Nestled along the scenic shores of the Bay of Biscay, La Rochelle stands as a mesmerizing testament to France’s maritime glory. This coastal gem, with its iconic Old Port guarded by majestic medieval towers, beckons travelers from all over with promises of maritime mysteries and historical adventures.

La Rochelle buzzes with life as the Atlantic breezes carry tales from centuries past – from the salt merchants of ancient Rome to the grandeur of its 12th-century free port status. Every cobblestone, every timeworn facade, tells a story, from the tumultuous Wars of Religion to the prosperous trading days with the distant Americas.

Delve deep into the heart of the old town, where the harmonious blend of medieval and Renaissance architecture awaits the eager explorer. Or perhaps let the winds guide you across the bay of Pertuis d’Antioche, revealing nature’s treasures on idyllic islands.

Boasting attractions like a world-class aquarium to captivate young and old, and adrenaline-pumping water sports to challenge the adventurer in you, there’s no end to the discoveries this beautiful city offers.

And as the sun sets, find your spot on a quaint terrasse, and toast to the day with the local ‘Pineau des Charentes’, letting its sweet notes encapsulate the essence of La Rochelle.

So, let’s set sail on this journey and explore the top fun things to do in La Rochelle!

1 – Gaze up at the iconic Towers of La Rochelle

Towers of La Rochelle

At the entrance to the Old Port visitors can come across two towers from the 14th century, the Tour Saint-Nicolas and the smaller Tour de la Chaîne. These towers were originally constructed for defensive purposes in order to protect the harbor.

The Tour Saint-Nicolas is often nicknamed the French Tower of Pisa due to its slight tilt. The leaning aspect is probably due to the fact that it was constructed upon unstable and unleveled ground back in the 14th century.

The name of the Tour de la Chaîne derives from the large chain that stretched across the entrance to the harbor to control the boats coming in. This chain can still be seen nowadays at the foot of the tower.

The Tour de la Lanterne was built in the 15th century and is the oldest lighthouse on the Atlantic coast. It was used as a navy prison and has 600 different graffiti pictures and lettering marked over its walls from former prisoners. Taking in the stunning panorama from the top of the tower has to be one of the top things to do in La Rochelle!

Towers of La Rochelle tickets

2 – Soak up the lively ambiance of the Vieux Port

Vieux Port, La Rochelle

Enjoy some top quality seafood in many of the restaurants surrounding the Old Port of La Rochelle. Tuck in to a tasty seafood chowder of a platter of crab, shrimps and clams.

Many visitors also gather in the Old Port to take a ferry to the nearby Île de Ré. On the island of the Ré there are several villages with picturesque white washed houses with green shutters.

Taking a stroll along the quayside and admiring the colorful buildings is one of the essential things to do in Rochelle! Throughout history many famous painters such as Corot and Vernet have painted the iconic scenes from the old harbor.

In the past the Old Port was also a place of shipbuilding and the quay was lined with warehouses. The 18th century was a particularly dynamic period for the Old Port of La Rochelle where goods such as wines, salt and brandy were exported. La Rochelle also saw a lot of goods coming in from the French colonies for example sugar, coffee and tobacco.

3 – Browse the food stalls of the Marché du Centre Ville

Marché du Centre Ville, La Rochelle

The food stalls of the Central market are full of freshly caught fish, fresh fruit and vegetables, excellent selections of local cheeses and olives and honey. One of the local specialities that is worth looking out for is the juicy and sweet Charentais melons. These melons appear in the market during the summer period until the beginning of the autumn.

Sample some of the oysters straight from the seafood stalls or purchase a freshly baked pastry to enjoy for a morning snack.

The market building was built during the 19th century and it is open every morning. On Wednesdays and Saturdays the market extends and spills along into nearby streets.

4 – Hop on a boat tour and experience the salty ocean breeze

boat tour in La Rochelle

Embark on board a maxi-catamaran and set sail to the legendary Fort Boyard! Fort Boyard was built between 1801 and 1857 under the rule of Napoleon Bonaparte. The aim of the Fort was to protect French ships from potential British naval attacks. Later the Fort was readapted from the military fortress to serve as a lighthouse.

On a boat tour visitors can get up close to Fort Boyard and admire its unique circular design! Fort Boyard has become famous due to the French television game show where contestants have to complete different challenges from within the fortress walls.

