La Rochelle travel guide

La Rochelle

An age-old city facing the future, La Rochelle is a very beautiful and generous city that combines the preservation of a natural and architectural patrimony and the reasonable and harmonious development of its territory.

The capital of the region Charente-Maritime, harbour on the Atlantic coast, with its 76, 711 inhabitants, is one of the most attractive and dynamic cities of France. It is located on the road between two major French cities, Nantes and Bordeaux, and at 3 hour TGV voyage from Paris.

Having 2400 hours of sun per year (as many as on Côte d’Azur) and being located near the islands of Ré, Oléron, Aix and Madame, La Rochelle is a place of privileged holiday.

Its climate is essentially oceanic. It is raining during autumn and winter, the latter being quite mild. In the summertime, the temperatures are moderated by the sea breeze, creating perfect weather for sailing.

Accomodation

From apartment hotels to 4 star hotels, from guesthouses to camping and shelters, you will find the accommodation of your choice together with a convivial and warm welcoming. Check in to HOTEL RESIDENCE DE FRANCE, HOTEL BEST WESTERN CHAMPLAIN FRANCE ANGLETERRE or HOTEL LES BRISES or try CAMPING BEAULIEU and CAMPING LES SABLES. You will have too much to choose from as there are 55 hotels, 16 campings, 78 guesthouses and even 19 boat mobilhouses.

Culture

La Rochelle follows intensely the rhythm of notorious events: the International Film Festival, the Francofolies, The Autumn Rally, the Marathon and the great nautical courses (in May you can participate or just be a spectator to the International Sailing Week). There is also a variety of places to visit: Le Musee d’Histoire Naturelle, le Musee Maritime, L’Aquarium, La Catedrale Saint-Louis, Notre Dame Church, The Big Horologe, Porte Dauphine and many more.

Where to go out?

As night draws in you should go out for a dance at DISCOTHEQUE OXFORD - CLUB PAPAGAYO or LE TRIOLET, hang out with your friends at THE GENERAL HUMBERT'S IRISH PUB, FITZPATRICK'S IRISH PUB or MATTAÏ CAFÉ or try your fortune at CASINO BARRIERE DE LA ROCHELLE.

Guided visits

If you want to go with your family for a guided tour, there is a variety of choices: gourmand walks, guided tours of the city by foot, by bicycle and by carriage, or guided tours of the Town Hall. The city is also open for „own transports” – self-service bicycles, shuttle services, sea buses or electric cars.