Car Hire La Rochelle

Buckle up for a scenic road trip around this picturesque western pocket of France. La Rochelle’s seaside location gives you ravishing coastal drives with which to travel the surrounding towns along this stretch of the Atlantic.

While exploring France by car, you’ll drive on the right-hand side of the road and all passengers must wear a seatbelt. If you’re visiting on a family getaway, children under the age of 10 aren’t allowed to travel in the front seat – unless there are already children under that age occupying all the rear seats.

See the sun-drenched Île de Ré by taking the N237 and crossing the toll bridge over the glittering Atlantic to the seaside island. You’ll be tempted to stop at many of the petite villages on your way to one of the golden stretches of sand fringing the island. It’s popular with Parisians who often head here for their summer break.

More idyllic island life is to be found further down the coast. Venture along the D137 to Île d'Oléron, the French oyster capital, and enjoy the magnificent scenery as you drive south along the coast. On your way, stop off at Rochefort. As you drive into town you’ll be taken aback by the vibrancy of the buildings awash with colour.

Hop from one city to the other by heading down the A10 to visit elegant Bordeaux. Pass by lush vineyards and journey along tree-lined boulevards into its heart. If you have time, take the quiet country roads to the neighbouring town of Saint-Émilion, its limestone houses contrasting beautifully with the surrounding wine country.

La Rochelle’s serene coastal beauty is truly seductive. Its unspoilt heritage and gastronomic treasures invite you to truly immerse yourself in this city’s seafaring culture. The boats bobbing in the harbour cast you back in time to when this was a seaport that helped France thrive.

La Rochelle has the recipe

Sniff out gourmet delights in different corners of La Rochelle, from its romantic candlelit bistros to its water-side seafood spots.

Place du Marché is the city’s daily market in the town centre. Pick up rich cheese, locally-produced desserts and mounds of fresh seafood for a hearty picnic. Take your purchases to Parc Charruyer and feast al fresco in this tranquil setting. Kick off your shoes as you eat in the warm sunshine in sight of the lakes and streams.

Make your way to the harbour to indulge in more culinary grazing at one of the many relaxed and informal bistros. Restaurants here pride themselves on ultra-fresh seafood. Slurp down Île de Ré oysters, relish a bowl of creamy moules marinière and enjoy inky cuttlefish risotto. Finish off with an enormous scoop of homemade ice cream from one of the nearby parlours.

In harmony with the harbour

Trace the history of La Rochelle at the pretty vieux port. Stroll through the pedestrianised area down to the historic harbour to admire the three towers defending the marina.

The architecture of the imposing 14^th century Tour St-Nicolas grabs your attention and if you look across to the opposite bank you’ll catch a glimpse of the Tour de la Chaine. Head to the nearby Tour de la Lanterne, the only surviving medieval lighthouse on the Atlantic coast. Climb to the top for incredible views across the quayside. As you ascend the tower, keep an eye out for the haunting graffiti from captured English sailors etched into the walls.

Discover more fascinating history at Tour de la Grosse Horloge. Wander into the middle of the old town to find the imposing Gothic clock tower. This impressive structure was originally the main entrance into the medieval city, but now marks the beginning of the pedestrianised centre with plenty of local shops and restaurants nearby.

Play at the plage

Spend an afternoon on Plage des Minimes, La Rochelle's urban beach, and revel in the French sunshine. Set a towel down on this honey-coloured sandy stretch and watch boats cruise in and out of the harbour.

Leave the city behind and take a road trip to Île de Ré to explore the wild unspoiled beaches. Drive the entire length of this island to the remote Plage de la Conche des Baleines. Sweeping from Phare des Baleines to Les Portes en Ré, it’s the perfect spot to make camp for the day. The nearby thick pine forest shares its heady scent with you, while you can have a go at surfing the waves, staying until dusk to watch the sun sink from the sky. 

Car hire in La Rochelle is only the beginning of your adventure in this sublime part of fabulous France.