Visit La Rochelle

To taste the best local specialties, we recommend heading to the Place du Marché. You can choose to eat locally at a restaurant located in the adjacent streets, or you can also take advantage of the market to buy the specialties you’re craving. You can enjoy them on-site, soaking in the lively atmosphere of La Rochelle, or by the harbor to enjoy the view. For a more traditional experience, the Saint-Nicolas district is perfect for a bite to eat. Located not far from the Old Port, which was once the fishermen’s quarter, you’ll be charmed by the small cobbled streets and the many restaurants that adorn the area.

Choosing where to stay can be tough since the neighborhoods each have their authentic charm. But for a full La Rochelle experience, two neighborhoods stand out. The first is the Gabut district. This quirky neighborhood will remind you of Scandinavian homes with its colorful wooden houses. Several restaurants are nearby, and it’s a lovely place to stroll along the Gabut quays. The second recommended neighborhood is Fétilly. This is a peaceful area with large, beautiful houses. It’s very pleasant, as there are green spaces nearby, like the Charruyer park, perfect for a stroll.

The best eco-friendly way to reach La Rochelle is by train. The SNCF station is located in the city center, making it easy to get to your accommodation. If you’re coming from Paris, the train journey takes around 3 hours, with no connections needed. The Nouvelle-Aquitaine region also offers easy access to La Rochelle, with several TER trains arriving daily. You can also take Ouibus or use the regional road network in Nouvelle-Aquitaine. For long-distance travelers, such as those coming from Strasbourg (950 kilometers away), La Rochelle-Île de Ré Airport is just 5 kilometers from the city center, and shuttle services are available to take you to the historic center.

When visiting La Rochelle, one activity you shouldn’t miss is a trip to Île de Ré. You can access the island via bus line 0003, which takes 45 minutes for just 3 euros. You can visit one of the twelve citadels designed by Vauban, a military architect from the early 18th century. These fortifications in Saint-Martin-de-Ré are classified as UNESCO World Heritage. Another iconic place to visit near La Rochelle is Fort Boyard. Unfortunately, it’s not open to visitors due to its role in the famous TV game show, but you can learn about its history, from its construction to its current use.

As a maritime city, La Rochelle offers many activities related to the Atlantic Ocean. The marine world fascinates both the young and the old! One of the best family-friendly activities is visiting the La Rochelle Aquarium, home to 600 species and 12,000 marine animals. During World War II, La Rochelle was occupied by the Germans, who requisitioned a hotel for their Kriegsmarine (German Navy) commanders and built a bunker, now a fascinating museum showcasing wartime relics.

The Atlantic coast is often subject to rainy spells, so don’t be surprised if you experience a day or two of rain during your stay. But rain doesn’t mean there’s nothing to do! La Rochelle has many interesting museums to explore, and you can also enjoy a theater show. If you’re looking for something more playful with the kids, you could try an escape game, where you need to solve challenges, search the room, and answer riddles to escape within 60 minutes!

La Rochelle is a great destination year-round, depending on your interests. If you’re in the mood for a festival, we highly recommend planning your visit in mid-July to experience one of the most famous festivals in France: Les Francofolies (usually held between July 10 and 20). This festival attracts thousands of people annually, with world-renowned artists like Mika and Belgian singer Angel performing in the 2023 edition. If your focus is on sightseeing and enjoying good weather, the period from May to October is ideal, as it tends to be the least rainy.

To truly explore La Rochelle, five days should be sufficient. In five days, you’ll have the chance to fully discover the city’s secrets, including visiting the 14th-century towers, numerous museums, Île de Ré nearby, Fort Boyard, and more.

La Rochelle is a small city, so driving is not the preferred mode of transportation. The bus is an option, with 19 lines serving the city and its surroundings. However, the most enjoyable way to get around, considering the setting, is by bike. You can rent bikes through an app and enjoy a scenic ride along the coastline while taking in the fresh air.