Tourism in La Rochelle

If you're staying in a 4-star hotel on the Île de Ré or attending a seminar near La Rochelle, don't miss the chance to explore the exceptional heritage of La Rochelle, a city historically oriented towards the ocean, located just 20 km from the Île de Ré.

 

What to Do in La Rochelle?

Families, couples, and groups of friends thrive during their stay in La Rochelle. A La Rochelle tourism trip is a fantastic opportunity to discover various historical landmarks in the city center, such as Saint-Louis Cathedral, the Quai Valin Lighthouse, the Chain Tower, the Lighthouse of the End of the World, and the Lantern Tower.

Visitors also come to La Rochelle to explore its natural sites. Highlights include Saint-Marc Point, Queille Point, Minimes Point, and Chef de Baie Point.

Vacationers also have plenty of leisure options in La Rochelle. The Museum of Fine Arts of La Rochelle and the La Rochelle Aquarium are must-sees. The same goes for the Casino of La Rochelle, the Museum of the New World, and Minimes Beach. Many other activities are available, such as strolling, sea fishing, water sports like kitesurfing, stand-up paddleboarding, or land sailing, cycling, or even karting.

It is also highly recommended to take at least one guided tour to ensure you don’t miss the major historical landmarks and natural sites in and around La Rochelle. Guided tours also provide deeper insights into the region’s history, lifestyle, and gastronomy.

Additionally, take a walk through the old town, the historic center of La Rochelle, located in the Charente-Maritime department in Nouvelle-Aquitaine.

Restaurants in La Rochelle

La Rochelle offers several restaurants featuring the finest flavors of local and French gastronomy:

  • Iséo Known for its refined dishes.
    Menus: €21.50 to €32.50
    Kids' menu: €12
    Address: 4 Pl. de la Chaîne

  • L’Hysope One of the best gastronomic restaurants in Charente-Maritime.
    Menus: €56 to €145
    Address: 25 Rue de l’Aurore

  • La Grand’Rive Among the top spots for fish and seafood dishes.
    Seafood platter: €44.50
    À la carte: Around €25
    Address: 24 Quai Duperré

  • Papy Mougeot Serves delicious French cuisine.
    Set menu: €28
    Address: 21 Rue Bletterie

  • Restaurant Hangar 27 Also serves French cuisine.
    Price: €16, including a starter buffet
    Address: 31 Boulevard du Maréchal-Lyautey

Culture and Heritage of La Rochelle

The Middle Ages and the Renaissance have left a significant mark on La Rochelle and its surroundings; some chapters of the city’s history were also written between the 17th and 20th centuries, and even into the contemporary era. Visiting the city's various landmarks offers a remarkable journey back to a sometimes turbulent, but also rich, dense, and ever-changing past.

The three towers of La Rochelle are among the city's must-see attractions. Completed in 1376, Saint-Nicolas Tower stands 38 meters high; built between 1382 and 1390, the Chain Tower hosted King Louis XIV in 1472; finally, the Lantern Tower, constructed at the end of the 12th century, rises to 55 meters.

Several other iconic sites in La Rochelle are well worth a visit. These include the Henri II House, the Old Port, La Rochelle Station, the 19th-century market, Saint-Louis Cathedral, the Saint-Barthélemy Bell Tower, and the Courthouse. These landmarks make La Rochelle a true open-air museum.

Events Calendar in La Rochelle

A visit to La Rochelle is also an opportunity to soak in the festive atmosphere that takes over the city during cultural events.

Among the annual highlights are:

  • La Rochelle Cinema Festival
  • Les Francofolies de La Rochelle
  • The International Film Festival
  • The TV Fiction Festival
  • Major Sailing Races