The ports of La Rochelle: a maritime window on the world

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Thanks to its strategic position on the Atlantic coast, the White City has many assets which have promoted its port development over the centuries. Trade, fishing or pleasure boating: discover the ports of La Rochelle! 

The largest marina in Europe

With its 4,700 berths, the port of Minimes is one of the largest marinas in Europe and the world. Located in the natural bay of La Rochelle, it consists of 4 basins and has 15 km of pontoons! It is easily accessible by bus, on foot, by bike or by public transport from the city center. The sea bus, a boat running on electro-solar energy, allows you to reach the Old Port in 15 to 20 minutes. It's the opportunity to take a mini-cruise and admire the historical monuments and the most beautiful beaches of La Rochelle from the sea!

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The Minimes area hosts several essential cultural places in the region: La Rochelle Aquarium, the museum of automata and the Maritime Museum of La Rochelle. Prestigious events are organized there throughout the year, such as the Grand Pavois (one of the most beautiful international floating boat shows). Regattas and major nautical races are held regularly on the Pertuis body of water.

It is also the starting point for beautiful sea trips towards the Île d’Aix, the Île d’Oléron or the Île de Ré. Fort Boyard, submarine base, Charente river… For a morning, a whole day or for an aperitif on the water, let yourself be surprised by the nuggets of the coast!

Good to know: parking is easy at the port of Minimes. To get to the city center, park your vehicle in one of its many car parks and get around using the public transport network.

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Stroll on the Old Port: an unmissable outing in La Rochelle

Impossible to visit La Rochelle without strolling on the cobbled quays of the Old Port. Dominated by its majestic towers dating from the Middle Ages, the Lantern Tower, the Saint-Nicolas Tower and the Chain Tower, it is also the historic marina of the city. 

Day and night, the places offer a magical setting conducive to strolling. Eat an ice cream under the Grosse Horloge, sit down on the terrace of one of the best restaurants in La Rochelle, enjoy happy hour to have a drink at sunset… From the Old Port, you can quickly reach the La Rochelle market and the main shopping streets for an unforgettable shopping session! In spring, the Red Bull Cliff Diving international cliff diving competition sees its participants jump from over 20m high from the Saint-Nicolas Tower. On summer evenings, the quays vibrate to the rhythm of the Francofolies de La Rochelle and the concerts organized by the water. Near the tourist office, the big wheel offers a breathtaking view of the city and the entire Charente coast.

A high place of French triangular trade for several centuries, the Old Port is also a place of memory dedicated to the memory of the transatlantic slave trade. A commemorative statue, various exhibitions and the New World museum (one of the most surprising museums in La Rochelle) participate in this awareness campaign initiated by the city in the early 2000s. 

Discovering the great maritime port of La Pallice

To the east of the city, in the La Pallice district, the great maritime port of La Rochelle is the only deep-water port on the French Atlantic coast. As a result, it welcomes ships with a high draft 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The fish market of the Chef de Baie fishing port and its ultra-modern infrastructures make this port area in full development one of the major economic centers of the city, generating thousands of jobs. Fishermen, shellfish farmers, fishmongers…

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All the sea trades are represented in this gigantic fish market whose rehabilitation cost local authorities several million euros.

Your hotel near the port of La Rochelle

Are you looking for quality accommodation near the port of La Rochelle? Comfortable and well located, our establishments welcome you all year round for a stay alone, with family or as a couple. 

Near La Rochelle train station, the main roads and La Rochelle-île de Ré airport, our hotels in La Rochelle have an ideal location to explore the city and its surroundings. 

Settle into a modern and bright room, equipped with a large cozy bed and with a private bathroom, a real cocoon to recharge your batteries after a day of visits or seminar in the heart of the city. We provide you with all the necessary equipment to make your life easier: baby bed for your toddlers, on-site catering, self-service microwave, secure parking, etc. 

Book your hotel in Poitou Charentes now at a friendly price!