La Rochelle Things to Do

The most recognisable landmark in La Rochelle, the three towers - now together a listed National Monument - stand at the entrance to the harbour. They once formed the most important part of the town defences against invasion from the sea.

Looking towards the sea from in the port area, left to right are the Saint Nicolas Tower and the Chain Tower, each side of the harbour entrance, then along the ramparts a little way is the third tower, the Tower of the Lantern.

All towers can be visited, To see all three towers takes about 2-3 hours. a combined ticket to see all three costs 10.5 euros, and includes a crossing on the 'water bus' between the two opposite sides of the harbour.

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This is the huge tower that dominates the harbour. It's worth climbing up to see it even if just for the good views of the town. Quite an impressive structure, it dates from 14th - 15th Century.

The website below tells you a little more about the town and what you can expect to see.

If you have more than one week in La Rochelle, don't miss l'Ile de Ré.

Locals use to nip over this little island on week-ends to see nature, to cycle on those long cycling paths, to breathe fresh air... to enjoy those desert and lovely beaches.

In Saint Martin de Ré, considered as the "capital town of L'Ile de Ré", some nice restaurants :), shops and wineries .. and "remparts".

Lots of pinewoods and vineyards to make those Pineau des Charentes.

Salt-water marshes where to visit oysters farms, to learn about this old tradition of salt collecting.

Many stuffs to do there. Check my page on IR.

For me, it was a real coup de foudre!

Châtelaillon-Plage is a nice beach resort 12 km South of LR. It is a kind of family spot. Nice, clean beach with a rolling- cycling path. Some bench where to sit facing the sun, near the casino.

The kind of beach with geranium pot... I don't remember about activities other than beach- oriented and the casino. It's not innocent if its name is Châtelaillon-Plage. My friend, a local, told me it's really lively in summer, full of beach acitivities: free swimming lessons, beach-volley, aquagym, trempoline as well as mini-golf and croquet.

When I was there (Sep-Oct), it was really calm with just some families walking with toddlers, some on a terrasse facing the sea (and watching the sun).. Really calm.

I appreciated there the setting. In contrary of Belgian coast, Châtelaillon could preserve its urban architecture by forbidding huge buildings along the dam. Orginal nice little villas have been kept. As for colours, they are either white either in pastel tones... See my travelogue for pictures.

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This was a square we found in La Rochelle. A kind of meeting place, stunning buildings, in the Old Port and centre of town. I liked the grandness and yet acceptance of the magnificent buildings by the young people.

It was just outside the Hotel de Ville and in the middle of Poitiers. Such a really cool place to hang out in the middle of centuries of history.

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We chanced on this magnificent building just by walking around a part of the town we had not seen before. I quote here from the plaque. "The actual location of the Town Hall dates back to the 12th Century when La Rochelle was granted a Charter of Commune. The central building is protected by a crenelated enslosing wall flanked with turrets from the 15th century. In the courtyard from the left side a Rennaisance pavilion and the main building 1595-1606 supported by a row of columns *in the french style* can be viewed. The staircase surmounted by the statue of Henry the Fourth *the good friend of the Rochelais* and the right wing dated from the end of the 19th century.

Admission 4€ ($5.20) adults, 1.50€ ($1.95) students and children 4-18, free for children under 4

Read more: http://www.frommers.com/destinations/larochelle/A26077.html#ixzz0Gk2Yh5Nc&B

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This is an absolute MUST SEE! we have been several times now. You descend into the aquarium in a lift that gives you the impression that you are diving in a submarine. Then you walk through a tunnel of glass, lit only by moon jellyfish floating around you slowly in a clockwise fashion. The exhibits are some of the best I have seen anywhere in the world, huge shark tank, tropical beach display with wave action, massive tanks for turtles, delightful smaller exhibits with brightly coloured fish and a tropical jungle section.

The latest exhibit is a small half hemisphere tank containing jellyfish. They are magnified due to the optics of the glass and water, the free floating ones are spotted with an iridescant blue and white tentacles. The ones sunning themselves upside down are orange. 2009.

Please go and see this! you won't be disappointed.

Writing about our May 2009 trip, the prices have gone up by 0.50€ in each section. The adult visit is 13 € children less that 18 years are 10€ and children under 3 years are free. Audioguide is 16.50€ but for children it is 13.50€. Opening times are:
October to March 10.00 - 20.00
April to June and September 9.00 - 20.00
July and August are 9.00 - 23.00

I used to love walking around the market in La Rochelle.... it is full of local products and I was asked to taste almost everything on offer.... delicious.... there is also a wonderful section in the very back where all the flower stalls are and I highly reccommend buying a bunch of french lavender ....

Here is a life-web cam link the PLACE DE MARCHE

The market is closed only on bank or religious holidays