THINGS TO DO IN La Rochelle: 1-DAY ITINERARY

A beautiful and historic city tucked along France’s Atlantic coast, La Rochelle is the capital of the Charente Maritime region and welcomes visitors with its rich nautical heritage.

Once a major seaport with the centuries-old fortifications to show for it, La Rochelle is now a hub for yachting, sailing, and vacationers looking for a coastal getaway with a bit of seafaring history sprinkled in.

Visitors can spend their days breathing in the sea air, exploring the port, aquarium, and maritime museums, and eating locally caught seafood including the famous oysters.

Here’s the perfect one-day itinerary in La Rochelle, France, including where to stay, where to eat, and the best things to do!

Day 1

Morning: Eglise Saint-Sauveur de la Rochelle

Start your walk through La Rochelle at one of its most important monuments. Standing on the site of the oldest place of worship in La Rochelle, the Eglise Saint-Sauveur de la Rochelle that you see today was officially finished in 1708. Replacing the original 12th century church that burned to the ground, visitors can still see some remnants of the original Gothic cathedral, including the rose window and the bell tower.

Hotel de Ville

La Rochelle’s striking Hotel de Ville is one of the oldest buildings of its kind in France. The original building, a 13th century town hall, was added to over time. Visitors can take tours of Hotel de Ville, exploring the great hall and belfry tower alongside artifacts that were saved from the 2013 fire that almost destroyed the building.

Cloître des Dames Blanches

Once a 17th century Franciscan monastery, the Cloitre des Dames Blanches was reclaimed by Protestants following the French Revolution, later becoming a convent. Visitors can go inside to admire the beautiful cloister and 17th century architecture.

Bunker La Rochelle

A WWII bunker in the center of the city, the Bunker La Rochelle was once the headquarters for German U-boat officers. Go inside to see a 30-minute video and artifacts, including uniforms and more.

Vieux Marché de la Rochelle

A 19th-century Market Hall, gourmands and hungry folks alike will love visiting the Vieux Marché de la Rochelle. Held every Wednesday and Saturday morning, the market stalls spill out into the square outside, selling everything from fresh produce to local cheese.

Musee du Nouveau Monde

Founded in 1982, the Musee du Nouveau Monde is tucked away inside the stunning, 18th century Hotel Fleuriau. Dedicated to the historic ties between La Rochelle and the “New World”, aka the Americas, the museum displays exhibits on the slave trade and Antilles colonies. Visitors will find artifacts like maps, artwork, and American colonial furniture.

Saint Louis Cathedral

Built in 1742, the Saint Louis Cathedral is a National Monument and Roman Catholic church in La Rochelle. Destroyed during the French Revolution, the church you see today is largely a recreation of what once stood in its place. Go inside to see the reconstructed nave and stained glass windows.

Museum d’Histoire Naturelle

End your morning at the Museum of Natural History. Permanent collections include paleoanthropological remains, herbariums, meteorites, and more. They also have rotating special collections on topics like deserts, felines, baby plants, and other scientific topics.

Day 1, morning - la rochelle Tour Map

Afternoon: Tour Saint-Nicholas

One of La Rochelle’s three Medieval stone towers, Tour Saint-Nicholas is a fortification built in the 14th century by La Rochelle’s sitting mayor. Sitting on the right hand side of the gateway to the city of La Rochelle, this was once a dungeon and watchtower in conjunction with the Tour de la Chaîne on the opposite side of the entrance to the port.

Grosse Horloge

The Grosse Horloge was once La Rochelle’s main entrance to the city and belfry. Built in the 12th century, there was a divided passageway for pedestrians and carriages. One of the most recognizable monuments in the city, it was also once a part of the fortifications that surrounded La Rochelle.

Vieux Port

Continue walking along the Vieux Port, La Rochelle’s original port, a main pedestrian pathway, and full of pretty sailboats.

Tour de la Chaîne

On the opposite side of the port from Tour Saint-Nicholas, the Tour de la Chaîne is another Medieval stone tower that served the same function as its twin.

Tour de la Lanterne

Situated a bit further down the original fortified wall from the other stone towers, the spired Tour de la Lanterne served as a lighthouse and landmark for sailors. Built in the 12th century, this tower was also a prison for a time and is covered in graffiti from said prisoners. You can also climb this tower for beautiful views of the city.

