La Rochelle on foot: essentials with unsuspected treasures!

La Rochelle
La Rochelle on foot:  ...

Head north-west of Charente-Maritime to discover La Rochelle facing the ocean! Rich in an exceptional heritage linked to its maritime past, La Rochelle is a city on a human scale that can easily be visited on foot in a day or a weekend. From the historic center to the port of Les Minimes, a stroll along the pedestrian streets is the best way to soak up the culture of this city ranked at the top of the most pleasant French cities to live in. A special atmosphere floats over the old port, the lively squares and the charming districts. From the towers to the aquarium, passing by the beaches and the museums, admire the white city! Here is an ideal walking route for a La Rochelle getaway in all seasons.

La Rochelle on Foot - Lesley Williamson
La Rochelle on Foot - Lesley Williamson

Take a breath of fresh air at Charruyer Park and Concurrence Beach

Faced with the effervescence of the city, we would almost tend to forget that it is possible to find peace, surrounded by nature, a few minutes walk from the center of La Rochelle. Created at the end of the 19th century and crossed by two small streams, Charruyer Park is a green setting that invites you to relax. This is the starting point for our walk which leads to the Promenade du Mail and the small Concurrence beach.

The good idea: Explore the Rompsay Canal by canoe kayak or paddle ! An idea for a sporting and original activity.


La Rochelle on Foot - Lesley Williamson


Visit the towers of La Rochelle

At the exit of the park, the silhouettes of the famous towers of La Rochelle take shape. Classified as historic monuments since 1879, the three towers - the Saint-Nicolas tower, the Chain tower and the Lantern tower - have been the city's guardians since the 14th century. Real fortifications, their role was to defend maritime access to the city and to regulate the passage of merchant ships entering the port. The tallest, the Lantern Tower, culminates at 75 meters. It serves both as a lighthouse and a landmark for sailors who sail on the coast and between the inlets. The Tour Saint Nicolas and the Tour de la Chaîne were once connected by a large chain prohibiting the entry of boats. Places of residence, then prison… Nothing like a visit to understand the history of these towers since medieval times! Climb to the summits, contemplate the panoramic views and discover the graffiti of the captive sailors engraved in the stone. A must-see historical attraction!

La Rochelle on Foot - Lesley Williamson
La Rochelle on Foot - Lesley Williamson
La Rochelle on Foot - Lesley Williamson
La Rochelle on Foot - Lesley Williamson


To go further: Rent a boat in La Rochelle to stroll along the Charentaise coast!


La Rochelle on Foot - Lesley Williamson
Built on the ramparts, the rue Sur-les-Murs connects the Tour de Chaine to the Tour de la Lanterne


Stroll along Rue Saint Jean du Pérot and the Old Port of La Rochelle

Take the pedestrian street just behind the Towers to reach the Old Port. Rue Saint Jean du Pérot, lined with bars and restaurants, is a lively street that reflects the festive and warm character of the city. At the end of the street, the master ice cream maker Ernest has been perpetuating the French ice cream tradition for more than 20 years with more than 100 flavors offered for sale. An institution in La Rochelle!

La Rochelle on foot Lesley Williamson
La Rochelle on foot Lesley Williamson


Here we are on the Cours des Dames which runs along the Old Port. Head for the Porte de la Grosse Horloge, another emblematic historic monument of La Rochelle! Built in the 14th century to defend the city in the event of an attack by the port, it is surmounted by a bell tower in the Gothic style. You have to take it to access the old town and the arcades. Treasure of the medieval heritage, these stone arches once protected the stalls of traders from bad weather. Today, they offer pedestrians a sheltered and unusual passage!

La Rochelle on foot Lesley Williamson
La Rochelle on foot Lesley Williamson

The door of the Big Clock

La Rochelle on Foot Lesley Williamson
La Rochelle on foot Lesley Williamson

Arcades

La Rochelle on foot Lesley Williamson
La Rochelle by Foot Lesley Williamson

The lively quays of La Rochelle

Visit Saint Louis Cathedral and the Museums of La Rochelle

At the end of rue du Palais, the Saint-Louis cathedral sits enthroned in the heart of Place de Verdun. Classified as Historic Monuments, it was built from 1742 and presents a classical architecture. Inside, many ex-votos and paintings decorate the walls of the side chapels. Let's continue in the old town towards the market. This district has several fascinating museums : the Natural History Museum presents more than 10,000 objects from naturalist and ethnographic collections, the Museum of Fine Arts unveils a collection of European paintings from the 15th to the 20th century, the Museum of New -Monde illustrates the historical relations of France with the West Indies and the Americas.

La Rochelle on Foot Lesley Williamson


To go further: Read our article on the museums to visit in Charente-Maritime


Savor local specialties at the Halles de la Rochelle market

In the heart of the historic center, head to the La Rochelle market to stock up on fresh produce and taste a few oysters on the go! Under this magnificent building constructed of wrought iron, glass and bricks, dating from the 19th century, the colorful stalls offer a warm setting conducive to strolling. It is an essential place to discover the riches of the La Rochelle and Charente-Maritime region as well as its passionate producers. All around the market, cafes, restaurants and gourmet shops contribute to the authentic atmosphere that reigns here. For shopping, rue des Merciers, rue Thiers and rue Amelot will make you happy!

La Rochelle on Foot Lesley Williamson
La Rochelle on Foot Lesley Williamson
La Rochelle on Foot Lesley Williamson
La Rochelle on Foot Lesley Williamson
La Rochelle on Foot Lesley Williamson


Have a drink on the Faubourg Saint-Nicolas

In the old quarter of sailors and fishermen, we cross the Faubourg Saint Nicolas lined with restaurants, cafes, thrift stores, art galleries and creative boutiques. The perfect place to cool off with a drink! On Saturday and Thursday, a flea market brings the streets to life.

