La Rochelle Travel Guide

For a coastal town rich with history, be sure to visit La Rochelle in France. With buildings and a port that has been beautifully preserved, experience what it would be like to live in the Old Town all of those years ago. La Rochelle is particularly famous for its historic harbor with defensive towers and sailboats. Enjoy seafood at one of the waterside restaurants or wander around to the Old Quarter with its stunning cobblestone streets and 17th-century houses nearby. Of course, there is more than just history to enjoy in La Rochelle -- there are also tranquil golden sand beaches to relax, several fascinating museums, and markets where you can sample local cuisine.

Things to Do in La Rochelle

One of the most popular tourist attractions is the towers of La Rochelle. These towers were built in 1345 and were used to defend the town all those years ago. St Nicolas Tower and the Tower of the Chain sit at the entrance to the old harbor, while Tour de la Lanterne is the third tower that is the only Medieval lighthouse to still exist on the Atlantic coast. You can also take a relaxing stroll around the Vieux Port, the old harbor and marina. To learn more about history in this coastal town, visit the Maritime Museum and admire over 500 marine species at the La Rochelle’s Aquarium.

Best Time to Visit La Rochelle

A lot of tourists visit La Rochelle during the summer when the weather is beautiful. For cheaper accommodation, early fall is a good time, as the weather is still warm and pleasant.