Best Things to do in La Rochelle (Charente-Maritime)

L'aquarium

9:30 AM–8:00 PM

Aquarium

Bassin des Grands Yachts quai Louis Prunier BP 50004 Bassin des Grands Yachts quai Louis Prunier

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L'aquarium in La Rochelle features over 12,000 marine animals, showcasing rich biodiversity in an immersive experience, ideal for families and marine enthusiasts.

Duration: Approximately 2 hours.

Adults: €20, Children (3-12 years): €13, Under 3: Free. Discounts available for groups and families.

Musee d'histoire naturelle de La Rochelle

10:00 AM–5:30 PM

Museum

28 Rue Albert 1er

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Musee d'histoire naturelle de La Rochelle features exhibits on zoology, geology, and ethnography, showcasing archaeological finds and interactive displays.

Duration: About 2 hours.

Free. Some special exhibitions may require a paid ticket.

Musee Maritime La Rochelle

10:00 AM–6:00 PM

Museum

place Bernard Moitessier

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Musee Maritime La Rochelle showcases the maritime history of La Rochelle with models, films, and retired ships, including France 1, a historic research vessel.

Duration: Approximately 2 hours.

Paid. Adults €8, children (under 12) €4, family discounts available.

Le parc Charruyer

7:00 AM–8:00 PM

Park

Chemin des Remparts

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Le parc Charruyer in La Rochelle offers a green oasis with diverse flora, well-maintained pathways, and recreational spots that attract locals and visitors alike.

Duration: 1 to 2 hours.

Free. Special events may have admission fees.

New World Museum

10:00 AM–5:30 PM

Museum

10 rue Fleuriau Hotel Fleuriau

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New World Museum in La Rochelle details the city's historical ties with North America, featuring collections from 1750 in a classical mansion. Entry is €9.

Duration: Approximately 2 hours.

€9 for adults; discounts may apply for children and groups.

La Rochelle Cathedral

10:00 AM–6:00 PM

Church

Rue Pernelle

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La Rochelle Cathedral, consecrated in 1784, features splendid ceiling frescoes by William Bouguereau, showcasing the artistry and history of La Rochelle, France.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Donations are appreciated for the maintenance and preservation efforts.

Espaces Congres de la Rochelle

9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Event hall

quai Louis Prunier

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Espaces Congres de la Rochelle serves as a premier venue for conventions and meetings, ideal for professionals and tourists alike, located in La Rochelle, France.

Duration: 1-2 hours for standard visits, longer for events.

Paid for events; general access may vary depending on the event schedule.

Eglise Notre-Dame-de-Cougnes de La Rochelle

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Church

57 rue Alcide D Orbigny

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Eglise Notre-Dame-de-Cougnes is a Roman Catholic church in La Rochelle, Charente-Maritime, France, known for its historical architecture and cultural significance.

Duration: 1 hour.

Free. Donations are appreciated for maintenance and community activities.

Saint-Sauveur Church

10:00 AM–6:00 PM

Church

Rue St Sauveur Quai Maubec

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Saint-Sauveur Church is a historic Catholic church in La Rochelle, France, noted for its architecture and cultural significance.

Duration: Approximately 30 minutes.

Free. Donations are appreciated.

Phare Quai Valin

Open 24 hours

Lighthouse

Quai Valin

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Phare Quai Valin is a historic lighthouse in La Rochelle, France, serving as a prominent tourist attraction with stunning views of the harbor.

Duration: 1 hour to appreciate the views.

Free. No tickets required for entry.

fontaine du Pilori

Open all day

Fountain

17000 La Rochelle

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Fontaine du Pilori, a historic fountain located in La Rochelle, France, serves as a landmark reflecting the city's rich heritage and architectural elegance.

Duration: 30 minutes.

Free.

University of La Rochelle

8:00 AM–6:00 PM

University

France

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University of La Rochelle, founded in 1993, is a modern institution located in La Rochelle, France, known for its research and international programs.

Duration: 1 to 2 hours.

Free access to campus. Some events may charge a fee.

La Sirene

7:00 PM–2:00 AM

Theater

100 boulevard Emile Delmas

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La Sirene in La Rochelle is a vibrant concert venue and nightclub featuring diverse music genres from hip hop to jazz, located 10km west of the Vieux Port.

Duration: Approximately 3-4 hours.

Tickets vary by event; consult the monthly program for prices.