Other sailing boat experiences take visitors out into the bay of Pertuis d’Antioche past the enormous harbor of Les Minimes. Visitors can admire the vast stretch of water, the gentle waves and the cries of common seabirds such as seagulls, common terns and cormorants.

boat tours in La Rochelle

5 – Learn fun facts during a segway tour

segway tour in La Rochelle

Visit all the main monuments and landmarks of La Rochelle during a fun guided segway tour! Traveling through the city on a segway will allow visitors to cover more ground than on a typical walking tour with minimal physical strain! La Rochelle is a fantastic setting for learning how to use a segway due to the flat terrain of the city and the many well maintained bicycle lanes.

Some of the segway tours take visitors all the way to the ‘Phare du Bout du Monde’ or lighthouse at the end of the world! This lighthouse that can be seen from the Port de Minimes was inspired by a lighthouse in Patagonia.

There are also many different elecric scooter tours to choose from. Electric scooters have the benefit of being silent, easy to use and an environmentally friendly. Why not zip around the city during the electric scooter tours whilst participating in a trivial pursuit Quiz game? Alternatively opt for a guided electric scooter experience along the Atlantic coast for some incredible views of the islands of Ré and Oléron.

segway tours in La Rochelle

6 – See some sea turtles and rays at the Aquarium La Rochelle

Aquarium La Rochelle

The Aquarium La Rochelle is home to 12,000 different sea creatures and has an amazing amphi-theatre aquarium where visitors can see many surgeon and trevally fish. The aquarium has a Caribbean Coral Reef and an Indian Pacific room so visitors can see some tropical exotic fish.

Get up close to some sharks at the shark lagoon and let yourself be mesmerized by the graceful pulsating jellyfish in the jellyfish gallery exhibit. A visit to the Aquarium La Rochelle is definitely one of the top things to do in La Rochelle for those wanting to learn more about sea creatures and discover some new marine species. Kids will love the interactive touch pools where they can gently touch the tanks to understand more about star fish, sea urchins or sea cucumbers.

There is also a café within the aquarium with great views over the harbor. The modern building that houses the aquarium is cleverly designed to resemble a ship!

7 – Explore some of the best museums in La Rochelle

best museums in La Rochelle

The Musée du Nouveau Monde focuses on the relationship between France and the Americas since the 16th century. The Musée du Nouveau Monde displays different paintings, sketches, maps and artifacts from French settlers, merchants and American Indian tribes. Learn about how former merchants from La Rochelle established trading connections with the Americas and reflect upon the dark history of slavery.

Take a walk though the 32 rooms of the Museum d’histoire naturelle de La Rochelle with a diverse variety of collections on display ranging from archeology and ethnography to geology, botany and zoology. The Museum d’histoire naturelle de La Rochelle displays some scientific instruments such as a hydrometer or a Thermoscope among many others!

At the Musée Maritime de La Rochelle visitors can set eyes on the shipwreck of Calypso that was used as a laboratory of oceanography by Jacques-Yves Cousteau before it sunk in the Port of Singapore in 1996! Visitors can also set foot on board the ship ‘France 1’ which is a weather station vessel. At the Musée Maritime de La Rochelle visitors can learn more about the seafaring heritage of the city and admire the collection of boats such as the sailing ketch ‘Joshua.’

In 1940 the Germans built a bunker adjacent to the Hôtel des Étrangers for protection during potential allied bombing raids on La Rochelle. Nowadays visitors can finally visit this space that has remained in tact since World War II at the Musée Le Bunker de La Rochelle.

Walk around the bunker that consists of two large rooms that could accommodate 62 U-boot officers, 2 individual rooms for the admirals, a bar and an office. At the Musée Le Bunker de la Rochelle learn more about the German occupation, resistance and liberation.

After learning about the history of La Rochelle, let yourself be enchanted by the magical moving characters and animated scenes of the Musees des Automates.The Musees des Automates has 300 different automatons and railway circuits with a small scale reconstruction of Montmartre in Paris!

8 – Look at the motorboats and yachts at the Port de Plaisance des Minimes

Port de Plaisance des Minimes, La Rochelle

The Port de Plaisance des Minimes is the largest French marina for pleasure boats with a capacity for over 4,500 boats! The name of ‘Minimes’ derives from the fact that there used to be a convent of the ‘Order of the Minimes Brothers’ on the site during the Middle ages.

