La Rochelle

One hour’s drive away from Royan, La Rochelle is an excellent place to visit , either for a day, an afternoon or just an evening at any time of the year.

Travelling from Royan, the simplest route to follow is to take the by-pass, leaving at the exit for La Rochelle Centre and to continue following the signs for the Centre and Parking du Vieux Port.

This car-park, at the foot of the Lantern Tower, also called ‘the four Sergeants Tower’, is a good departure point for all walks in the city.

The Old Harbour and the Old districts

Several hundred metres after leaving the car, you will arrive in the Old Harbour area and there you will suddenly find the lively atmosphere of La Rochelle.

Several possibilities are open to you.

If you are interested in the old district, you can follow the quay up to the Big Clock Gate, Porte de la Grosse Horloge, which was the entrance to the city from the harbour side, and pass the gate to walk in the picturesque streets lined with arches, la Rue du Palais, la Rue du Minage, la Grande Rue des Merciers,…

Lunch or dinner time

If it is lunch or dinner time, plenty of choice between the numerous restaurants located under the old arches and with large terraces which descend to the promenade of the Quay Duperré.

These heated terraces are very welcome during the sunny winter days or in the spring.

From the Old Harbour to the Sailing harbour "Les Minimes"

One has only to walk alongside the Old Harbour to arrive at the foot of the Saint Nicholas Tower, and then follow the pier which leads towards the sailing harbour of "Les Minimes".

As you walk along, you begin to understand the importance of yachting for La Rochelle.

On the right-hand side, thousands of masts as far as the eye can see and on the left, the numerous shipyards and the businesses connected with the boats and their equipment.

web site of the marina of La Rochelle

After this hour of walking, you can choose to return to the Old Harbour by either of two different routes.

You can take the ‘Sea Bus’ directly from the harbour of ‘Les Minimes’, which will return you to the quay Duperré.

In winter, this bus runs only during the weekends.

If you choose to return back on the same road, you can take advantage of the views at the entrance of the Old Harbour and the town.

You can, moreover, shorten the route by taking the 'electric boat’ in front of the harbour which is a boat shuttle service between the south bank and the quay Duperré.

Before leaving La Rochelle, you can go in the direction of La Pallice to look at the Bridge of the island of Ré, 3 km long.

Beautiful panoramic views of the bridge and the island can be seen from a "belvedere" or viewing point without having to cross the bridge and pass the toll gate.