La Rochelle Travel Guide

  The harbour tower
by Suet
 
  • The harbour tower
      The harbour tower
    by Suet
  •   La Rochelle
    by tuff
  • The Port (daytime)
      The Port (daytime)
    by Bob_Shan
  • La Rochelle
      La Rochelle
    by iris2002
  • Military drummers
      Military drummers
    by Suet
 

Pro

Norali profile photo

 Elegance, architecture, good food, interesting antiques shops, safety 


Con

Suet profile photo

 can be a bit noisy at times! 


In a nutshell

Toyin profile photo

 A beautiful sea resort. 

 

Explore La Rochelle

Things to Do  

Tour de la Lanterne

Tour de la Lanterne, La Rochelle

 black_mimi99 Says:  The Lantern Tower (Tour de la Lanterne) is the only medieval lighthouse on the Atlantic Coast that is still standing (1445), the lantern tower contains a remarkable array of graffiti, carved into the walls by the pirates and prisoners that were held here after it was... 

Defensive Towers

Defensive Towers, La Rochelle

 black_mimi99 Says:  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... 

Tour St Nicolas

Tour St Nicolas, La Rochelle

 Suet Says:  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... 

Nip over Châtelaillon- Plage, for beach activities

Nip over Châtelaillon- Plage, for beach activities, La Rochelle

 Norali Says:  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... 

Nip over l'Ile de Ré

Nip over l'Ile de Ré, La Rochelle

 Norali Says:  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,... 

Exploring the Hotel de Ville

Exploring the Hotel de Ville, La Rochelle

 Suet Says:  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... 

La Rochelle L'hotel de ville

La Rochelle L'hotel de ville, La Rochelle

 Suet Says:  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... 

The Aquarium, La Rochelle

The Aquarium, La Rochelle, La Rochelle

 Suet Says:  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... 

Hotels  

Comfort Hotel St Nicolas

 1 Review and 111 Opinions  Small rooms, as many other French hotels'... there is an Internet corner in the lobby. The location... 

Best Western Masqhotel

 1 Review and 122 Opinions  This hotel was perfect for our 4-day stay. It is 2 minutes' walk from the station (we arrived by... 

Restaurants  

Bistrot d'Andre: Seafood!!!!

Bistrot d'Andre: Seafood!!!!, La Rochelle

 Suet Says:  This is THE place to eat! very fashionable with an excellent reputation for fast efficient service and the prime location in the harbour. It is a fast moving crowded and busy place. I have never known it to be empty of patrons. Therefore, it's best to drop by earlier in the... 

Le Bateau Ivre: Good unpretentious French food

Le Bateau Ivre: Good unpretentious French food, La Rochelle

 SirDinadan Says:  Right in the Old Port where there is a wide choice of restaurants. Very wide choice of food, both seafood (de la mer) and other (du terroir), which suited us as my hubby is not keen on fish! Not haute cuisine but just good, honest, regular traditional French food. Wine... 

Nightlife  

All over the Harbour area: Street entertainment

All over the Harbour area: Street entertainment, La Rochelle

 Suet Says:  There are numerous street entertainers all around. Some are singers, ceremonial drummers, story tellers, brass bands, small bands, acrobats, in line roller skaters, you name it, they have it. The best nightlife of all is just wandering around seeing what everyone else is... 

The General Humbert's: Great Irish Pub

The General Humbert's: Great Irish Pub, La Rochelle

 damienbradley Says:  A great night's drinking at the heart of the city, The General Humbert’s is well worth a look. The atmosphere is lively and convivial with very relaxed and friendly patrons populating the establishment and excellent service provided behind the bar.Situated near the Old... 

Transportation  

Transportation to La Rochelle

Transportation to La Rochelle, La Rochelle

 black_mimi99 Says:  La Rochelle is served by a central railway station designated La Rochelle Ville. The TGC from Paris to La Rochelle takes about 3 hours. There are car rental services at the station.The Aeroport de La Rochelle serves Airlinair (air France), Ryanair, Flybe, and Easyjet. Busses... 

By boat-bus around La Rochelle

By boat-bus around La Rochelle, La Rochelle

 iris2002 Says:  Bus de Mer ferry: From the city centre to the Minimes marina and back. Electric shuttle boatThe electric shuttle boat takes you across La Rochelle's harbour channel in just minutes. Non-stop service from Cours des Dames to the Ville-en-Bois district on the other side. Bikes... 

Local Customs  

Francofolies de La Rochelle

Francofolies de La Rochelle, La Rochelle

 Norali Says:  Once a year, in summer, La Rochelle houses Les Francofolies de La Rochelle as Buenos Aires, Spa, Montréal, Genève do. It all started in la Rochelle in 1985 and spread over countries.. even reached Berlin in 1996. Yes, you read "Berlin"... It's all about music.. en français..... 

Off The Beaten Path  

La Rochelle -"sugar town"

La Rochelle -"sugar town", La Rochelle

 frenchderek Says:  La Rochelle is a beautiful town, with some wonderful buildings - especially in the area extending from the Old Port to the Market. Many of these date from the 18th Century - and were built by the 40 or more grand families who profited from the slave-trade.La Rochelle was the... 

The beach

The beach, La Rochelle

 Toyin Says:  It is a bit hidden but ask the locals for direction...this place is not the regular beach as it was virtually created to allow close to town fun for the inhabitants. The high sea is a bit far from the concentrated areas.Yes, ..some are more generous with showing... 

Sports & Outdoors  

Sailing, yachting

Sailing, yachting, La Rochelle

 Norali Says:  For La Rochelle being the first European marina, this activity is soooo obvious.For sailing, go to Port des Minimes area where you would find those powerboats (catamaran) that use to compete in some races. However, since lately, l'ancien Bassin des chalutiers is open for... 

Favorites  

Airport Transfer

Airport Transfer, La Rochelle

 AirportPete Says:   Hi guys, my name is Pete Marshall and I operate an Airport Transfer Service from La Rochelle (LRH) and Bordeaux (BOD) using a 12 seater brand new Ford Transit Minibus. I have all the necessary licence and insurance requirements and can be contacted at either 07876 381944... 

The Beautiful parks

The Beautiful parks, La Rochelle

 Toyin Says:  La Rochelle have one of the best parks and gardens..being close to the sea, the ambience is slightly different from what you experience in Paris with exception of Bois de Boulogne. Yes, the parks. Very neat and never congested. It is good for couples on a honey moon. 

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Map of La Rochelle