Around this area visitors can come across lots of sailing schools or schools offering water sports such as kayak, paddle boards or jet skis.The Port de Plaisance des Minimes also hosts various nautical regattas or boating competitions.

One of the biggest nautical events is ‘Le Grand Pavois La Rochelle’ which is an international boat show with exhibition areas for the latest trends in the boating industry.

After watching the boats in the port, relax on the sand at the Plage des Minimes. The beach is the perfect location for watching the sun set or strolling along the boardwalk.

9 – Relax to the melodies of a candlelit concert

candlelight concert in La Rochelle — credit to Candlelight Experience / Fever

Sit back after a long day sight seeing to enjoy tribute music of legends such as Ludovico Einaudi, Coldplay or Hans Zimmer. A concert with a backdrop of hundreds of flickering candles produces the perfect peaceful and romantic ambiance for a relaxing evenings entertainment.

The candlelit concerts take place in unforgettable locations such as the Église Notre-Dame-de-Cougnes. This historic church with Romanesque and Gothic architecture dates back to the 12th century! Other locations include the Aquarium so you can enjoy music whilst watching different fish and sharks swim by in the underwater tunnels providing a mesmerizing spectacle!

candlelight concerts in La Rochelle

10 – Unleash your adventurous side in a helicopter tour

helicopter tour in La Rochelle

Enjoy some spectacular views in a thrilling helicopter ride. From La Rochelle there are many different helicopter tours on offer. Take a ride over Toulouse to marvel at the beautiful Garonne river.

Other helicopter flights include discovering the Regional Natural Park of the Pyrenees Ariégeoises to marvel at some mountainous terrain. Alternatively fly over the Lake of Pareloup and the Millau Viaduct (arguably one of the most innovative engineering projects of the 21st century)!

On a gyrocopter flight you discover the Vendée coast where you can look back at the Ile de Ré, La Rochelle, the Bay of Aiguillon and La Tranche-sur-Mer from a birds eye perspective! The gyrocopter flight is accompanied by an experienced pilot so you can feel ease while soaring above the beaches and harbors.

helicopter tours in La Rochelle

11 – Take a ride on ‘La Grande Roue’, the giant ferris wheel of La Rochelle

La Grande Roue, La Rochelle

La Grande Roue can be easily spotted opposite the two towers in the Old Port. La Grande Roue is set up every year at the start of April and it continues until January. The wheel that measures 40 meters high provides stunning views over la Rochelle and the bay beyond.

There is even the possibility of selecting a VIP cabin for those who are celebrating a special event like wedding proposals or anniversaries! Take some memorable photos and watch the people walking around in the harbor below. Why not take a ride of the ferris wheel at night to watch the city illuminated with lights!

12 – Get to know the coast through a kayaking trip

kayaking in La Rochelle

Take a kayaking trip around the Isle of Aix and Fort Boyard! Other kayak experiences involve visiting the oyster beds along the Fouras coast! Kayaking is a great family fun activity, the perfect opportunity to stay active and breathe in some fresh ocean air.

Whilst kayaking you may spot some interesting seabirds, fish or maybe even some seals or dolphins! The Isle of Aix also has captivating history since it was the place that Napoleon Bonapart spent his last days on French soil before being exiled to Saint Helena.

There are opportunities to do stand up paddleboaring on the Ile de Ré or along the Fourasian coast. You can give stand up paddleboarding a go for just 2 hours or opt for a full day rental. From Fouras paddle down to the mouth of the Charente river to take a closer look at Fort Vasou. Fort Vasou was built in 1672 and it was badly damaged by English sailors in 1757. Later it was used as an artillery shell storage depot.

kayaking tours in La Rochelle

13 – Escape to the green oasis of Parc Charruyer

Parc Charruyer, La Rochelle

Walk for 2 kilometers along the shaded tree lined walkways in the Parc Charruyer, right in the heart of La Rochelle. There are some running streams throughout the park fed by the rivers of Lafond and the Fétilly.

Enjoy a leisurely stroll or relax and have a picnic on the lawn. Kids will enjoy feeding the ducks and watching the peacocks who roam around freely. The park is particularly picturesque during the autumn with falling colored leaves.

