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Often described as one of the prettiest cities in France, medieval La Rochelle is not only visually stunning, but is a culture vulture’s dream with a maritime legacy unlike anywhere else in Europe.
With its maritime legacy and a port that dates back to the 13th century, the city of La Rochelle is jam packed with history and overflowing with French heritage. This place has long been a firm favourite with French tourists who revel in an old town full of 14th century half-timber town houses. Not to mention it was the very centre of French trade and exploration to the Americas for centuries. While its importance has faded over the years, it is still a city with a fascinating legacy that is ripe for exploring in both summer and winter. And let’s not forget those beaches. Well this is France, after all, so it really is a case of take your pick.
...an ancient harbour...
Located on France’s Atlantic coast, La Rochelle, or the ‘White City’ as it is often known, is as famous for its gleaming limestone buildings as it is for its fabulous setting. And when we say fabulous we mean an ancient harbour surrounded by an old town full of arcaded, medieval streets. Anyone with an eye for history will simply love this place. And it gets better. Throw in three huge guard towers dating back to the 14th and 15th centuries, a smattering of Gothic churches, an array of Renaissance mansions and a few ancient clock towers and you have the perfect recipe for trip full of cultural treats.
...La Rochelle cake, however, is Ile de Ré, an island...
And what about the food? Well, if you’re in the mood to cook it yourself then head down to the covered market at Place du Marché, which is bustling and full of action from first thing in the morning until early afternoon. But, for an easier life, we recommend you head down to the pedestrianised rue St Jean du Pérot where you’ll find a selection of the city’s best restaurants. And for the kids? Well La Rochelle might be called the ‘White City’ but it is also a very green city full of parks, forests, streams and scented gardens – perfect for an afternoon stroll with the little ones. The icing on the La Rochelle cake, however, is Ile de Ré, an island 30 kilometres long by 5 kilometres wide known for its celebrity visitors, great seafood, charming port towns and fabulous shallow beaches. And the best thing about this island? It’s just across a bridge from La Rochelle Airport – now that’s what we call convenient.
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When to go
Find the best time to visit La Rochelle with average monthly temperatures, local weather conditions and more in our La Rochelle weather guide.
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Things to see and do
Let us help plan your ideal trip to La Rochelle. Find the most popular tourist attractions as well as lesser-known gems in our guide to La Rochelle attractions.
