10 Best Things to Do in La Rochelle

La Rochelle, the city that rebelled against the king, is a place where history and the sea come together in a blend of adventure and culture.

This port city, known for its medieval fortresses and its resistance during the reign of Louis XIII, is now a jewel of the French Atlantic coast, ideal for those seeking to discover its maritime charm, enjoy its breathtaking views and explore its museums and lively streets. In this fascinating destination, relaxing walks along the harbour, adventurous experiences in nature, interesting architecture and activities await you, allowing you to discover the best of this rebellious city and its most hidden treasures.

A perfect route for exploring the south of France includes the Old Town of La Rochelle, a kind of open-air museum that tells the history of the city through its buildings, Renaissance architecture, cafés and wooden houses, with the Grand Clock as its iconic entrance.

Through its maze of streets, you can explore the Vieille Ville, the historic heart of La Rochelle, and discover emblematic places such as its three towers, the walled Town Hall that seems to be protected by gargoyles, and the Palace of Justice. Another highlight are the museums in the area, such as the New World Museum.

Finally, considering that La Rochelle was a Protestant stronghold for years, it is worth visiting the Cathedral of Saint Louis and the Tower of Saint Bartholomew, cultural heritage sites that stand out for their Gothic architecture. All of them are worth getting to know properly by booking a guided tour.

A stroll through the old town of La Rochelle is a unique sensory experience. Imagine losing yourself in the narrow streets, discovering hidden squares and craft shops. The salty sea air mixes with the aromas of the bakery and cafés, creating a magical atmosphere that is also safe for pedestrians.

Interesting details

• Duration: allow at least a couple of hours in your itinerary if you are only going to see the outside of the monuments. If you want to go inside, allow half a day.

The Towers of Saint-Nicolas, La Chaîne and La Lanterne are three medieval fortifications that stand proudly in the port of La Rochelle, recalling the defensive past of this rebellious city.

Thanks to their average height of 45 metres, you can see them from a distance when you book a Segway, bike or walking tour. However, when you buy tickets for the towers, you will not only enjoy panoramic views of the Old Port and the Atlantic coast, but also a historical walk where you will learn about La Rochelle's resistance against royal power.

Each tower offers a unique perspective: the 42-metre-high Saint-Nicolas Tower is a symbol of protection, the 38-metre-high Chain Tower guards the entrance to the port, and the Lantern Tower illuminated the city from a height of 55 metres while also serving as a prison. As a reminder of the latter, you will see the history of the prisoners portrayed in some 500 graffiti paintings. It is a fascinating experience for lovers of history and medieval architecture.

Details of interest

• Duration: around 1.5 hours to visit the three towers.
• Opening hours: 10:00 to 13:00 and 14:15 to 17:30 in low season, with extended hours in summer.
• Location: Quai du Gabut, 17000 La Rochelle.

Indiana Jones fans should know that La Rochelle is the first setting of the saga, as in the early 1980s, Steven Spielberg was enchanted by this port city and chose it as the location for Raiders of the Lost Ark Since then, La Rochelle has offered a fun treasure hunt that takes you through its medieval history.

This activity takes you through ancient streets and hidden corners between iconic landmarks such as the House of Henry II of England and the Church of Saint-Sauveur to solve puzzles that reveal fascinating secrets about the city.

Guided by clues on a route designed to challenge your ingenuity, you will have the opportunity to see the details of medieval architecture, such as arches, balconies and the fortified towers that once protected the rebellious city. It is a perfect way to explore, learn and experience a different kind of adventure in the heart of La Rochelle.

Details of interest

• Duration: approximately 2 hours.
• What you should know: this tour takes place outdoors, mainly in the historic centre of La Rochelle.
• Recommendation: wear comfortable clothing and footwear, and start your search in the city centre, where you will receive the first clues.

If you're passionate about prehistory and wildlife, Planet Exotica is a must-see in La Rochelle. This theme park is home to not only realistic dinosaur replicas, but also a huge collection of live reptiles, insects and rich exotic flora that will immerse you in an atmosphere of adventure.

As you explore the park, you'll come face to face with life-size dinosaurs, walk through lush tropical gardens, and get up close and personal with species of snakes, turtles and lizards. With interactive activities and play areas for all ages, Planet Exotica guarantees an educational and fun experience that's ideal for families.

Details of interest

• Duration: between 1 and 3 hours, depending on the visit.
• Opening hours: open every day of the week from 10:00 to 18:00 (summer) and from 10:00 to 17:00 (winter).
• Location: 5 Av. des Fleurs de la Paix, 17200 Royan, 20 minutes by car from the centre of La Rochelle.

La Rochelle's central market is the heart of local life and a paradise for food lovers. This vibrant market, steeped in history, offers a taste of the region's finest fresh produce.

As you stroll through its aisles, you can sample artisanal cheeses, fresh oysters, freshly caught seafood and a selection of local wines that reflect the richness of the French terroir. It's an ideal opportunity to try regional specialities and meet local producers, who share their passion for the authentic flavours of La Rochelle.