Tower of the Lantern

10:00 AM–6:00 PM

Tower

Rue sur les Murs

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Tower of the Lantern in La Rochelle is a historic lighthouse offering panoramic views and rich maritime heritage, a must-visit for tourists and historians alike.

Duration: Approximately 1 hour.

€3 for adults, €1 for children under 12, free for children under 5.

Jardin des plantes de La Rochelle

9:00 AM–6:00 PM

Botanical Garden

28 Rue Albert 1er

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Jardin des plantes de La Rochelle offers a tranquil botanical experience behind the natural history museum, featuring diverse plant species and serene pathways.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free.

Chapelle et cloitre des Dames Blanches

9:00 AM–6:00 PM

Park

6 rue Saint Michel

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Chapelle et cloitre des Dames Blanches is a serene garden in La Rochelle, France, featuring unique architecture and rich historical significance.

Duration: About 1 to 2 hours.

Free. Donations are welcome for garden maintenance.

Parc Alcide d'Orbigny

8:00 AM–8:00 PM

Park

98 Allée du Mail

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Parc Alcide d'Orbigny is a scenic park in La Rochelle, France, offering lush greenery, walking paths, and vibrant flora—ideal for relaxation and leisure activities.

Duration: 1 to 2 hours.

Free access to the park.

Eglise Saint-Andre et Sainte-Jeanne-d'Arc de Fetilly

9:00 AM–6:00 PM

Church

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Eglise Saint-Andre et Sainte-Jeanne-d'Arc de Fetilly is a historic church in La Rochelle, Charente-Maritime, France, known for its unique architecture and cultural significance.

Duration: Approximately 1 hour.

Free. Donations may be encouraged for maintenance.

Eglise Saint-Pierre-de-Laleu

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Church

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Eglise Saint-Pierre-de-Laleu is a 13th-century church in Charente-Maritime, France, notable for its historical architecture and cultural significance.

Duration: Approximately 1 hour.

Free

Eglise Saint-Cybard de Perigny

10:00 AM–6:00 PM

Church

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Eglise Saint-Cybard de Perigny is a historical church located in La Rochelle, showcasing unique architecture and rich cultural significance dating back to the 12th century.

Duration: About 1 hour.

Free.

eglise Saint-Paul de Mireuil

9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Church

France

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Eglise Saint-Paul de Mireuil is a church located in La Rochelle, Charente-Maritime, France, notable for its unique architecture and cultural significance.

Duration: 1 hour.

Free entry.

La Rochelle

10:00 AM–6:00 PM

Public Building

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La Rochelle is a historic French commune and the prefecture of Charente-Maritime, renowned for its well-preserved medieval architecture and vibrant maritime history.

Duration: Approximately 3 hours.

Free entrance to the Old Port area. Some museums and attractions may charge a fee.

Centre Commercial Hyper U Beaulieu

Mo-Sa 09:00-21:00

Mall

Route de Nantes

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Centre Commercial Hyper U Beaulieu is a major shopping complex in La Rochelle, Charente-Maritime, featuring a wide variety of shops, dining options, and entertainment facilities.

Duration: Approximately 2 hours.

Free. No entry fee required. Individual shops may have their pricing.

Parc des Expositions de La Rochelle

9:00 AM–6:00 PM

Theme Park

Avenue Jean-Paul Sartre

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Parc des Expositions de La Rochelle hosts trade fairs and exhibitions in Charente-Maritime, featuring modern facilities and a spacious layout.

Duration: 2-4 hours depending on the event.

Varies by event. Some exhibitions are free, while major trade fairs might charge an entry fee.

Gare SNCF de La Rochelle-Porte Dauphine

5:30 AM–9:00 PM

Train Station

Chemin du Rempart

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Gare SNCF de La Rochelle-Porte Dauphine serves as a major transportation hub in La Rochelle, France, connecting travelers to various regional and national destinations.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free for access to the station; ticket prices for train journeys vary based on destination.

Museum of Automata

10:00 AM–6:00 PM

Museum

14 rue de la Desiree La Ville en Bois

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The Museum of Automata in La Rochelle features 300 automated dolls spanning two centuries, including intricately designed miniature models and scenes from Montmartre.

Duration: 1.5 hours.

Free. Special exhibitions may require a paid ticket.

Cathedrale St-Louis

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Church

16 Rue Chaudrier

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Cathedrale St-Louis in La Rochelle features ornate architecture and a rich history since its 18th-century founding, captivating visitors with its grandeur and artistry.

Duration: Up to 1 hour.

Free. Certain events or guided tours may incur charges.