With its plethora of historic monuments, beautiful sea views and charming coastal cafes, La Rochelle is a great place to travel to.
Nicknamed ‘La Ville Blanche’ – or the White City – due to its quirky limestone buildings, the city appears almost luminous during the summer months, which only adds to the sense of glamour.
Immerse yourself in traditional French culture, enjoy wandering through cobbled streets and exploring the architectural masterpieces, and sip on French coffee as you watch the world go by.
Visit the Port Des Minimes
A trip to La Rochelle wouldn’t be complete without visiting the Port Des Minimes. As one of the foremost marinas in Europe, it offers an incredible view of glistening blue water lined with boats of all sizes.
Go for an evening stroll and watch the sunset – the sight of it touching the water is breath-taking. Once you’ve finished your walk, head to one of the many bars and restaurants located just minutes away for a delicious seafood dinner.
See marine life
Situated by the pretty harbor, Aquarium La Rochelle is home to more than 12,000 marine animals from hundreds of different species.
This state-of-the-art attraction has a range of rooms each dedicated to different creatures and habitats, allowing you to learn more about the wonders of the water.
Observe sharks in their own tiered room before heading to the jellyfish area, to watch these fascinating beings dance through the water gracefully. There is also an open-ocean aquarium featuring sting-rays, as well as a jungle area that gives you an insight into the life of piranhas and turtles.
Tour the three towers of La Rochelle
Immerse yourself in the history of La Rochelle by visiting the three towers, namely the Tour Saint-Nicolas, the Tour de la Chaîne and the Tour de la Lanterne. Built between the 12th and 15th centuries, there’s so much history to soak in.
You can see the graffiti drawn by inmates in the Tour de la Lanterne’s atmospheric prison, before heading to the outdoor gallery located 125 feet above the ground. The other two towers are equally as interesting, looming over the historic port, and you’ll find it hard to tear yourself away from the iconic structures as you learn all about their eventful past.
Even if you aren’t a history enthusiast, it’s worth heading to at least one of the three towers to simply experience the fantastic views from the top. As the oldest lighthouse on the Atlantic coast, the Tour de la Lanterne is highly popular if you can only visit one.
Head to the Old Town
With worn cobblestone paths and rows of charming 17th-century houses, the Old Town of La Rochelle is simply enchanting.
Transport yourself back in time by taking a leisurely stroll through the central square, where you’ll find a magnificent statue of Jean Guiton, who was the mayor during the city’s siege by Louis XIII. Cafes and restaurants are dotted all around the area, giving you the perfect opportunity to grab a traditional French pastry.
With car rental in La Rochelle, all these local sights and charming attractions further afield are at your fingertips. Reserve direct today.