Details of interest

• Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours.
• Opening hours: the market is open Tuesday to Sunday, from 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
• Address: Place du Marché, 17000 La Rochelle.

The La Rochelle Bunker is a fascinating and little-known relic of the Second World War that has been converted into a museum. At its entrance stands a black cat, whose hunched figure evokes an air of mystery. This symbol, the emblem of the Third Submarine Fleet, reminds us of the iconic ships that ran aground in La Rochelle during the war.

Hidden in the heart of the old town, this bunker was built in 1941 by the Nazis to protect their officers during Allied air raids. Today, the bunker has been restored and opened to the public as a museum, offering an immersive insight into the history of the German occupation of La Rochelle.

As visitors explore its narrow corridors covering some 300 m² and view the accurately recreated rooms, they experience what life was like during wartime, with original objects, testimonies and audiovisual presentations offering an immersive and powerful experience that invites reflection.

Details of interest

• Duration: you can visit the museum in about 90 minutes.
• Opening hours: open Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Address: 8 Rue des Dames, 17000 La Rochelle.

Immerse yourself in La Rochelle Aquarium, one of the best aquariums in Europe, where you can discover more than 12,000 species in an environment designed to bring you closer to the underwater world. From sharks to exotic species from the Atlantic, Indian and Pacific oceans, the 82 tanks in themed rooms will transport you to unique aquatic habitats with impressive recreations of coral reefs and mangroves.

In addition, this aquarium has interactive facilities that make it an educational and immersive experience ideal for all ages. Here you will not only see colourful fish, but also sections for children where they can learn about the importance of ocean conservation in the midst of an eco-sustainable experience that begins as soon as you arrive. This is yet another reason to travel with children in the French region, with the possibility of adding an electro-solar ferry ride.

Details of interest

• Duration: between 1 and 2 hours.
• Opening hours: La Rochelle Aquarium is open daily from 9:00 to 20:00 in high season and from 10:00 to 18:00 in low season.
• Location: Quai Louis Prunier, 17000 La Rochelle.

This urban park is a green oasis covering 40 hectares. Right in the centre of La Rochelle, it has been the ideal place to enjoy a moment of tranquillity and connect with nature since the late 19th century. Stretching for almost two kilometres, Charruyer Park has wooded areas, ponds and paths where you can walk, have a picnic or simply relax by the Lafond and Fétilly rivers.

It is worth mentioning that after the Second World War, in 1945, the park added a small free zoo to its attractions. Here you will see ducks, peacocks and goats that delight visitors of all ages. This is an ideal haven to enjoy a rest after a day of exploring the city.

Details of interest

• Duration: between 30 minutes and 1.5 hours
• Price: the park is free to enter.
• Opening hours: open 24 hours a day.
• Location: Camino de las Murallas / Rue Jean Mermoz 17000 La Rochelle.

At the Natural History Museum in La Rochelle, visitors can delve into the life and work of Aimé Bonpland, the brilliant botanist overshadowed by Alexander von Humboldt, who explored and catalogued numerous species in the southern hemisphere.

This museum houses an outstanding ethnographic and natural history collection, organised over five levels covering an area of 2,300 m². Here, science and botany enthusiasts will find themselves in paradise, with the opportunity to explore a collection of some 10,000 objects showcasing the diversity of nature and global culture. The tour begins on the ground floor, where the splendour of the French coastline and its natural wealth are revealed. Fascinating fossils from the region can also be seen in the basement.

On the first floor, the giraffe Zarafa stands out, an interesting piece of history from 19th-century Ottoman Egypt that marks the beginning of naturalists' journeys to distant lands in search of new species. The upper floors house the ethnographic collection from Asia, Oceania and America, while the herbarium, in the archives section, offers a window into Bonpland's work, with delicate specimens of plants pressed and dried by the naturalist himself two centuries ago.

Details of interest

• Duration: approximately 2 hours.
• Location: this museum is located at 28 Rue Albert 1er, La Rochelle.
• Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 to 18:00.

Located just 10 kilometres from La Rochelle and connected by a three-kilometre bridge, the Île de Ré is the most popular of the nearby islands and is a perfect destination for a short break.

Here you can immerse yourself in the island lifestyle as you explore the island by bicycle — the favourite option —, by bus or even by boat. It stands out for its picturesque roads, surrounded by salt marshes, vineyards and small villages with white houses. Its beaches, such as Le Bois-Plage-en-Ré, Rivedoux-Plage and La Flotte, offer tranquillity and the relaxed atmosphere invites you to enjoy fresh seafood in one of the local restaurants and to practise sports such as kitesurfing.

If you want to avoid the crowds, I suggest you add this visit to your list of things to do in La Rochelle in spring or early autumn, when you can enjoy its essence in a more peaceful atmosphere.

Interesting details

• Duration: a half-day or full-day excursion is recommended.
• What you should know: located 10 km east of the centre of La Rochelle.

Carla's Tip

Another alternative to escape the crowds is to visit Aix Island, Napoleon Bonaparte's favourite, just 20 minutes away by ferry. Or you can visit the wild and beautiful Île d'Oléron, which is also connected to La Rochelle by road.