A pearl of the Atlantic coast, La Rochelle charms with its Old Port guarded by three medieval towers, its rich maritime past and its ocean-facing way of life. Here are the places not to miss.
Looking for things to do in La Rochelle, places to visit near La Rochelle or an idea for a day out this weekend? Here is a selection of the finest sights to see, all explorable directly on the interactive map.
Open La Rochelle on the interactive mapFounded in the 12th century, this harbour framed by stone arcades and medieval façades remains the living heart of the city, where fishing boats and sailing yachts still rub shoulders today.
See on the map →Standing 42 metres tall, this tower of impressive military architecture attests to La Rochelle's defensive power in the 14th century. Its 140 steps lead to an exceptional panorama.
See on the map →Together with the Saint-Nicolas Tower, it guarded the harbour entrance thanks to a chain stretched between them each evening. It now hosts an exhibition on the port's history.
See on the map →Nicknamed the 'Tower of the Four Sergeants', this slender structure served as a lighthouse and a prison. Its walls are covered with graffiti left by sailors imprisoned from the 17th to the 19th century.
See on the map →Facing the Old Port, this private aquarium is among the largest in Europe, with its luminescent jellyfish and shark tunnel, especially popular with families.
See on the map →This fine building blending medieval and Renaissance styles reflects the power of the merchants and shipowners who brought La Rochelle its prosperity in the Middle Ages.
See on the map →Find these places and hundreds more — restaurants, places to stay, activities — on the BornToVisit interactive map. Filter by theme, find things to do around you and plan your outing.
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