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Paris is not France and France is not Paris. Although the capital is not without its charms, not least its world-famous tourist attractions, it’s in the rest of France that you can really discover the French way of life. From Provence to the Alps via the Loire Valley, away from the hustle and bustle of the city, you’ll have the chance to meet some fascinating locals and discover a region that’s little known in Quebec but deserves to be better known. Especially the Atlantic coast of the idyllic Charente-Maritime! La Rochelle and the neighbouring Île de Ré are rightly one of France’s most popular holiday destinations. And when it comes to holidays, they know their stuff. Let’s have confidence…
Here are the best things to do in La Rochelle and its adjacent island paradise, Ile de Ré.
Vieux-Port de La Rochelle – the most iconic of the free things to do in La Rochelle
La Rochelle has been an important fishing and commercial center since the beginning of the 12th century and is inextricably linked with the sea. The Vieux-Port of La Rochelle is one of the most spectacular in France, if not in Europe. One of the best ways to appreciate it?
Sit on one of the many terraces along Quai Duperré, sip a cool Chardonnay (with a plate of local seafood!) and watch the boats sail out to sea from the port of La Rochelle. This is especially true at sunset, when the illuminated towers give the port a romantic atmosphere. It’s the perfect place for visitors who really want to soak up the city’s sailing-age charm.
Old Town and Hôtel de Ville
A trip to La Rochelle wouldn’t be complete without a guided tour of the old town and its Hôtel de Ville, a 16th-century Renaissance architectural marvel (note how its coat of arms resembles that of Quebec City), or a stroll through the half-timbered houses and beautifully preserved 17th-century mansions. Don’t miss a stroll under the arcades of Rue de l’Escale, the Grosse-Horloge Gate and its octagonal bell tower, and the Maritime Museum, which houses some of the most interesting chapters of La Rochelle’s history.
Towers of La Rochelle – one of the best things to do in La Rochelle with kids
The La Rochelle harbor is flanked by two spectacular castle-like towers. On the left, the Tour de la Lanterne; on the right, the Tour Saint-Nicolas.
The latter is a remnant of medieval maritime fortifications that made La Rochelle wealthy by imposing taxes on foreign ships and mastering the salt trade, a regional specialty. It was later transformed into a prison for pirates and rogue sailors. While much of the expeditions were headed to Quebec, it’s still interesting to understand how the New World shaped the city and what it represented for its locals. In fact, many of the exhibits are specially tailored to children, making this museum one of the top family activities not just in the historic centre but in the whole region.
The view of the city and ocean from its terrace is absolutely stunning. It’s a nice spot for pictures and a truly beautiful space!
How do you spend a day in La Rochelle? Plan a day trip to Île de Ré!
Since it’s impossible to visit Île de Ré without stopping every five minutes to photograph a picturesque street or admire the Atlantic Ocean, you’ll need a car or a bicycle to get around. Although there are a few well-known attractions (such as the Abbaye des Châteliers, the Phare des Baleines for a sense of the end of the world and the Vauban citadel, listed by UNESCO), the only way to truly appreciate Île de Ré is to let it reveal itself to you, along the curves of the road, to the rhythm of the waves. La Flotte and Saint-Martin-de-Ré are particularly charming villages.
I can’t emphasise enough how good an excursion this is, whether you’re going for a day or a whole weekend. It’s really one of the best things to do during your stay in La Rochelle for an authentic taste of small-town France.
While you’re there, indulge your sweet tooth with the region’s speciality: salted caramel. The ice cream is famously delicious, but so are the waffles, cakes, flans and croissant spreads (!). It would be sacrilege not to try them!
Plage des Minimes – the iconic La Rochelle beaches
If the weather is fine, you must visit the Plage des Minimes.
Located a short distance from the city centre, it’s the largest beach in La Rochelle. A paradise of golden sand, this beach is perfect for sunbathing, swimming and water sports. Families can enjoy the safe, shallow waters, while thrill-seekers can go kayaking or stand-up paddling. For the more relaxed visitor, a stroll along the small promenade lined with eateries and shops is a must.
For maritime adventures further afield, Fort Boyard is nearby, as is Île d’Aix, where Napoleon spent his last moments of freedom on European soil before surrendering to the British. This is usually the highlight of most history-driven visitors.
Other fun activities around La Rochelle, France
To get the most out of La Rochelle and the Charente-Maritime region, get a city pass (called the Ocean Pass here), which includes numerous excursions and guided tours. It’s a hassle-free way to enjoy all the history, secrets, cycle paths and nautical activities the area has to offer.
And trust me when I say there’s plenty to do in the area and dozens of attractions worth a visit, whether you’re looking for great photo opportunities, marine animals sightings, Atlantic lighthouses or a heart-to-heart with local seafood producers.
- Catamaran excursion to Fort Boyard
- Gourmet tour in the 19th-century Halles market
- Sailing lessons off the Îles du Ponant
- Visit to salt marshes on Île de Ré
- Electric boat ride to Marais Poitevin along the Rompsay canal
- Excursion to Cognac cellars near La Rochelle
- Oyster-themed day trip
- Bike tour of charming small ports from Port du Loiron to Angoulins
- Shore fishing on foot during the great tides
- Visit Samuel de Champlain’s birthplace in Brouage