Parc Charruyer

End your day in La Rochelle at Parc Charruyer, a leafy corner of the city that’s crisscrossed by streams and walking trails.

Day 1, afternoon - la rochelle Tour Map

Other Things to Do in La Rochelle

• Phare du Bout du Monde: Sitting just off the coast of La Rochelle, the "Lighthouse at the End of the World" is a unique maritime landmark. Built in 2000, this wooden octagonal lighthouse is a replica of the original in Patagonia, made famous by Jules Verne’s novel. Located near Les Minimes Beach, it stands about 2 km offshore, visible from the coastal promenade. For a closer view, visitors can take a boat tour or kayak around this fascinating structure, a tribute to La Rochelle’s rich maritime history.

• Musée des Beaux-Arts de La Rochelle: Housed in an elegant 18th-century bishop’s palace, the Fine Arts Museum of La Rochelle is a must-visit for art lovers. Located in the city centre, the museum showcases an impressive collection of paintings from the 15th to 20th centuries, featuring works from European and regional artists. Wander through its grand halls to admire portraits, landscapes, and historical scenes, as well as a dedicated section on modern and contemporary art.

• Musée Maritime de La Rochelle: Located in La Rochelle’s Vieux Port, the Maritime Museum is a must visit for those interested in this coastal city’s history and heritage. On the exterior of the museum, you’ll be able to see the heritage fleet, nine historic vessels including trawlers and sailboats. Inside you can admire model ships, local sailing testimonials, and more.

• Jardin des Plantes de La Rochelle: Tucked away in the heart of La Rochelle, the Jardin des Plantes is a tranquil botanical garden offering a peaceful retreat from the city’s lively streets. Originally part of the Natural History Museum, this charming green space is home to a diverse collection of native and exotic plants, beautifully arranged flower beds, and centuries-old trees. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll through themed gardens, discover medicinal and aromatic plants, and learn about different species through educational panels dotted throughout.

• Marans Canal: A 15 mile canal that stretches from La Rochelle to the town of Marans, traveling the Marans Canal makes for a beautiful day in the countryside. Pass through quaint French villages and along the greenway, which you can also explore by bike or on foot.

• Go sailing: Head out on a sailboat from La Rochelle’s Vieux Port to float along the Bay of Biscay. You’ll cruise past the city’s famous watch towers and admire lighthouses and rugged sections of coastline along the way.

• Abbaye de Maillezais: About a 45 minute drive outside of La Rochelle, a visit to the Abbaye de Maillezais reveals the grand ruins of this Roman Catholic church and abbey. Visitors can explore the abandoned shell of this 15th-century religious site that was once a Gothic masterpiece. Over its lifetime it became a Protestant stronghold and a monastic community, and was abandoned in the 17th-century.

• Le Globe de la Francophonie: Located near Vieux Port, this bronze sculpture by Bruce Krebs celebrates the French-speaking world. Created in 2000, it features villages symbolising francophone nations. While not a major tourist attraction, it’s an interesting stop for those exploring the harbour.

• Rue du Palais: A charming historic street in La Rochelle, lined with elegant arcades that provide shade and shelter for pedestrians. Once a key route between the Grosse Horloge and Place de Verdun, it is now a lively spot for shopping, cafés, and architecture lovers. Home to the Palais de Justice, its blend of history and local life makes it a delightful place to explore.

• Le Gabut: Nestled between the Vieux Port and the modern district of Les Minimes, Le Gabut is one of La Rochelle’s most vibrant and colourful areas, known for its Scandinavian-style wooden houses and lively atmosphere. Originally part of the city's historic fishing district, this waterfront neighbourhood has transformed into a bustling tourist hotspot, filled with cafés, bars, and restaurants that offer scenic views over the harbour. Street art and murals add to its unique charm, making it a popular spot for visitors looking to soak up La Rochelle’s maritime heritage while enjoying a relaxed drink or meal by the water.

• Allée du Mail: Stretching along the western edge of the city centre, Allée du Mail is a historic promenade that has been a popular gathering place in La Rochelle for centuries. Originally used as a military training ground in the 17th century, it later became a fashionable spot for locals to stroll, socialise, and enjoy outdoor leisure activities. Today, this tree-lined avenue offers a peaceful setting with lush green spaces, benches, and cycle paths, making it perfect for a relaxing walk or a picnic.

