Today, I suggest you go to the West of France to discover a city with multiple charms: La Rochelle. Located on the Atlantic coast, this fortified city, facing the ocean, is full of places to visit. I take you with me to visit La Rochelle.
Cultural and historical places
The old Port
Strategic and historical point of the city of La Rochelle, the old port was built in the XNUMXth century and was then fortified to protect this entrance to the Atlantic Ocean.
The entrance to the port is guarded by three majestic towers, the chain tower, the lantern tower and the Saint-Nicolas tower, which can be visited for around 9€. From the top of these towers, you can admire the view of the entire city and the neighboring islands, you will also see Fort Boyard. During this visit, explanations will be given to you in order to better understand the history of La Rochelle and its emblematic towers protecting it.
Note that many terraces border the port and in summer, the summer markets take up residence near the port.
The old Town
In the old town, you can discover the famous Saint-Louis cathedral. Built in the XNUMXth century on the recommendations of Cardinal de Fleury and Bishop Menou de Charnizay, this cathedral was never really completed, for lack of means. Its dome exhibits the famous paintings of the Rochelais artist William Bourgereau.
Also to be discovered in the old town is the Town Hall of La Rochelle, considered one of the most beautiful in France. The facade of the Town Hall is decorated with the arms of La Rochelle, statues and gargoyles. Note that it is possible to visit the Town Hall, then you will learn a little more about the history of the city.
Also a must on a visit to the old town of La Rochelle, the famous arcaded streets, with their typical architecture, which once housed the town's merchants so that they could sell their wares.
La Rochelle Aquarium
Located in the heart of La Rochelle, facing the old port, visiting the Aquarium of La Rochelle is discovering one of the largest aquariums in Europe. Count 16€ per adult and 12€ per child for the visit which lasts about 2h30.
A must-see when visiting La Rochelle, it is in fact the second most visited tourist spot in Poitou-Charente behind Futuroscope. You will discover thousands of species from the four corners of the world, from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific via the Mediterranean, it is really worth the detour!
Around La Rochelle
Now that you know what to visit in La Rochelle, let's move on to things to do around La Rochelle.
Located not far from La Rochelle, Île de Ré is also a must in the region. Easily accessible by car thanks to the bridge that connects the Island to the mainland, you will discover grandiose landscapes, beaches as far as the eye can see and the typical facades of white houses. Many hiking and biking trails litter the Island, enough to enjoy the landscape while indulging in simple pleasures.
Located a little further from La Rochelle, the Île d'Oléron is also accessible by car, count a little over an hour's drive to reach it. This island also offers you magnificent landscapes and multiple hiking trails through its national forest.
Made famous by the TV show, Fort Boyard is also a tourist spot that attracts several thousand visitors each year. The Fort is not accessible in itself but many cruises departing from La Rochelle or the Islands of Oléron and Ré are offered to tourists. These are sea trips that will allow you to tour the Fort by boat and learn a little more about this remarkable building.
Useful information
The city of La Rochelle is easily accessible by car but also by train, count about 3 hours if you arrive from Paris. Access by plane is also possible via La Rochelle/Île de Ré airport, some connections are also provided to Lyon or Ajaccio.
Tourist city par excellence, you will have no trouble finding accommodation that suits you, many hotels welcome you in the city center or outside the city. Bed and breakfasts, campsites, youth hostels or holiday residences also offer accommodation. What to be spoiled for choice.
The city is also full of many cafes and restaurants, something to eat or take a well-deserved break after a day of sightseeing. To find out more about the best addresses in La Rochelle, I invite you to consult this article from Expedia…
So much for this little overview of things to see and visit in this magnificent city of La Rochelle, enjoy your stay and see you soon!
