Top 15 Must-Do Activities in La Rochelle, France

La Rochelle’s Old Port, bordered by its medieval towers, stands as one of the most remarkable urban landscapes in France. These towers are accessible to the public and are steeped in over 600 years of history.

The city has maintained a distinct identity, having been a Huguenot bastion during the Wars of Religion. Today, it remains predominantly Protestant and has consistently focused on its maritime connections.

The museums in the Old Quarter provide insights into the merchants and explorers who initiated voyages from the port, showcasing numerous artefacts they retrieved. Notably, France’s leading aquarium is situated in La Rochelle.

Let us explore the premier attractions in La Rochelle:

1. Old Harbour

Upon arrival in La Rochelle, the harbour presents a stunning sight, symbolizing the city’s long-standing relationship with the sea. Strolling along Quai Duperré, you can appreciate the iconic view of the Tour Saint-Nicolas and Tour de la Chaîne, which have inspired many renowned artists such as Corot, Signac, and Vernet.

Finding a seat under one of the awnings at a quayside restaurant allows you to enjoy a delightful seafood lunch while observing the comings and goings of the sailboats. The evening ambiance transforms further, with illuminated towers casting reflections in the water.

2. Tour Saint-Nicolas

The Tour Saint-Nicolas has guarded the entrance to the harbour for five centuries and is the taller of the two towers. Named after the patron saint of sailors and fishermen, this structure impressively measures 42 meters, embodying more of a fortress than merely a tower.

Exploring the intricate labyrinth of connecting spiral staircases, you will find that each staircase was created to allow reinforcement in case other routes were obstructed by adversaries. There are multiple niches, passages, and rooms along with fascinating historical artifacts, including the original oak supports of its foundations.

3. Tour de la Lanterne

A short walk along Rue sur les Mars from Tour de la Chaîne leads to the latest of La Rochelle’s three towers. This tower, dating back to the 15th century, was constructed not only for defensive purposes but also for aesthetic appeal, featuring a decorative octagonal spire atop a more austere round base.

The fourth level of the tower housed a prison from the 17th to the 19th centuries, accommodating over 100 inmates. You can still observe the graffiti carved into the walls by these captives from Spain, France, England, and the Netherlands.

At the summit, there is an outdoor gallery positioned 38 meters above ground, providing sweeping views of the old town and harbour.

4. Old Quarter

The cobblestone streets that wind behind the Old Port, worn smooth by centuries of footfall, invite a leisurely stroll.

Currently undergoing restoration after a fire, the 16th-century Renaissance Hôtel de Ville is available for viewing during tours at 15:00 and 16:00. The square in front features a statue of Jean Guiton, the Huguenot mayor during the 1620s siege of the city by Louis XIII.

Within the town hall, visitors can observe a marble table that Guiton reportedly damaged with his dagger. The surrounding streets, such as Rue du Palais and Rue des Merciers, showcase beautiful 17th-century homes, characterized by corner turrets and expansive arcades on the ground floors.

5. La Rochelle Aquarium

One of the standout features of La Rochelle’s Aquarium is its immersive experience, which commences with a simulated submarine dive into the depths of the ocean.

Spread across nine distinct zones, visitors can observe approximately 600 marine species housed in expansive tanks and terrariums. The highlight is an enormous shark tank containing 1.5 million litres of water, with terraced seating that enhances viewing opportunities.

Another notable feature is the 360° underwater tunnel, where visitors can gaze at thousands of jellyfish from below. The aquarium also emphasizes sustainability, breeding 20 of the species on display and cultivating its own coral in 150 quarantine tanks.

6. Muséum d’Histoire Naturelle de La Rochelle

La Rochelle boasts an exceptional Natural History Museum, a fitting tribute to the many navigators and explorers who returned from their voyages with the most unusual specimens over the centuries. These collections contributed to the Lafaille Cabinet of Curiosities in the 18th century, which remains virtually intact at this museum, recognized as the oldest surviving natural history “cabinet” in France.

Housed within this elegant early-19th-century building, extensive ethnographic exhibitions from Africa, a wealth of taxidermy specimens, and remarkable fossils can be found in the basement.

7. Porte de la Grosse-Horloge

Another noteworthy landmark that enhances the historical significance of the old port is the majestic gate located on the western side of Quai Duperré.

Passing under the Gross-Horloge signifies your entrance into the town through the primary waterside entry of La Rochelle’s medieval fortifications. These defenses became obsolete by the 18th century as the city expanded.

Dominating the structure is an octagonal belfry, which was added in 1746, housing the largest bell in the department that weighs a remarkable 2.2 tons. Like the rest of the old port, the Grosse-Horloge is captivating when illuminated after dark.