• Port des Minimes: As one of the largest marinas in Europe, Port des Minimes is a vibrant hub for sailing enthusiasts and a key part of La Rochelle’s maritime identity. Located just south of the Vieux Port and easily accessible by the Bus de Mer, this modern marina boasts over 4,000 berths, attracting yachts and sailing boats from around the world. With its lively waterfront, visitors can enjoy a range of seaside cafés, restaurants, and sailing schools, making it a great spot for both seasoned sailors and those looking to experience life by the water.

Day Trips From La Rochelle

• Île de Re: Three islands sit just off the coast of La Rochelle, with Ile de Re being the closest. It takes just 15 minutes to drive from downtown to Ile de Re, passing over the Pertuis d’Antioche. This island is known for its quaint villages, cycling paths, salt marshes, and coastal cafes.

• Île d’Oleron: Ile d’Oleron is the largest of the three islands off La Rochelle at 68 miles in length. It takes about an hour to drive to its southern tip from La Rochelle, although it’s also possible to take a passenger ferry which drops off in Boyardville. The least developed island, there are still plenty of fun things to do including bicycling, exploring the colorful villages, swimming, and hunting for oysters. At the far northern tip of Ile d’Oleron is the beautifully striped Phare de Chassiron, built to replace an original 17th-century lighthouse and constructed in 1836. Visitors can climb its 224 stairs for panoramic views.

• Île d’Aix: The smallest of the three Charente Maritime islands, Ile d’Aix can be accessed by passenger ferry only. Spanning just 3 km, the island is easily explored by bicycle and on foot. Discover the fortifications, go swimming, and visit one of several museums, including the Napoleon Museum which describes the emperor’s final days in France — spent on this little island.

• Bordeaux: Just two hours south of La Rochelle, Bordeaux waits to welcome visitors with all things wine. Known as the “Wine Capital of the World”, visitors can spend multiple days exploring the magnificent architecture, diving into the gourmet food scene, and sampling some of the world’s best wines.

• Rochefort: About 30 minutes south by car from La Rochelle is the charming maritime city of Rochefort. Spend your time exploring the historic harbor, visiting one of several museums like the Ancient School of Naval Medicine, and dining at cafes.

• Nantes: An hour and 40 minutes north of La Rochelle, Nantes is a large city perched on France’s Atlantic coast. The sixth largest city in the country, you can easily fill a few days worth of things to do from the famous Les Machines de l’Ile to botanical gardens, shopping in covered passageways, strolling through grand squares, and popping in to museums like the Memorial to the Abolishment of Slavery.

• Poitiers: An hour and 30 minutes east of La Rochelle, Poitiers is nicknamed the “City of 100 Steeples”. Spend your time exploring the cathedrals and churches that gave the city its sobriquet, go canoeing on the River Clain, or visit the nearby Futuroscope theme park.

Top Things to Do With Kids in La Rochelle

• Aquarium La Rochelle: As one of the largest private aquariums in Europe, Aquarium La Rochelle is a must-visit for families! Over 12,000 animals call the aquarium home, from clown fish to jellyfish and hammerhead sharks. The aquarium holds over 3 million gallons of water with over 600 species spread throughout. Exhibits focus on oceans and seas in various locations throughout the world with special areas specifically geared towards children.

• Go to the beach: As a coastal destination, La Rochelle has several nice beaches that are a great hangout spot for families on vacation. Plage de la Concurrence is the closest beach to town and offers a nice spot to swim, but Chatelaillon-plage is the best for families. Located about 20 minutes outside town, you’ll find a sprawling, golden sand beach.

• Parc Animalier Charles-Edouard Beltremiuex: Tucked inside the Parc Charruyer, Parc Animalier Charles-Edouard Beltremiuex, is a small zoological garden where children can see peacocks, goats, and other farm animals, surrounded by nature.

• Asinerie des Varennes: Located on the outskirts of La Rochelle, the Asinerie des Varennes is a small donkey farm that produces organic milk and other products. Children can come pet the donkeys and try the products on offer.

• Le Carrousel de l’Ocean: Head to the Vieux Port where children can ride La Rochelle’s ocean themed carousel with views of the sailboats.

