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 14th 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.