last edited Apr 6, 2020
What to see in La Rochelle
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Location Map of La Rochelle
La Rochelle
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Overview
Sites, monuments and architectural ensembles
The Gabut
What was once an area occupied by fishermen's warehouses has become, since the 1990s, a residential and commercial district. The many colourful houses with walkways give it a slightly Nordic feel.
What was once an area occupied by fishermen's warehouses has become, since the 1990s, a residential and commercial district. The many colourful houses with walkways give it a slightly Nordic feel.
Port des Minimes
Along with the Vieux-Port and Port-Neuf, it is one of the three entities of La Rochelle’s marina (one of the largest in Europe). It is also the main one, with 5,000 berths that, since their creation, have also given rise to a new district in the city.
Along with the Vieux-Port and Port-Neuf, it is one of the three entities of La Rochelle’s marina (one of the largest in Europe). It is also the main one, with 5,000 berths that, since their creation, have also given rise to a new district in the city.
Grosse-Horloge Gate
With its bell and clock, this belfry—whose first construction dates back to the 12th century—marks the monumental entrance to the old town when arriving from the quays.
With its bell and clock, this belfry—whose first construction dates back to the 12th century—marks the monumental entrance to the old town when arriving from the quays.
Old Town of La Rochelle
Arcades, half-timbered houses, and other historic façades, narrow streets, and charming squares—this is the historic heart of the city, clustered around the Town Hall, Palais and Merciers streets, behind the last ramparts, gates, towers (including the Lantern Tower), and the Grosse Horloge.
Arcades, half-timbered houses, and other historic façades, narrow streets, and charming squares—this is the historic heart of the city, clustered around the Town Hall, Palais and Merciers streets, behind the last ramparts, gates, towers (including the Lantern Tower), and the Grosse Horloge.
Old Port
The former fishing port, guarded by its two medieval towers, has long since been converted into a marina (along with the city's two other ports). It is the tourist and lively heart of the city.
The former fishing port, guarded by its two medieval towers, has long since been converted into a marina (along with the city's two other ports). It is the tourist and lively heart of the city.
Museums
The La Rochelle Bunker
This former World War II bunker has been turned into a museum. It covers the occupation of the city of La Rochelle and its surrounding area between 1939 and 1945.
This former World War II bunker has been turned into a museum. It covers the occupation of the city of La Rochelle and its surrounding area between 1939 and 1945.
Automata Museum
This is one of the few French museums dedicated to automata. Visitors can see pieces from various eras and countries, along with historical reconstructions or animated shop window displays. It is "associated" with the Scale Model Museum directly opposite.
This is one of the few French museums dedicated to automata. Visitors can see pieces from various eras and countries, along with historical reconstructions or animated shop window displays. It is "associated" with the Scale Model Museum directly opposite.
Fine Arts Museum
In addition to an Asian art collection, the museum houses various European paintings, particularly by local artists from different eras. It is located in the city's former episcopal palace.
In addition to an Asian art collection, the museum houses various European paintings, particularly by local artists from different eras. It is located in the city's former episcopal palace.
Maritime Museum
The history and maritime life of La Rochelle. The site includes a "floating museum" with several boats from different eras, and an "onshore museum" focused on various themes related to fishing and the navy.
The history and maritime life of La Rochelle. The site includes a "floating museum" with several boats from different eras, and an "onshore museum" focused on various themes related to fishing and the navy.
Museum of the New World
This museum traces the discovery and conquest of the New World from the 16th century onward, starting from La Rochelle, including its period as a slave-trading port.
This museum traces the discovery and conquest of the New World from the 16th century onward, starting from La Rochelle, including its period as a slave-trading port.
Natural History Museum
This old museum—like many in its category—houses vast and varied collections featuring minerals, fossils, stuffed animals, ethnographic objects, and other cabinets of curiosities from past centuries.
This old museum—like many in its category—houses vast and varied collections featuring minerals, fossils, stuffed animals, ethnographic objects, and other cabinets of curiosities from past centuries.
Parks, gardens and natural spaces
La Rochelle Aquarium
It’s one of the best-known aquariums in France. It houses 12,000 species across 65 tanks recreating the various natural environments of the world’s oceans and seas.
It’s one of the best-known aquariums in France. It houses 12,000 species across 65 tanks recreating the various natural environments of the world’s oceans and seas.
La Rochelle Promenade
A pleasant urban stroll between the sea and urban parks (Delmas and Charruyer) in the heart of the city.
A pleasant urban stroll between the sea and urban parks (Delmas and Charruyer) in the heart of the city.
Charruyer Park
This is a lovely urban park, two kilometres long, running alongside part of the ramparts before opening onto the Mail.