La Rochelle on Foot Lesley Williamson
La Rochelle on Foot Lesley Williamson


Stroll through the Gabut district

The Gabut district and its colorful wooden houses connects the historic city center to the Minimes district. In this former fishing district inspired by Scandinavian architecture, walk along the quai du Gabut lined with café and restaurant terraces and the quai Georges Simenon which overlooks the basin of yachts and the basin of Trawlers. Don't miss the frescoes and street art of the Gabut wasteland, a 5,000 m2 space for artistic expression at the foot of the Saint-Nicolas tower and the Phare Rouge in La Rochelle.

La Rochelle on Foot Lesley Williamson
La Rochelle on Foot Lesley Williamson


Explore the marine world at the La Rochelle Aquarium

Facing the Old Port, the Aquarium of La Rochelle is the first tourist site in Charente Maritime: it is home to more than 12,000 species of aquatic animals and enjoys an international reputation. During a visit, dive into the heart of the oceans and let yourself be surprised by the biodiversity of the Atlantic, the Mediterranean and the Tropics. A few hours of wonder await young and old!

La Rochelle on Foot Lesley Williamson
La Rochelle on Foot Lesley Williamson


Visit the Maritime Museum

Continuing along the quay, you can see the Maritime Museum of La Rochelle with several ships afloat and trawlers on display. A fascinating museum to discover the maritime history of La Rochelle!

La Rochelle on Foot Lesley Williamson
La Rochelle on Foot Lesley Williamson


Admire the sunset over the port of Les Minimes

About fifteen minutes on foot separates us from the last stage of our walk: the Port des Minimes. The 1st marina on the Atlantic coast welcomes more than 5000 boats and is one of the popular places to watch the sunset!

To return to the Old Port, take the electro-solar sea bus, a one-of-a-kind boat that serves as a shuttle between the two ports. It will drop you off at the pontoon in front of the Tour de la Chaine in 20 minutes. The opportunity to enjoy unprecedented views of La Rochelle from the ocean!

La Rochelle on Foot Lesley Williamson
La Rochelle on Foot Lesley Williamson

Enjoy a mini cruise from the Old Port to the Port des Minimes in an electro-sun sea bus!

Article and photos prepared by Lesley Williamson for the Guide Charente Maritime


Did you like our report? Find more on the Guide Charente Maritime blog. Connect to the Charente Maritime Guide Facebook page to be kept up to date with our news. We are also on Instagram @guidecharentemaritime


Back to "Not to be missed"

You will also like

What to do in autumn in Charente-Maritime?

What to do in autumn in Charente-Maritime?
What to do in autumn in Charente-Maritime?

La Rochelle

Top 10 things to do in La Rochelle

Top 10 things to do in La Rochelle
Top 10 things to do in La Rochelle

La Rochelle

Rent a boat in La Rochelle, for cabotage along the Charentaise coast

Rent a boat in La Rochelle, for cabotage along the Charentaise coast
Rent a boat in La Rochelle, for cabotage along ...

La Rochelle

Gift ideas from Charente Maritime with Love !

Gift ideas from Charente Maritime with Love !
Gift ideas from Charente Maritime with Love !

La Rochelle

What to do in Charente Maritime in winter?

What to do in Charente Maritime in winter?
What to do in Charente Maritime in winter?

La Rochelle

You will like also

La Rochelle

La Rochelle
La Rochelle

Formerly a fishing village, then a trading port for salt and wine. Protestant city, envied for its prosperity by ...

La Rochelle

Concurrence beach, La Rochelle

Concurrence beach, La Rochelle
Concurrence beach, La Rochelle

At the foot of the city, it's a fun beach to watch the boats come and go. Supervised in summer, it also has a snack ...

La Rochelle

Bulle

Bulle
Bulle

Welcome to the heart of La Rochelle, on the edge of the charming rue des Mariettes. An unusual bike calls out at the ...

26 m - La Rochelle

Phare du Quai Valin

Phare du Quai Valin
Phare du Quai Valin

The curiosity of this lighthouse located on the quay facing the La Rochelle yacht basin, is its integration into the ...

383 m - La Rochelle

La Rochelle Croisières

La Rochelle Croisières
La Rochelle Croisières

Departing from the Old Port, board the Alizé and set off to explore La Rochelle by sea! Sea trip with guided tour ...

431 m - La Rochelle

Ride around

Esnandes : un village au bord de la réserve naturelle de la baie de l'Aiguillon

Esnandes : un village au bord de la réserve naturelle de la baie de l'Aiguillon
Esnandes : un village au bord de la réserve na ...

10,4 km - Esnandes

Walking

La Flotte en Ré : l'abbaye des Châteliers

La Flotte en Ré : l'abbaye des Châteliers
La Flotte en Ré : l'abbaye des Châteliers

13,2 km - La Flotte

Walking

8) Randonnée pédestre – Les terres de la Garotterie – St-Médard-d’Aunis

8) Randonnée pédestre – Les terres de la Garotterie – St-Médard-d’Aunis
8) Randonnée pédestre – Les terres de la Garot ...

13,8 km - Saint-Médard-d'Aunis

Walking

Thairé : un village en Aunis

Thairé : un village en Aunis
Thairé : un village en Aunis

14,9 km - Thairé

Walking

Découverte de la réserve naturelle du Marais d'Yves

Découverte de la réserve naturelle du Marais d'Yves
Découverte de la réserve naturelle du Marais d ...

15,9 km - Yves

Walking