The park also has a zoological zone known as the Parc Animalier Charles-Edouard Beltrémieux. The access to this animal zone is free and animals include local Poitou goats, donkeys as well as cows.

14 – Power around the bay in a jet ski

jet ski in La Rochelle

The islands of Ré, Oléron and Aix help protect the bay against large swells coming in from the Atlantic, providing excellent conditions for jet skis!

Pick up speed and glide across the waters surface with the help of a certified instructor. Experiment with different accelerations and turns and splash around in the water!

A jet ski is the perfect way to discover the scenery of the Ile de Ré which is nicknamed ‘the pearl of the Bay of Biscay.’ Zip past the sandy beaches, salt marshes and dunes of the Ile de Ré. Some jet ski tours pass by the second longest bridge in France, the Pont De L’ile d’Oleron which spans 2926.5 meters!

jet ski tours in La Rochelle

15 – Walk around the Cathédrale Saint-Louis

Cathédrale Saint-Louis, La Rochelle

The Cathédrale Saint-Louis is a Catholic church built in the 17th century with an imposing classical façade and a bare and luminous interior. Upon entering visitors can admire the cupola painted by the artist William Bouguereau.

Attached to the cathedral, visitors should make sure to look up at the medieval Gothic bell tower that used to be attached to the Church of St. Barthélémy. Unfortunately the Church of St.Bathélémy was destroyed in 1568 during the Wars of Religion.

Nearby visitors can find the Place de Verdun. It was here that there was a former Protestant place of worship but when the Catholics managed to defeat the Huguenots in 1628, they decided to build a Catholic Cathedral near the same site.

The Verdun square is where the first Port of La Rochelle once existed. Nowadays the square hosts a food market on Friday afternoons. From the underground parking, visitors can see some old ruins of the Vauclerc castle. The castle was built by Henry II of England during the 12th century!

16 – Go for a refreshing dip at the Plage de la Concurrence

Plage de la Concurrence, La Rochelle

The Plage de la Concurrence is the city beach in La Rochelle, near to the Tour de la Lanterne and the park Charruyer.

Situated near to the Old Port, it is fun to sit on the sand and watch the boats leave and enter the marina. Watch the boats from the sailing schools practice their navigational skills.

It is important to note that swimming is only really possible during high tide because when the tide goes out there can be some sharper rocky pebbles. There are toilets and showering facilities as well as a restaurant and snack bar. During the winter many locals walk along the beach with their dogs.

17 – Take a break in nature on a fun scooter tour

scooter tour in La Rochelle

Jump on a scooter and ride alongside the Canal de Rompsay. The canal is also known as the Canal de Marans à la Rochelle and after leaving the city it stretches along for 24 kilometers. Arriving at Dompierre-sur-Mer the ride along the canal with the beautiful shaded trees and tranquil waters is a lovely excursion for those wanting to disconnect for a relaxing couple of hours.

One of the top fun things to do in La Rochelle is to take a scooter tour around the Ile de Ré! Scooter all the way along to the Phare des Baleines, a lighthouse made out of limestone from the 19th century! The tower of the lighthouse has 257 steps and from the top visitors can admire the stunning coastal views!

scooter tours in La Rochelle

18 – Travel back in time at Puy Du Fou

Puy Du Fou, France

Nestled in the heart of the Vendée region, not far from La Rochelle, lies the extraordinary Puy Du Fou, a theme park unlike any other. Instead of the typical roller coasters and rides, Puy Du Fou transports visitors through time with its epic historical shows and re-enactments.

From the fierce battles of Vikings to the grandeur of the Roman Empire, the park brings history to life with impeccable detail, captivating performances, and state-of-the-art effects. The reconstructed villages, complete with artisans practicing age-old crafts, add another layer of authenticity.

As the evening falls, the Cinéscénie, the world’s largest nighttime show, paints a mesmerizing tableau of Vendée’s history with over 2,000 actors on a grand stage. A visit to Puy Du Fou is not just entertainment—it’s a journey through time.

When in the vicinity of La Rochelle, ensure you set aside a day to be enthralled by the magic of this award-winning historical theme park.

see price and reviews

19 – Use your team skills to solve an escape room challenge

escape room in La Rochelle

Put your problem solving skills to the test in a 60 minute escape mission full of excitement. At Escape Yourself players can choose from 6 different themed missions for example the Jade Dragon, the Pharaoh, Interned in a psychiatric hospital, Voodoo, Disco Night Fever, Harlequin, Dracula or La Malle Viking.

