the center.
You’ll be spoilt for choice, and it’s hard to know where to stop, as everything looks great and the atmosphere is fantastic.
Which are the best beaches in La Rochelle
La Rochelle is known for its fabulous sandy white beaches and beautiful coastline.
There are certainly plenty to choose from both in and around La Rochelle, so I’m giving you the top three on my list.
No 1 – Plage de Châtelaillon
This is a wonderful place to go as it never seems to be too busy, but has miles of beautiful beaches that seem to go on forever.
For us, it’s on the way home to the Charente and only a slight detour off the main road, so driving south out of La Rochelle.
There’s a lovely promenade to walk along and some great beach cafes to stop at and have a drink and a bite to eat.
If you’re there in early summer, there is the Wind and Kite Festival, and everywhere you look is filled with color and kites flying high. It’s quite a sight to see.
No 2 – Plage Chef de Baie
Just 15 minutes from the center of La Rochelle, this beach is easy to get to. It has various restaurants to choose from when you tire of sitting on the beach.
There is also a grassy area if you’re not keen on getting sand everywhere.
I admit I’m not a lover of sitting on the sand, but this is a great option.
You’re also quite sheltered by the big boulders that protect the beach from the wind.
No 3 – Plage de la Conche des Baleines, Île de Ré
Île de Ré is a small island connected to La Rochelle by a bridge. It’s home to lots of hidden coves and protected wetlands.
Plage de la Conche des Baleines is its most famous beach, thanks to its dunes and natural pine forest. It is located in the fishing village of Saint-Clément-des-Baleines.
Major Events in La Rochelle
La Rochelle is home to many great events, from sports to music. There is always something to add to your calendar.
For a full list of music festivals in the Nouvelle Aquitaine, click here >>>
Francofolies Music Festival
For those who love live music, this popular music festival attracts thousands of visitors every year. It started in 1985 and is now a five-day event featuring French acts across a diverse range of styles.
La Rochelle Jazz Festival
Created in 1998, it was known as Jazz Entre Les Deux Tours. It’s usually held in early October each year.
Taking place over three days, it welcomes musicians from all walks of life and of international, national, or regional reputations.
Find out dates and info here >>>
La Rochelle Under the Stars
Since 2021, the City has been working with local players to offer an event program. It runs throughout the summer to try to revitalize La Rochelle’s nightlife.
When is the best time to go to La Rochelle?
I’d happily visit any time of year, but the best time is definitely in Spring and Summer. With a massive 2,600 hours of sunshine a year, you may as well avoid the winter months if possible.
Besides, there’s nothing better than watching the sun set over the Atlantic with a glass of something in your hand. It’s really rather magical and something you don’t want to miss.
But apart from the fact that the weather is better during those seasons, there’s also more to do. Many places in France come to a standstill in January and February.
In some cases, there are quite literally no restaurants or cafés open at all.
The French tend to hibernate in the winter, staying out of the cold. And who can blame them? Personally, I love to escape the winter for a few weeks in January and go somewhere warm.
I’m not a fan of the cold, and there’s only so much Netflix I can watch before I go mad.
The bottom line is that it’s hard to appreciate all that La Rochelle has to offer if your teeth are chattering or it’s pouring with rain. June is my favourite month to visit as it’s just before the school holidays, and the weather is fabulous.
But a trip in September can also be spectacular with all those Autumn colors.
How to get around La Rochelle
La Rochelle is a city that wants you to walk its streets and get up close and personal with what’s on offer.
Many of the streets are quite narrow, so if you’re driving, I suggest parking, ditching the car, and taking to the streets on foot.
In fact, La Rochelle actively encourages you to leave your car at home when it celebrates World Car Free Day every year on September 22nd.
They’re a pioneer in car-free programs and continue to offer more opportunities to explore the city in other ways.
One of these is cycling. I love cycling and have a gorgeous vintage blue bike complete with a wicker basket at home. I often use it in the summer, cycling around the Charente with my hubby.
I haven’t cycled around La Rochelle yet, but it’s on the list for next time we visit.
They have a great program for renting bikes, which they launched in 1976 called Vélos Jaunes. Now, going by the name of Vélos, you can rent a bike for a day and see the city on two wheels.
How to get to La Rochelle
By Air
If you’re flying from the UK or Europe, you can fly directly into Aereoport La Rochelle-Ile de Ré. It’s about a 15-minute drive, so it’s not far.
By Train
If you’re living in France or staying there, I’d recommend getting the train to Gare de La Rochelle. There are direct trains from Bordeaux and Paris, and both take around 2.5 hours.
The La Rochelle Tourism Website is also a wealth of information for anything else you might need.
By Car
If you’re driving from Paris, take the A10 Autoroute, known as the “Aquitaine Autoroute.”
It’s a straight drive, taking approximately 4-5 hours. From Bordeaux, the A837 and the N137 are your best bet, offering a shorter journey of around 2 hours.
FAQS The Main Attractions in La Rochelle
How do you spend a day in La Rochelle?
A day in La Rochelle can be spent exploring its historic port, the Vieux Port, and strolling through the old town’s cobbled streets. Visitors often tour the three medieval towers guarding the port, visit the modern aquarium, and enjoy local seafood at a seaside café. The city is compact, making it easy to see its main attractions in a single day.
What does La Rochelle offer to tourists?
La Rochelle offers a rich array of experiences for tourists. From the historic charm of the Vieux Port, with its legendary towers and stunning seaside views, to the Renaissance architecture along Rue du Palais and a wealth of local museums, there’s a vast tapestry of history to explore. And, of course, boat rides to the nearby islands of Ré, Aix, or Oléron.
Why is La Rochelle famous?
La Rochelle is famous for its well-preserved history and architecture, including the iconic medieval towers that once protected its port. It’s also known for its maritime heritage, having been one of the most important harbors in France during the Age of Sail. Additionally, La Rochelle hosts several high-profile events like the Francofolies music festival.
Is La Rochelle walkable?
Yes, La Rochelle is highly walkable. The city centre is compact and pedestrian-friendly, and most major attractions, such as the historic port, museums, and shopping areas, are easily accessible on foot. Public transportation and bike rentals are also available for exploring further afield.
Final Thoughts: Visiting La Rochelle
If you love history, culture, seafood, and the Atlantic Coast, then visiting La Rochelle is a no-brainer. It’s a beautiful part of the Charente Maritime, and the oysters are to die for.
If you have time, I highly recommend visiting the two islands of Île de Ré and Île d’Oléron to see how oyster and salt production started and to taste oysters fresh from the sea.
And, another favourite of mine is Royan, filled with 50s architecture and Belle Epoque Villas.
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