What to do for a weekend in La Rochelle?
La Rochelle has been ranked the third best city in France for its quality of life. A coastal city in Charente-Maritime, explore its nooks and crannies during a weekend by the sea in La Rochelle.
ThebracingdelightofaweekendinLaRochelle
Begin your visit at the clock tower in La Rochelle’s old district, from which you can walk past and admire the half-timbered houses. Along the way, you can also see the arcades, arched walkways and facades dating from the 18th century. To learn more about La Rochelle’s history, look up at the informative plaques dotted all around the city. DiscovertheiconicOldPort,whichlooksjustlikeapostcard,andwanderLaRochelle’scobbledstreetstodiscoverthearchitecturaltreasureshidingthere.
As for the seaside, there are fantastic walks from which you can see La Rochelle’s coast and limestone cliffs. La Rochelle is also very close to some of the Atlantic coast’s famous islands like Réisland,OléronislandandAixisland.
Did you know that the famous fort from the game show Fort Boyard is in La Rochelle? The ‘lighthouse at the end of the world’ is a local attraction, which without doubt will make you want to play adventurers (don’t worry, the tigers are only on the TV programme).
The Domaine du Château*** Residence is the perfect place to spend your downtime during your weekend in La Rochelle. Near a 12 hectare park, calm is the best word to describe this accommodation. Awarded with the Green Key for their commitment to the environment, the residence offers apartments from 25 to 43m2 that guarantee space and comfort.
Anadventure-filledweekendgetawayinLaRochelle
If you prefer to stay on dry land, LaRochelleisalsoanidealplaceforexploringnaturalsiteswhichare100%protected. Get on your bike and go discover the numerous nearby parks and green spaces. The best way to explore the area is to take the Vélodysséecycleroute, which goes through La Rochelle. Don’t forget to stop off at the tourist attractions along the way.
As for discovering local specialties, it’s not only the sea air that’s salty here! It’s no surprise that seafood dishes are all the rage in La Rochelle. Relax on a terrace and order a seafood platter or buy fresh fish at the fish market in La Rochelle’s fishing port. For more typical culinary specialties, take a walk around the markets. There’s no better place to find out about the flavours of a region. Foramoremodernandlivelyexperience,thecity’scoveredmarketisopeneverymorningandisthefinestplacetotastelocalproduce.
OneofLaRochelle’smust-seeattractionsistheOldPort. Today it’s a lively place which is somewhat softened by the marina. Here you also get the chance to see localartistswhodisplaytheirpaintingsnearCarénagequay,DuperréquayandlecoursdesDames.
Once it gets dark, stop to admire one of the city's most beautiful sights: the 3 towers lit up (the Lanterne Tower, the Chaîne Tower and the St. Nicholas Tower).
LaRochelleisalsorichinhistory.St.LouisCathedral,notfarfromHenriII’sHouseintheheartoftheoldtown,isworthavisit.LaRochelle’smuseumsshouldn’tbeoverlookedeither,andtheyappealtoawiderangeofpeople,eventhelittleoneswhowouldlovetheaquariumforexample!