At Escape Yourself, there is a theme that will suit all types of players from adventure seekers to horror enthusiasts to those just looking for some light hearted fun! The Escape room is situated o the Rue des Gonthières in the outskirts of the centre.

20 – Glide across the waters during a windsurfing class

windsurfing in La Rochelle

The tour operator Manawa offers windsurfing classes on the beach of du Peu Ragot on the Ile de Ré. The beach of du Peu Ragot offers an optimal breeze and the sea surrounded the Ile de Ré tends not to be too rough therefore ideal for learners!

Learn how to successfully catch the wind and to propel your windsurf across the waters. Windsurfing provides a good full body workout as it requires upper body strength to manage the sail and improves body balance! For those who already have experience windsurfing, Manawa also offer windsurfing rentals.

If you already can master windsurfing why not try something new such as kitesurfing! Manawa offers kitesurfing lessons on the Châtelaillon-Plage, just south of La Rochelle. Learn how to manage speed and control in this exhilarating and dynamic water sport!

windsurfing in La Rochelle

21 – Watch Stade Rochelais play a rugby match

Stade Rochelais, La Rochelle

The Stade Rochelais is the professional rugby union club of La Rochelle with their distinctive team colors of black and yellow. The club plays at their home stadium, the Stade Marcel-Deflandre. Stade Rochelais is often nicknamed ‘Les Maritimes’ due to the maritime heritage of La Rochelle. The rugby club has a huge local fan base in La Rochelle!

Their popularity has grown even further in recent years since they have won the European championship several times! They succeeded in beating Leinster in both the 2022 and the 2023 finals!

22 – Take in some breathtaking scenic views on a microlight flight

microlight flight in La Rochelle

Float high in the sky in a thrilling flight in a ultralight plane! Microlight flight experiences last from approximately 20 minutes to 40 minutes. The tour operator Yumping offers several different experiences with microlight flights over Fort Boyard, the Vendée Bay or the Ile de Ré.

They also offer a flight over the beautiful Poitevin marsh, the largest marsh on France’s Atlantic coast! The western part consists of dry marshes used for agriculture and the eastern part has been nicknamed ‘the Green Venice’ due to the maze of crossing canal streams.

The tour operator Manawa offers a sunset microlight flight above La Rochelle. Watch as the different colors change over the horizon as the sun dips and illuminates the coast below with dancing shadows.

microlight flights in La Rochelle

23 – Pass under the Grosse Horloge gate

Grosse Horloge, La Rochelle

The Porte de la Grosse-Horloge is the gothic style city gate that used to separate the port from the main city as part of the defensive city walls. The base of the gate dates from the 12th century and the upper part was added during the 18th century.

Since the 15th century the gate has displayed a large clock face so the inhabitants of La Rochelle can check the time. The church of the Église Saint-Sauveur can be found nearby. This church was built during the 17th century by monks from the Island of Aix. The former church on this site suffered continuous damage from religious protests and fires.

In fact many buildings were damaged in La Rochelle during the siege of the city in the early 17th century. During the Siege of La Rochelle, the Royal army of King Louis XIII tried to blockade the Huguenot residents of the city.

24 – Encounter some live reptiles and tropical plants at the Planet Exotica

Planet Exotica, La Rochelle

Planet Exotica is a zoological park with a wide variety of areas to explore. Stroll around the large tropical greenhouse and learn more about exotic plants. Alternatively visitors can admire the Japanese garden with 100 year old bonsai trees or watch a horse riding spectacle among the tipis of the mini American Indian village.

Children will love coming face to face with the dinosaur replicas in the Jurassic garden. Children will also enjoy watching the animals at the mini animal farm with goats, geese, guinea pigs and chickens.

There are plenty of educational resources at the park such as a Dinosaur museum packed with bones and fossilized teeth. There is also exhibitions on crocodiles or exotic curiosities inside a shaman tent!

Planet Exotica tickets

25 – Aim for a lucky strike at the bowling alley

bowling in La Rochelle

Bowling is a great form of evening entertainment and an excellent way to bond with friends and family. Use your hand eye co-ordination and balancing skills to beat your fellow team mates.