• Family Fun Park: On rainy days, the Family Fun Park is the perfect place to head in La Rochelle for a bit of fun. Kids can jump on trampolines, go bowling, and play laser tag.

• La Grande Roue de la Rochelle: Soaring 130’ in the center of town, La Rochelle’s ferris wheel is the perfect spot to get panoramic views of the city.

• Zoodyssée: About an hour to the west of La Rochelle, Zoodysee is an animal park the whole family will love that focuses on the wildlife of Europe. Spread out over 74 acres, children can spot brown bears, wolves, lynx, otters, and more.

• Zoo de la Palmyre: The Zoo de la Palmyre is one of the most popular family-friendly attractions in the entire Charente Maritime and it isn’t difficult to see why. Just an hour south of La Rochelle, visitors can explore exhibits that hold over 110 different species of animals. From gorillas to cheetahs and white rhinos.

• Port Miniature de Saint-Savinien: Just outside La Rochelle, Port Miniature de Saint-Savinien offers a unique hands-on experience where children can captain their own miniature electric boats, navigating a charming scale-model harbour complete with tiny lighthouses and quays. Designed to mimic a real marina, the boats are fully functional and safe for young sailors, making it an exciting and educational activity for families. Set in a picturesque natural environment, this attraction provides a fun way for children to develop coordination and navigation skills while enjoying time on the water.

• Musée des Automates et des Modèles Réduits: Located in La Rochelle, the Musée des Automates et des Modèles Réduits is a fascinating museum bringing history to life through intricate moving figures and detailed miniature models. With over 300 mechanical automata, many of which can be activated at the push of a button, children and adults alike will be captivated by the ingenious craftsmanship and whimsical displays. The museum also features elaborate scale models, including historic ships, railways, and iconic cityscapes, offering a glimpse into past eras with remarkable attention to detail.

Golf Course Near La Rochelle

• Golf La Rochelle Sud: The closest golf course to La Rochelle, Golf La Rochelle Sud has two courses to choose from, a 9-hole and 18-hole course. You’ll also find a golf school, bistro, driving range, putting green, and hole school. Golfers can rest easy knowing that this is an eco-certified golf course.

• Rochefort Golf Club: Play a round of golf in the shadow of the Rochefort Castle at Rochefort Golf Club. Over 270 acres, the 18-hole course has white, yellow, blue, and red lengths. Golfers will also find a driving range, putting green, pitching area, clubhouse, pro shop, and golf school.

• Golf Club Oleron: Situated on the gorgeous Ile d’Oleron, Golf Club Oleron has stunning views of the ocean from its links style course. There are two courses to choose from, a 9-hole course and a 6-hole training course. Golfers will also find a delicious restaurant, driving range, and certified instructors.

Racecourses in La Rochelle

• Châtelaillon-Plage Racecourse: Founded in 1928, the Chatelaillon-Plage has almost 100 years of history under its belt. Visitors will find a newly renovated track, panoramic restaurant, betting hall, and over 400 seats. Ten different races are held each year from March to November.

Wineries Near La Rochelle

• Cognac Normandin-Mercier: A small, family-owned cognac producer on the outskirts of La Rochelle, Cognac Normandin-Mercier has been producing cognac since 1872. Visitors can take a tour of the distillery, including the aging caves, to see the process of making cognac and taste their delicious products from cognac to Pineau des Charentes.

• Domaine Mercier: About 40 minutes from La Rochelle, Domaine Mercier produces South Loire wines, including their specialty whites along with rose, red, and sparkling. Visitors can book a private tour or tasting and can even spend the night on the property, inside their beautiful chateau.

• Domaine des Claires: Situated near a small village on the Avert Peninsula, Domaine des Claires is a small winemaker that’s been in the family for over six generations. They produce various kinds of wine from cognac to sparkling and the regional fortified pineau des charentes. Visitors can take multiple tours, either through the riverfront vineyards or the cognac cellars, learning more about their production process.

Where to Eat in La Rochelle

• Christopher Coutanceau: A two-Michelin star restaurant in La Rochelle, Christopher Coutanceau is a once in a lifetime dining experience. Situated right on the Plage de la Concurrence, the restaurant’s ocean views are an homage to the chef’s fishing ancestry and current dedication to sustainable fishing practices. Guests will find that the menu is as seafood heavy as you would expect, all enjoyed in the contemporary dining room that mimics the colors and shapes of the sea.

