La Rochelle

Written by Camille Laurent, Celine Fournier, Marcus Kayode, Sebastien Simon
29/08/2025
Elegant French chateau with garden and pond reflection in La Rochelle.
josemiguel67bio jose miguel, Pexels

La Rochelle is a captivating historic port city on France's Atlantic coast, known for its impressive medieval architecture, rich maritime history, and vibrant culinary scene, particularly its fresh seafood. It offers a relaxed atmosphere with a blend of cultural experiences, coastal activities, and access to picturesque nearby islands.

The Vieux Port is a lively area filled with bars, cafes, and restaurants, perfect for socialising and enjoying the evening atmosphere. Rue St-Jean-du-Perot is another popular street for nightlife, while the Les Minimes district provides a more relaxed social scene around its marina.

Top 7 Things to do in La Rochelle

La Rochelle offers a blend of historical exploration, maritime discovery, natural beauty, and gastronomic delights.

1. Explore the Vieux Port and City Towers

Begin by strolling along the historic Vieux Port, the heart of La Rochelle, where colorful medieval buildings line the lively quays. Witness the iconic Tour Saint-Nicolas, Tour de la Chaîne, and Tour de la Lanterne guarding the harbor entrance. Climbing these medieval fortifications offers unparalleled panoramic views of the city, the port, and the Atlantic Ocean. The Tour de la Lanterne, once a lighthouse and prison, also showcases historical graffiti from its inmates. Consider a guided walking tour to delve deeper into the city's rich past.

Cost: Access to the Towers costs €9.50 per adult. Children under 18 and EU citizens aged 18-25 often receive free entry. Combination tickets with other museums are available for €15. The Vieux Port itself is free to explore.

Transport: The Vieux Port and the Towers are centrally located and easily accessible on foot from most parts of the city center. No specific public transport is needed if already in the center.

2. Visit Aquarium La Rochelle

Immerse yourself in one of Europe's largest aquariums, home to over 12,000 marine animals across various themed zones like the Atlantic Coast, Mediterranean Sea, and Indo-Pacific Region. Highlights include shark tanks, a 360° underwater jellyfish tunnel, and a dedicated marine turtle area that treats and rehabilitates sick turtles. It is an engaging experience for all ages.

Cost: Adult tickets are approximately €18.00-€18.50. Junior (13-17 years) tickets are about €14.50, and children (3-12 years) are €12.00-€12.50. Children under 3 enter for free. Discounts may be available for online purchases or specific groups.

Transport: The Aquarium is located near the Vieux Port. It is a 16-minute walk from the city center. Alternatively, take bus line 3 or a train from La Rochelle-Porte Dauphine to La Rochelle Ville (5-7 minutes, around €1). Taxis cost €7-€9 for a 4-minute ride.

3. Day Trip to Île de Ré

Escape to the idyllic Île de Ré, an island connected to La Rochelle by a bridge, perfect for a day of cycling, exploring charming villages, and relaxing on sandy beaches. Rent a bike to navigate its extensive network of cycling trails. Discover the fortifications of Saint-Martin-de-Ré, visit the Phare des Baleines (Lighthouse of Whales) for breathtaking sea views, and sample local specialties such as oysters.

Cost: The bridge toll for cars is €8-€16 return, depending on the season, while pedestrians and bicycles cross for free. Bus tickets cost around €3. A ferry from La Rochelle to Saint-Martin-de-Ré costs around €15-€22.50 return for adults, with children under 4 costing €4. Bike rentals vary.

Transport: The island is accessible by bus (Line 150/152 from Place de Verdun or La Rochelle SNCF station, around 35-43 minutes, €3), ferry (from Vieux Port, 1 hour, €12-€22.50 return), or taxi (€40-€50, 22-24 minutes). You can also cycle across the bridge.

4. Wander through La Rochelle's Old Town and Arcaded Streets

Lose yourself in the enchanting Old Town, a maze of cobblestone streets lined with elegant 17th and 18th-century limestone buildings and charming arcades. This area is perfect for a leisurely stroll, discovering boutique shops, art galleries, and inviting cafes. Admire the timber-framed houses and splendid residences that once belonged to shipowners, showcasing the city's rich historical architecture.

Cost: Exploring the Old Town is free.

Transport: The Old Town is entirely walkable from the Vieux Port and other central areas.

5. Explore the Maritime Museum

Delve into La Rochelle's extensive maritime heritage at the Musée Maritime. The museum features a collection of historic ships, including a sailboat, trawlers, and a tugboat, which visitors can explore. Permanent exhibitions like 'La Rochelle née de la Mer' (La Rochelle born from the Sea) offer insights into the city's deep connection with the sea. The museum is located at the end of the trawlers dock.

Cost: Adult tickets are €8. Reduced rates of €6 are available for groups of 10+. A combined ticket with the Towers costs €15. Admission is free for those under 18, students under 26, job seekers, and on the first Sunday of each month (excluding July-August). The La Rochelle Océan Pass includes free entry.

Transport: The Maritime Museum is located at the trawlers dock. It is reachable by bus lines 3 or 4, stopping at 'Musée Maritime'. A 'Passeur' ferry also crosses the Vieux Port towards the Médiathèque, which is nearby.

6. Visit the Muséum d'Histoire Naturelle

Discover a vast array of natural history and ethnographic collections from around the globe at the Muséum d'Histoire Naturelle. Housed in a graceful 19th-century building, the museum showcases 10,000 objects across five levels, including fascinating exhibits on biodiversity, environmental protection, and world cultures. It offers an engaging and educational experience for science enthusiasts and families.

Cost: Adult tickets are €8, with a reduced price of €6 for groups. Entry is free for children under 18, students, and job seekers. The 'Billet Groupé' allows access to this museum, the Maritime Museum, and the New World Museum for €18, valid for one month.

Transport: The museum is accessible by bus lines 1, 2, 3, or 7 to the Orbigny stop, or all lines to Place de Verdun. Several paid parking options are available nearby, with some free parking further away.

7. Experience Les Halles de La Rochelle Market

Immerse yourself in local life at Les Halles de La Rochelle, the city's vibrant daily market housed in a 19th-century building in the Saint Nicolas district. Wednesdays are the largest market days. You can find fresh produce, seafood, cheeses, charcuterie, and more. A unique 'à table' scheme allows you to purchase items from various stalls and enjoy your lunch on-site, offering an authentic taste of local gastronomy.

Cost: Entry to the market is free; costs apply for purchases.

Transport: The market is centrally located between the train station and the Vieux Port, easily walkable from the city center.

Check out our other pages on La Rochelle

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