8. La Rochelle’s Beaches

Although La Rochelle is not traditionally recognized as a beach destination, there are three beaches located just a short drive from the Old Port.

Chef de Baie is the most popular choice yet is also the furthest from the center, approximately a 15-minute drive away. The breakwater here protects visitors from currents and wind, complemented by a large grassy area behind the beach.

In the middle lies Plage de la Concurrence, which appears expansive at low tide yet can disappear under the incoming tide. The largest and most frequented beach is Plage des Minimes, featuring soft golden sand adjacent to a small promenade and La Rochelle’s Grand Route and ferris wheel.

9. Musée des Automates / Musée des Modèles Réduits

A single admission grants access to these two unique museums located on Rue de la Désirée. The first showcases vintage automatons from various European origins, many dating back to the 1800s, with their intricate mechanisms on display.

Some automatons once graced fairs, while others served as shop window displays, now positioned along a street scene, accompanied by a captivating assortment of moving advertisements from the 1920s to the 1950s.

Next door, the model museum houses the largest toy collection in the region, featuring railways and cars, with the nautical section being particularly engaging, showcasing remote-controlled reenactments of historic battles and antique model boats.

10. Maison Henri II

Located in a charming courtyard along Rue des Augustins, Maison Henri II is a Renaissance-style house constructed in 1555. Despite its name, it has no connection to the king but rather refers to its architectural style.

The residence is aesthetically pleasing, featuring a gallery on the ground floor and an exquisite loggia above. A noteworthy historical detail is the original owner, Hugues Pontard, who served as La Rochelle’s public prosecutor and sadly succumbed to the plague in 1565. His son François ascended to the role of mayor at just 27. Inside, exhibitions focus on the archaeology and history of the Aunis province, of which La Rochelle was once a part.

The courtyard features a quaint French garden, adorned with flowerbeds framed by square boxwood.

11. Musée du Nouveau Monde

This museum occupies a historical building, a “hôtel particulier” constructed in 1775, exemplifying neoclassical and rococo architecture.

The elegant salons provide an appropriate backdrop for displaying 17th-century maps, paintings, and tapestries, which offer a glimpse into the wealth accruing to La Rochelle through trade with South America, the Caribbean, and the North American territories known as New France.

Exhibits focus on trade with indigenous Americans, featuring ethnographic items such as furs and original photographic prints of Plains Indians captured by the esteemed 19th-century photographer Edward Curtis.

Furthermore, there are sobering exhibits addressing the darker aspects of slavery, emphasizing that the museum’s luxurious residence was once owned by a plantation proprietor.

12. Allée du Mail

Post-lunch, consider beginning your exploration at the harbour and continuing along this verdant avenue, lined with elms and pine trees.

During peak tourist season, when the old port is bustling, you can find solace in these pathways to gather your thoughts while sharing the space with local families enjoying leisure time by the ocean.

At the western termination of the Mail lies the city’s memorial dedicated to the Second World War, while the eastern end features La Rochelle’s mini-golf course, adding a touch of fun for children.

13. Le Bunker de La Rochelle

Unbeknownst to passersby on the street, Rue des Dames in the old quarter conceals a significant Nazi underground bunker. Constructed in 1941, it served as a sanctuary for German U-Boat commanders during air raids and covers an area of 280 square meters, including several compartments and an underground restaurant.

Remarkably, many of its walls are adorned with frescoes, which have been remarkably preserved over the last 70 years. The museum features showcase displays containing military artifacts, depicting daily life experienced by the officers.

14. Île de Ré

The island is linked to La Rochelle via a bridge and becomes a summer paradise, featuring rural lanes, charming harbors, and extensive sandy beaches.

Much like La Rochelle, the island’s terrain is bicycle-friendly, making cycling an ideal option for reaching its numerous attractions and beaches.

In the countryside, keep an eye out for the famous woolly donkeys, which amusingly wear culottes. Should you need a starting point, the delightful Saint-Martin-de-Ré features a picturesque harbor and fortifications constructed by Vauban, a prominent 17th-century military engineer.

15. Seafood

La Rochelle offers an exceptional selection of lobster, prawns, mussels, and oysters at some of the most competitive prices in France.

Consider opting for a classic seafood platter or trying the moules Charentaises, which consist of mussels cooked in a cream and white wine sauce.

Another fantastic opportunity to savor fresh seafood is at the Marché Central, where nearby bars have established a collaboration with stallholders.

You can select a variety of seafood to take back for preparation in the bar, ensuring a great price on freshly harvested oysters or prawns to accompany light white wines from Charente-Maritimes.