• Opaline: Tucked in the historic center of town, Opaline is a bistro-style restaurant with a dedicated menu formule (set menu). Guests can pick from two tasting menus with rotating, seasonal dishes and delightful wine pairings. Despite its fine-dining appearance, the price tag is exceptional.

• Impressions: Impressions offers guests a minimal yet light-filled restaurant to enjoy delicious meals made from local products. Choose from several menu formule that feature homey yet elegant dishes like porcini mushroom ravioli, sea bream, local cheeses, delicate desserts, and more.

• La Kase: La Kase is a laid back restaurant situated right on La Rochelle’s Vieux Port. Choose from a la carte dishes or set menus with signatures like sweetbreads and scallops, homemade foie gras, Ile de Re oysters, and marinated sea bass. Diners can choose from their Bohemian interior or sunny terrace.

• Saveurs dans l’R: A charming couple-owned restaurant in the core of La Rochelle, Saveurs dans l’R is all things traditional and comforting. Choose from a tidy wine list to accompany delicious starters like escargots and foie gras, followed closely by classic entrees like stuffed quail and veal shoulder. End it all with creme brulee or a medley of other quintessential French desserts.

• Granny Bigoude: A charming creperie in the center of town, Granny Bigoude offers both savory and sweet crepes alongside a small menu of cider, beer, and wine in a cozy setting.

Where to Stay in La Rochelle

• Maison des Ambassadeurs (5 star): La Rochelle’s only 5-star hotel, Maison des Ambassadeurs is the perfect place for an elevated stay on France’s Atlantic coast. This historic property offers visitors spacious rooms for up to six guests. Decor is contemporary yet classic with flat screen TVs, coffee machines, bespoke shower amenities, and more. Guests will find amenities like the Bodard Bar, Restaurant Arco, a state-of-the-art spa, dipping pool, and complimentary electric bikes. You’ll be in the heart of it all, just beside the La Rochelle Market.

• Hotel Le Champlain (4 star): A charming four-star hotel just a five-minute walk from La Rochelle’s port, Hotel Le Champlain is housed inside a 17th-century convent. Despite the hotel's historic roots, rooms and suites have a modern design with bespoke light fixtures, plush beds, contemporary wall art, and huge, double-glazed windows for maximum light and minimum street noise. Guests can rent bikes from hotel reception, sip a drink at the bar, enjoy daily breakfast with fresh pastries, or book a massage at the onsite spa.

• Hotel Mercure La Rochelle (4 star): Situated just opposite the Aquarium La Rochelle, Hotel Mercure offers visitors an inexpensive stay with all the amenities you would expect from a four-star hotel. Rooms are tidy and cozy with pretty blue accents, large beds, and beautifully decorated bathrooms with marble accents. Those who need more space to spread out can also opt for a suite. This option is wonderful for children as they have an onsite pool and daily breakfast.

Best Time to Visit La Rochelle

The best time to visit La Rochelle is in the shoulder seasons of April/May and September/October. Crowds dissipate but the weather is still lovely. You’ll also still be able to sail and visit the beach comfortably.

As a coastal destination, La Rochelle is busiest in the height of summer, from June to August. While this is a beautiful time to visit, it’s also one of the most expensive and crowded times of year. On the other hand, winter is another fickle time to go to La Rochelle as the weather turns dreary and there isn’t quite as much to do. Temperatures typically hover above freezing.

Festivals in La Rochelle

• International Film Festival: Held since 1973, the La Rochelle International Film Festival takes place over 10 days in June and July. Hundreds of films are shown throughout town including at indoor and outdoor theaters, submitted from across the world. Be sure to stay for the marathon watch party on the last night of the festival, showing three movies from 8:00 PM to 2:00 AM.

• Fetes Maritime: Heritage vessels and gargantuan ships all converge on La Rochelle at the end of June for a long weekend of maritime frivolity. Taste seafood, listen to sea shanties, and watch demonstrations over the course of the weekend.

• Les Francofolies: Every year come July, La Rochelle hosts one of the largest French music festivals in the world, celebrating all things francophile tunes. Concerts are held over five days with nearly 100 concerts held throughout the city.