La Rochelle reveals its most beautiful secrets to all the curious walkers who tread the cobblestones of its streets.

An exceptional heritage

Take the start under the Grande Horloge which marks the entrance to the old quarter of La Rochelle. On your way: half-timbered houses, alleys and arcades, vaulted or secret passages, gargoyles, large 18th century shipowners’ mansions… the whole history of La Rochelle is told through its exceptional heritage. During your walk in the old town, take care to look up to observe the sometimes discreet details on the facades of houses and monuments. To accompany you, plaques hung on the walls of the streets and alleys have many stories to tell you.

A maritime city

Located on the edge of the ocean, La Rochelle is the maritime city par excellence. Its body of water, protected by the islands of Ré, Aix and Oléron, benefits from exceptional sailing conditions. Departing from the Old Port, at the foot of the towers of La Rochelle, embark on the boats for exotic sea trips and enjoy the fresh sea air. Discover the landscapes of the La Rochelle coast, its limestone cliffs, its astonishing Bout du Monde Lighthouse and the famous Fort Boyard. In the Minimes district, the Port de Plaisance, the leading port on the Atlantic coast, is a welcoming place for all yachtsmen on stopovers. If the surroundings and the quays of the Port des Minimes are conducive to beautiful walks among the boats, they are also perfect places to learn to sail or practice multiple nautical activities.

A preserved natural environment

La Rochelle is the ideal setting for recharging your batteries and getting away from it all in a preserved natural environment. First step of your stay: swap your car for a bike, your shoes and even a sea bus! Pedestrian sector, cycle paths, hiking trails, self-service bicycles, ferryman and electro-solar sea bus… here, you can easily make your travels fun. Take the opportunity to stroll through the many parks and green spaces in the heart or on the edge of town, sometimes with a view of the sea. From beach to beach and from port to port, the coastal path and its specificities can be discovered during long walks or bike rides. Cycling lovers, take the Vélodyssée path which crosses La Rochelle. Fitted out, secure, punctuated by tourist stages, this cycle route is suitable for an outing for two, with friends or family.

A city of gastronomy

Essential places of local gastronomy, the markets of La Rochelle are conducive to the discovery of the terroir. You can find the typical products of the region such as oysters, stuffed Charentais, goat cheese, pineau but also meet the producers there. Lovers of fish, shellfish and crustaceans, many restaurateurs offer you the essential seafood platter and cook bass, meager fish and other fish directly from the fish market at the Port de Pêche de La Rochelle. Do not sulk your pleasure and book your table on the terrace facing the sea.