What to do in La Rochelle? B&B HOTELS recommends

The white city, as the English call it, is bright largely due to its limestone facades. It is also considered a cultural hotspot thanks to its annual events such as the Fema Film Festival or the Francofolies. From its 3 towers to the bunker, passing by the beach and museums, La Rochelle will surprise you in many ways!

Places to visit in La Rochelle

Minimes Beach

This beach is located near the marina, and it is surrounded by many shops. Minimes Beach, which is the largest beach in La Rochelle, is ideal for children - and adults - because you can practice kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing, and kite flying there. It faces the mythical "phare du bout du monde" (lighthouse at the end of the world) and you can see the famous Fort Boyard.

La Rochelle Aquarium

In the city center, facing the Old Port, come visit one of the largest private aquariums not only in France but also in Europe: the La Rochelle Aquarium. This aquarium holds 3 million liters of water and has more than 12,000 marine animals.

A boat trip

If you are passing through the Atlantic coast, treat yourself to a boat trip. From La Rochelle, you can reach the islands of Oléron, Ré, or Aix. Several companies also offer catamaran cruises around Fort Boyard: get up close and discover the history of this legendary monument with a local guide! Aperitif or picnic possible depending on the version chosen.

The old town of La Rochelle

You enter the old town through the Grosse Horloge gate, which is used as a passage between the port and the center. Go visit the City Hall, which looks like a fortified castle, or the many private mansions with medieval facades made of wood or engraved stones.

The Old Port and its towers

Head towards the Old Port of La Rochelle to discover one of the city's main attractions, the towers of La Rochelle. The walk allows you to see the Saint-Nicolas Tower, the Chain Tower, and the Lantern Tower. These ancient towers are known all over the world. A true showcase of the city's heritage, they have been watching over La Rochelle since the 14th century. Guided tours are organized throughout the year: perfect for learning more about the history of the city and the region.

The 19th-century market halls

In the heart of the old town, there is a covered market that was built at the beginning of the 19th century. The Halls of the La Rochelle market are made of wrought iron, glass, and red bricks. This architecture in the city center leaves no one indifferent. You can also see a half-timbered house just in front of the halls.

The Minimes port

The Minimes marina is one of the largest in the world. Indeed, this immense port has 4,500 pontoon berths spread over 4 basins. You will also find a large free parking lot on site.

The New World Museum

Among the museums of La Rochelle, the New World Museum is a very beautiful discovery. It offers visitors a complete presentation of paintings, precious objects, furniture, and temporary exhibitions relating to the conquest of the New World from La Rochelle.

The Maritime Museum

Here you will find no less than eight ships, six of which are classified as historical monuments. The history of the city and its ports is traced in the large permanent exhibition of the La Rochelle Maritime Museum: La Rochelle born from the sea.

The Charruyer Park

Ideal for getting some fresh air with the family, this superb park is accessible on foot from the old town, the port, and the beautiful Mail district.

What activities to do in La Rochelle?

Located on the Atlantic coast in Charente-Maritime, activities and leisure are plentiful. If you are a lover of nature, the sea, and/or cycling, you have come to the right place.

What could be better than visiting these beautiful places by bike and ending with a swim on Minimes beach? The city is a port reference in France. This is why there are many ocean activities as soon as the sun is out.

You can organize catamaran trips from the port of La Rochelle, take an initiation to sailing, and even jet skiing for the more adventurous. With a helicopter tour, you will see the islands of Oléron, Aix, and Ré. You can also see the very famous Fort Boyard.

How to get to La Rochelle?

1h30 by car from Nantes or Poitiers and about 2 hours by road from Bordeaux, this pretty university town has a strategic location in Nouvelle-Aquitaine. The surrounding towns (Rochefort, Fouras, Saintes, Chatelaillon) and the islands of the Charentais archipelago are easily accessible by car, bus, or boat.

The La Rochelle train station, in the city center, offers connections to all of France by TGV, TER, and Intercités. The trip to Paris, for example, takes just 3 hours.

Traveling by plane? Ideally located, La Rochelle airport allows you to get to the region quickly from several French cities (Lyon, Marseille, Nice, etc.) and European cities (London, Dublin, Porto, Geneva, or Brussels). It is located less than 10 minutes by car from the city center.

Where to stay in Poitou-Charentes?

Find our cheap B&B HOTELS in La Rochelle:

B&B HOTEL La Rochelle Centre: this air-conditioned hotel is located in the city center of La Rochelle, close to the city's points of interest, the Marcel Deflandre stadium and the SNCF train station. Our breakfast, in the form of an all-you-can-eat buffet, will delight you. Little gourmets will have the same as the grown-ups at a mini price (up to 10 years old included).
B&B HOTEL La Rochelle Angoulins-sur-Mer: near the center of La Rochelle, located 5 km from the La Rochelle aquarium, and 7 km from the Angoulins SNCF train station and the city center of La Rochelle.
B&B HOTEL La Rochelle Beaulieu Puilboreau: located 4 km from the SNCF train station, the old port and the aquarium, and less than 10 minutes from the Ile de Ré.
B&B HOTEL La Rochelle Centre Les Minimes: right in the city center, it's the ideal base for living to the rhythm of the city and enjoying the neighborhood atmosphere, the terraces, and the restaurants of La Rochelle!

Book your hotel in Poitou-Charentes quickly and benefit from all the B&B HOTELS services!

Our hotels in La Rochelle