If you’re considering visiting La Rochelle, France, you’ve probably already picked the top places to see. La Rochelle is a beautiful Atlantic Coast city in France known for its beaches and picturesque harbor. In addition, it’s also an economic hub with around 100 companies headquartered there. If you want to experience the best of La Rochelle, then make sure that you visit at least one of these top attractions when you’re there. Read on for more information about the top tourist attractions when visiting La Rochelle.
The Harbor: Vieux Port de la Rochelle
The Vieux Port, or Old Port, is one of La Rochelle’s most iconic landmarks. The harbor is home to many boats and yachts and has been a gathering place for centuries. Today, it is a popular destination for both locals and visitors, with a variety of shops, restaurants, and cafes, as well as a lively market. You can enjoy stunning views of the harbor and the surrounding city from the Vieux Port.
The Towers: Tour St Nicolas & Tour de la Lanterne
The Tower of La Rochelle was built in the 12th century and served as a defense structure during the war. Today, the towers are open to visitors who want to enjoy panoramic views of the city and harbor.
The medieval tower of St Nicolas is taller than the two towers, standing at 65 meters. Visitors can climb to the top of the tower for views of the city and harbor. The Tour de la Lanterne is the shorter of the two towers, standing at 33 meters. The Tour de la Lanterne has a lighthouse that is still used today.
Beautiful Beach: Plage des Minimes
La Plage des Minimes, the beach, is one of the most beautiful beaches in La Rochelle. Plage des Minimes is located just a short walk from the city center and is perfect for families with small children. The beach is well-equipped with showers, toilets, and a playground. In addition, there are plenty of restaurants and cafes nearby if you need to take a break from the sun.
Museums in La Rochelle
La Rochelle is home to several museums, including the Maritime Museum, Natural History Museum, and Aquarium de la Rochelle.
Musée d’Orbigny – Bernon & Musée Maritime de la Rochelle
The Musée d’Orbigny – Bernon is a natural history and archaeology museum. The museum has many interactive exhibits that are perfect for families with kids. In addition, the museum also offers several guided tours in English if you want to learn more about its collections. If you’re interested in maritime history, then make sure to visit the Musée Maritime de la Rochelle. The museum has exhibitions that cover topics such as navigation, shipbuilding, and maritime trade.
Museum of Fine Arts of La Rochelle (Musée des Beaux-Arts)
The Museum of Fine Arts of La Rochelle is one of the top places to visit in La Rochelle. Not only is the museum beautiful, but it’s also incredibly interesting. The Musee des Beaux-Arts is a must-visit for art lovers. The museum houses a collection of paintings, sculptures, and other works from the Renaissance to the present day. The museum also has a beautiful garden with a fountain and sculptures.
The Aquarium: Aquarium de la Rochelle
La Rochelle aquarium is one of the largest aquariums in Europe and is home to over 10,000 aquatic animals. The aquarium offers both educational and fun activities for visitors of all ages. In addition, the aquarium has an outdoor area where you can relax, and picnics are allowed. This is one of the best attractions in La Rochelle for families and tourists who love to visit and compare aquariums worldwide.
The Churches
There are several historic churches in La Rochelle, including Notre-Dame de la Garde, Saint Nicolas Church, and Saint Sauveur Church. If you want to see some of the city’s most beautiful architecture, then be sure to visit one of these churches.
James Cathedral
If you want to see a beautiful cathedral, you should visit the St. James Cathedral in La Rochelle. This cathedral has been around since the 12th century and is a stunning example of Gothic architecture. The cathedral is located near the Basse-Roche Harbour, surrounded by beautiful gardens. The cathedral has a beautiful garden worth seeing, perfect for getting some great photos. The cathedral is also great for learning about La Rochelle’s history. There are also two mummies in the cathedral, both Egyptian mummies. The mummies are on display in the crypt, and they’re both from the 19th century. The cathedral is a beautiful place to visit in La Rochelle and an excellent place for history buffs.