This is a lovely urban park, two kilometres long, running alongside part of the ramparts before opening onto the Mail.
In the surrounding area
Aiguillon Bay
This coastal nature reserve spanning Charente-Maritime and Vendée is renowned for its birdlife.
This coastal nature reserve spanning Charente-Maritime and Vendée is renowned for its birdlife.
Châtelaillon-Plage
A seaside resort just a few kilometres south of La Rochelle. Right next door is the Yves Marsh nature reserve and its birds.
A seaside resort just a few kilometres south of La Rochelle. Right next door is the Yves Marsh nature reserve and its birds.
Île d'Aix
A small island between Ré and Oléron. With no vehicle traffic allowed, it’s cherished for its nature and tranquility. You’ll also find three museums and several forts, the most famous being Fort Boyard, perched on its islet nearby.
A small island between Ré and Oléron. With no vehicle traffic allowed, it’s cherished for its nature and tranquility. You’ll also find three museums and several forts, the most famous being Fort Boyard, perched on its islet nearby.
Île de Ré
The best-known of the Atlantic coast islands is a major tourist destination for its landscapes, beaches, walks on foot or by bike, as well as its small villages and the citadel of Saint-Martin-de-Ré.
The best-known of the Atlantic coast islands is a major tourist destination for its landscapes, beaches, walks on foot or by bike, as well as its small villages and the citadel of Saint-Martin-de-Ré.
Additional information
Must-see & highly recommended
Île de Ré
★★★★ The best-known of the Atlantic coast islands is a major tourist destination for its landscapes, beaches, walks on foot or by bike, as well…
Recommended
La Rochelle Aquarium
★★★ It’s one of the best-known aquariums in France. It houses 12,000 species across 65 tanks recreating the various natural environments…
Île d'Aix
★★★ A small island between Ré and Oléron. With no vehicle traffic allowed, it’s cherished for its nature and tranquility. You’ll…
Old Town of La Rochelle
★★★ Arcades, half-timbered houses, and other historic façades, narrow streets, and charming squares—this is the historic heart of the…
Old Port (La Rochelle)
★★★ The former fishing port, guarded by its two medieval towers, has long since been converted into a marina (along with the city's two other…
Worth a look / Other
Aiguillon Bay
★★ This coastal nature reserve spanning Charente-Maritime and Vendée is renowned for its birdlife.
The Gabut
★★ What was once an area occupied by fishermen's warehouses has become, since the 1990s, a residential and commercial district. The many…
La Rochelle Promenade
★★ A pleasant urban stroll between the sea and urban parks (Delmas and Charruyer) in the heart of the city.
Museum of the New World
★★ This museum traces the discovery and conquest of the New World from the 16th century onward, starting from La Rochelle, including its…
Maritime Museum (La Rochelle)
★★ The history and maritime life of La Rochelle. The site includes a "floating museum" with several boats from different eras, and an "onshore…
Charruyer Park
★★ This is a lovely urban park, two kilometres long, running alongside part of the ramparts before opening onto the Mail.
Port des Minimes
★★ Along with the Vieux-Port and Port-Neuf, it is one of the three entities of La Rochelle’s marina (one of the largest in Europe). It…
Grosse-Horloge Gate
★★ With its bell and clock, this belfry—whose first construction dates back to the 12th century—marks the monumental entrance to…
Châtelaillon-Plage
★ A seaside resort just a few kilometres south of La Rochelle. Right next door is the Yves Marsh nature reserve and its birds.
The La Rochelle Bunker
★ This former World War II bunker has been turned into a museum. It covers the occupation of the city of La Rochelle and its surrounding area…
Automata Museum (La Rochelle)
★ This is one of the few French museums dedicated to automata. Visitors can see pieces from various eras and countries, along with historical…
Museum of Fine Arts (La Rochelle)
★ In addition to an Asian art collection, the museum houses various European paintings, particularly by local artists from different eras. It…
Natural History Museum (La Rochelle)
★ This old museum—like many in its category—houses vast and varied collections featuring minerals, fossils, stuffed animals…
Yves Marsh Nature Reserve
★ Next to Châtelaillon-Plage, this marsh is home to a great many birds.
- Old Port (La Rochelle)
- La Rochelle Aquarium
- Old Town of La Rochelle
- Natural History Museum (La Rochelle)
- Museum of the New World
- Maritime Museum (La Rochelle)
- Museum of Fine Arts (La Rochelle)
- The La Rochelle Bunker
- Automata Museum (La Rochelle)
- Port des Minimes
- La Rochelle Promenade
- Grosse-Horloge Gate
- Charruyer Park
- The Gabut