Bowling de La Rochelle has 18 bowling alleys on two levels with fun lighting systems. The place also has billiards and arcade games for after a round of bowling. Bowling de La Rochelle is located on the Avenue Michel Crépeau near the Port des Minimes. It is open late every night with the exception of Sundays when it closes at 9pm.

26 – Catch a sunset through the carrelet’s nets

carrelets in La Rochelle

Near La Rochelle, along the Atlantic coastline, stand the distinctive “carrelets” or fishing huts on stilts. Originally used by fishermen to catch shrimp and small fish close to the shore, these wooden structures have now become an emblematic symbol of the region’s maritime heritage.

As the sun sets, casting shades of orange and pink across the horizon, the silhouette of these huts offers a breathtaking spectacle. Beyond their function, the carrelets tell tales of tradition and simpler times.

When visiting La Rochelle, spare an evening to experience the magic of these stilted huts and immerse yourself in a piece of Charente Maritime’s history while admiring the sunset.

27 – Grand Théâtre de la Coursive

Grand Théâtre de la Coursive, La Rochelle

Check out what cultural events are happening at the Grand Théâtre de la Coursive for example cinema screenings, dance performances or dance pieces. The Grand Théâtre de la Coursive is located within an old Carmelite convent that was constructed back in 1665.

The building has a fascinating history because during the French Revolution is became a tobacco manufacturing factory, followed by a customs house and then a fish market in 1846. Since 1970 the place has been dedicated to housing cultural events and the original form of the Carmelite cloister still remains.

One of their interesting cultural events during the winter seasons involves baroque chamber music accompanied by chocolate tastings!

28 – Treat yourself to a fine dining experience

fine dining in La Rochelle

The Christopher Coutanceau restaurant is completely inspired by the ocean world with deep blue flooring and aluminium crystal ceiling hangings that create wave like reflections. Gaze out of the large glass windows onto La Concurrence Beach and taste the cleverly crafted sea food creations prepared with attention to detail and originality.

Annette is a modern and authentic bistro located on the Rue Bletterie right in the heart of La Rochelle. Annette proposes seasonal dishes using the best fresh ingredients with a focus on tradition and simplicity. They also have outdoor seating on the street outside so you can dine in the fresh air and enjoy the people watching.

Les Flots is located right at the foot of the Tour de la Chaîne. The establishment used to run as a small café during the 18th century but it has been open as a restaurant since 1945. The chef of Les Flots, Grégory Coutanceau (the older brother of Christopher Countanceau) proposes a menu based on seafood and fish, which makes sense due to the superb location in the Old Port!

Impressions can be found opposite the cloister of the Dames Blanches, not far away from the town hall. The restaurant boasts a sleek modern loft design with crisp white luminous walls and wooden furniture. The haut cuisine french food at Impressions is served with precision and flair.

L’Astrolabe is a restaurant which fuses culinary traditions from around the world. Choosing from their menu is like embarking on a journey around the globe. The decor is modern with elegant leafy pot plants.

Le Mail is located opposite the seafront on a picturesque rochelais alley. Diners can enjoy the view from the large glass bay windows, giving the place an airy and bright atmosphere. The menu at Le Mail has a focus on locally sourced produce.

29 – Try to win the jackpot at the Casino Barrière

Casino Barrière, La Rochelle

Casino fans will love the variety of different games on offer at the Casino Barrière such as 3 Black Jack gaming tables, 10 English Roulette wheels and plenty of video poker and slot machines. There is also a Texas Hold’em table.

The Casino is easy to locate since it is right on the waterfront, next to the Parc Alcide d’Orbigny. The Casino Barrière has a restaurant onsite that overlooks the Atlantic ocean and serves local French cuisine with a buffet option. There is also a more casual bar on site for watching sports games. Sometimes the Casino hosts special dinner-shows or tribute nights.

30 – Discover what the nightlife has to offer

nightlife in La Rochelle

Here is a short list of the best bars and pubs to try out when in La Rochelle!

Le Mary Lili Cocktail Bar is located on the corner of the Rue de la Chaîne. The interior is inspired by New York bars with a French maritime twist. The local mixologist seeks to create cocktails using fresh ingredients and fruit syrups. Their menu is constantly updating depending on the season and they also serve some tasty mocktails.