Our Lady of Tranquility Chapel
The Our Lady of Tranquility Chapel is located close to the Basse-Roche Harbour. This city’s oldest church is a beautiful example of Gothic architecture. The chapel was built between the 13th and 16th centuries. The chapel’s architecture is stunning, and it features beautiful stained glass. You can visit the chapel, and you can also see where it’s located. The chapel is located just a few feet from the Basse-Roche Harbour. If you want to explore La Rochelle’s old part of the city, you should also visit the walled city of the 15th and 16th centuries.
Places to visit in La Rochelle – The Isle of Ré: Ile de Ré
The Isle of Ré is a small island off the coast of La Rochelle. The island is accessible by bridge and is a great place to spend a day or two if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. On the island, you can find plenty of sandy beaches and several beautiful villages.
The island is also home to several historical sites, including the Fort de la Prée, the Château des Réaux, and the Church of Saint-Eutrope. From our point of view, you have to consider taking a day trip to Ré Island where you can enjoy stunning coastline views and relax on the beach.
Vieille Ville – A Stroll Through La Rochelle’s Historic Centre
La Rochelle’s old town is the perfect place to visit. La Rochelle’s historic centre is a delight to explore with its well-preserved medieval architecture and lovely seafront setting. Stroll the narrow cobbled streets, pop into boutique shops, and stop for a coffee or lunch in one of the many outdoor cafes.
Vieille Ville exudes an old-world ambiance with its cobbled streets and half-timbered houses. Strolling around the quarter, you’ll find plenty of photo opportunities, as well as several places of interest worth taking the time to visit.
The Hôtel de Ville, a beautiful and ornate building, is located in the heart of Vieille Ville and merits a look. Nearby on a quiet side street (11 Bis Rue des Augustins), you’ll find the opulent 16th-century Maison de Henri II. This picturesque building is open to the public and is a real treat for those interested in Renaissance architecture.
At the northeast corner of the town hall, you’ll find the Grand Rue des Merciers (“Street of the Haberdashers”). This street is lined with both medieval houses and stately townhouses. As its name suggests, there are also several clothing boutiques in the rez-de-chaussée arcades along this street.
Porte de la Grosse-Horloge – A Splendid Historical Monument
The Grosse-Horloge is a magnificent gate on the west side of Quai Duperré that adds to the historical splendor of the old port. This was the main waterside opening in La Rochelle’s medieval walls and served as the city’s defenses. The octagonal belfry in the middle of the gate was added in 1746 and housed a 2.2-ton bell, the heaviest in the department. The Grosse-Horloge is even more beautiful at night when it is lit up.
As you pass below the Gross-Horloge and enter the town through the main waterside opening in La Rochelle’s medieval walls, you are transported back to a simpler era. The 18th century saw the city expand, which made these defenses no longer necessary. However, the gate has been preserved to remember La Rochelle’s rich history. Those are the three towers you have to see in La Rochelle.
Boat Trip to the famous Fort Boyard
The renowned Fort Boyard is located between two islands – Aix and Oleron.
Visit the famous Fort Boyard, a tourist attraction around La Rochelle. This fortress was built in the 19th century to protect the city from enemy attacks. Today, it is a popular tourist spot to visit and take photos. Fort Boyard is located near the Île d’Aix, just off the coast of La Rochelle. Fort Boyard is close to visitors due to security matters. The only way to admire the fortress up close is to cruise around it.
The main cruise companies that offer Fort Boyard boat trip are located in the following ports: Fouras, La Rochelle, Boyardville (Ile d’Oléron), Saint-Denis (Ile d’Oléron), Rochefrot, Port-des-Barques, La Tremblade, Saint-Martin (Ile de Ré).
The Parks
La Rochelle has several parks where you can relax or take a walk, such as Orangerie Park, Jardin Public, and Parc des Curés d’Ars en Ré Island Park. If you need a break from sightseeing, spending some time in one of these parks is a great way to relax and recharge.
Final Thoughts; La Rochelle France
After a fantastic weekend in La Rochelle, I must say goodbye to this beautiful city. These are just a few of the many attractions that you can see when visiting La Rochelle. We loved exploring everything it offers, from the stunning architecture and history to the delicious food and wine. I will be back to visit again soon!
Official La Rochelle Tourist info website
La Rochelle Tourist map
Afficher une carte plus grande
