Location: La Rochelle
Top Things to do in La Rochelle
Top 10 Things to do in La Rochelle, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Located on the Bay of Biscay, La Rochelle’s history mostly involved the sea; today it has a large pleasure-boat marina. Thus its heart is the picturesque "Vieux Port" ("Old Harbor"). The city retains a rich architectural heritage, and has an aquarium, attractive gardens and a natural-history museum. Book early for summer; mid-July in particular features Francofolies, a huge French music festival.
Restaurants in La Rochelle
1. Vieux Port
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,561 reviews
Reviewed By Ruth2000 - Warwick, United Kingdom
La Rochelle has a lot to offer, the best being its food. The restaurants, (especially seafood) are excellent, and there are lots to choose. We spent 2 weeks in the city, staying in an apartment close to the harbour. The covered central market, open in the mornings is excellent for fresh produce, cheese, fish, fruit and vegetables. Just the other side of the harbour away from the hundreds of cafes and restaurants is the moderately priced Carrefour (City) .... and buses can take to you easily to outlying places, like the Ile de Rei, Minimes, and Chatellian Plage. Everywhere near the Old Port is walking distance. Not a cheap place to be, but thoroughly worthwhile.
2. Musees des Automates / Modeles Reduits
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 606 reviews
Reviewed By Djflash8
It is a museum on scale models, there are small planes, small cars, small boats, it was a beautiful visit made by enthusiasts who know their subject very well
3. Musee d'histoire naturelle de La Rochelle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 367 reviews
Reviewed By paulaaW9553GD - New York City, United States
The museum has been renovated beautifully with its 19th century character maintained. The precious rocks are gorgeous, the flora and fauna collections fabulous, but best of all for us was the ethnographic collection containing an extremely rare and important Easter Island figure as well as an African fang figure of superb quality, among others.
4. Musee Maritime de La Rochelle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 623 reviews
Reviewed By frankafile
Fascinating museum mainly on boats allowing lots of exploration. The big boat has an excellent bar and restaurant on the top deck.
5. Towers of La Rochelle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,401 reviews
Looking out to the Atlantic, the Tour Saint-Nicolas (14th century), the Tour de la Chaîne (14th century) and the Tour de la Lanterne (12th and15th century) are the remains of a great fortification building campaign undertaken in the City of La Rochelle from 1199. The Tour Saint-Nicolas and the Tour de la Chaîne form the majestic gateway to the Old Port and for ten centuries formed the key defensive bastions to the city. As true palatial constructions and city castles, they are the symbol of a city with a very rich hand proud seafaring and trading heritage. The Tour de la Lanterne, the oldest lighthouse on the Atlantic coast and then a navy prison, contains over 600 examples of graffiti carved into the walls by prisoners in over 3 centuries. Open: > 1st April to 30th September: Tower Saint-Nicolas: from 10 a.m. to 6.30 p.m. ; Tower of La Chaîne and La Lanterne: from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 2.15 p.m. to 6.30 p.m. > 1st October to 31st March: from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 2.15 p.m. to 5.30 p.m. Closed: > 1st January, 1st May and 25th December. Admission fees: Adults : 1 tower ticket : 6 € ; 3 towers ticket : 8,50 € ; Concessions (18 to 25) = 1 tower ticket : 4 € ; 3 towers ticket : 5,50 € ; Free admission: minors under 18*; Free admission: 18-25 years old* (citizens of one of the 27 countries of the EU or are non-European permanent residents of France) * excluding school groups
Reviewed By CaptainsWife1
Very interesting tour to all three towers. You don't have to visit all three in one day either. They all provide some history as well as great views from the top.
6. Parc Charruyer
7. Le Bunker de La Rochelle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 877 reviews
Enter this bunker, built in 1941 by Germans in the city center, and discover the history of La Rochelle, freed on May 8th, 1945. Reconstituted scenes, photos, videos, period objects...
Reviewed By RuthVR - Halifax, United Kingdom
Well I admit I learnt something at this museum. The English translation pack is excellent and the journey through time is good. Much to see and to learn. It’s not a huge museum as you might expect but well worth a visit - particularly if you’re interested in WW2. Really recommend.
8. Marche du Centre Ville
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 322 reviews
Reviewed By And2012S - Chantonnay, France
If you are coming to La Rochelle this is a must. The vast range of fresh products on offer is amazing. The market spills onto several streets and there is a lively bustling atmosphere. Large queues form for the most popular stores. However don’t leave it too late as the market tends to wrap up round about 1.00pm.
9. Aquarium La Rochelle
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 8,682 reviews
Located in the city center, facing the old harbor, discover one of the greatest European private aquariums. In 2018, the Aquarium innovates and offers a brand new immersion into the underwater world. During 2h, visit the heart of the Ocean, meet over 12 000 marine animals, and be amazed by the biodiversity of the Atlantic, Mediterranean Sea and Tropics. From the fragile jellyfish, to the fascinating sharks, experience a unique journey to dream and understand the Sea.
Reviewed By OrkOcin
The seas and oceans are wonderfully highlighted in this world class aquarium ???? Beware : it can be crowded in summer
10. La Grande Roue
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