La Guignette is a wine bar on the Rue Saint Nicholas that produces their own lightly sparkling aperitifs with white wine and fruit flavors. These aperitifs which are low in alcohol are a perfect refreshing option during the summer. The bar has been opened since 1933 welcoming sailors coming in from the port.

Le Piano Pub is popular among the younger Rochelaise crowd. The place blasts out pop and rock music and it is common to see people on the dance floor. The rhum arrangé (macerated fruit rum) is a popular drink of choice!

For a more modern night club vibe try heading to White Rabbit. The place mainly focuses on electronic music but they also have various guest DJs and themes party nights.

Where to stay in La Rochelle?

Entre Hotes is a Bed and Breakfast situated on the Rue Réaumur, 500 meters away from the centre of La Rochelle. The place is located in a 18th-century shipbuilder’s house and has a pleasant small back garden. One of the rooms is situated in the atmospheric old vaulted cellar which has a stylish free standing illuminated bath tub!

Un Hôtel En Ville is a small and unpretentious boutique hotel with modern decor. The hotel has a terrace with views of the Tour de la Lanterne tower. Centrally located on the Place Du Maréchal Foch, nearby it is easy to find plenty of bars and restaurants.

The 3 star Boutique Hôtel d’Orbigny Chatelaillon -La Rochelle is located 15 kilometers away from the center of La Rochelle so perfect for visitors who come to visit La Rochelle with a car. It has a heated exterior pool, a patio and a charming half timbered façade. Beach lovers will appreciate its location 50 meters from the Châtelaillon beach. Bike enthusiasts will enjoy pedaling along the coastal Velodyssée route which is 50 meters away from the hotel.

The 4 star Hotel Le Champlain is one of the best hotels located inside a historical covent building dating from the 17th century. The hotel has a spacious garden, an outdoor seating area and luxuriously designed rooms.

best hotels in La Rochelle

How to get there?

The La Rochelle- Île de Ré International Airport is just 5 kilometers north of La Rochelle. Alternatively the Nantes Atlantique Airport is a 1 hour 45 minutes drive north of La Rochelle. Check out the Tourscanner website to check offers on airport transports to ensure a smoother and stress free journey from your hotel door to the airport.

Coming from Paris, visitors can access La Rochelle in an approximately 3 hour train journey on the high speed TGV. If you look at train timetables beforehand and book in advance there are also some good deal train tickets at certain times of the day in between La Rochelle and Bordeaux with a direct journey time of 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Where to go next?

There are many other fun things to do in southwestern France for example why not spend a few days in the elegant wine capital Bordeaux. There are many things to do in Bordeaux such as learning about wine production and tasting techniques in the modern Cité du Vin or admiring the impressive Gothic cathedral of Saint-André. Other things to do in Bordeaux include strolling along the Garonne river and browsing the antique stores of the quaint and charming Chartrons district.

From La Rochelle drive two hours north to the fascinating historical city of Nantes. There are lots of fun things to do in Nantes such as discovering the magical universe of the Jules Verne inspired mechanical animals at Les Machines de L’Ile or exploring the Medieval ramparts and turrets of the Château des Ducs de Bretagne. Sampling the fresh seafood accompanied by Muscadet wines are some of the other top things to do in Nantes.

There are also many things to do in Toulouse for example admire the Renaissance architecture of the Capitole Town Hall or browse world celebrated modern art at the Abattoirs museum gallery. Discovering about outer space and new rocket technology at the Cité de l’Espace is another one of the top things to do in Toulouse.

If you are looking for general inspiration for general best places to visit in France, check out this article entitled the best places to visit in France. From vineyards, mountains, beaches, gastronomical delights to historical cities, France has so much to offer!

Final thoughts

And there we have it! From the historic Old Port to the enchanting streets of the old town and beyond, the list of things to do in La Rochelle is truly captivating.

Whether you’re drawn by its maritime history, its contemporary coastal charms, or simply the allure of French elegance, La Rochelle offers a slice of the extraordinary for every traveler.

So, what’s holding you back? Embark on your journey to La Rochelle now and discover why it’s hailed as the jewel of the Bay of Biscay.

Table of contents:

30 Fun & Unusual Things to Do in La Rochelle