La Rochelle on foot: from must-sees to unexpected treasures!

Head northwest to 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 des Minimes, a stroll along the pedestrian streets is the best way to soak up the culture of this city, ranked among the most pleasant French cities to live in. A special atmosphere hangs over the old port, the lively squares, and the charming neighborhoods. From the towers to the aquarium, by way of the beaches and museums, admire the white city! Here is an ideal walking itinerary for a La Rochelle getaway in all seasons.

Get some fresh air at Parc Charruyer and Plage de la Concurrence

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

Visit the towers of La Rochelle

As you leave the park, the silhouettes of the famous Towers of La Rochelle appear. Listed as historical monuments since 1879, the three towers - the Saint-Nicolas Tower, the Chain Tower and the Lantern Tower - have been the guardians of the city since the 14th century. As true fortifications, their role was to defend maritime access to the city and regulate the passage of merchant ships entering the port. The tallest, the Lantern Tower, rises to 75 meters. It serves as both a lighthouse and a landmark for sailors navigating the coast and between the straits. The Saint Nicolas Tower and the Chain Tower were once linked by a large chain preventing 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, admire the panoramic views, and discover the graffiti of captured sailors carved into the stone. A must-see historical attraction!

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, master ice cream maker Ernest has been perpetuating the French ice cream tradition for over 20 years with more than 100 flavors on sale. An institution in La Rochelle!

Here we are on the Cours des Dames which runs alongside the Old Port. Head towards the Porte de la Grosse Horloge, another emblematic historical monument of La Rochelle! Built in the 14th century to defend the city in the event of an attack through the port, it is topped with a Gothic-style bell tower. You must go through it to access the old town and the arcades. A treasure of medieval heritage, these stone arches once protected the traders' stalls from the elements. Today, they offer pedestrians a sheltered and unusual passage.

The door of the Big Clock

The arcades

The lively quays of La Rochelle

Visit Saint Louis Cathedral and the Museums of La Rochelle

At the end of Rue du Palais, Saint-Louis Cathedral stands in the heart of Place de Verdun. Listed as a Historic Monument, it was built from 1742 and features classical architecture. Inside, numerous votive offerings and paintings decorate the walls of the side chapels.

Let's continue through the old town towards the market. This area is home to 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 Musée du Nouveau-Monde illustrates France's historical relations with the Antilles and the Americas.

Savor local specialties at the La Rochelle Halles market

In the heart of the historic center, head to the La Rochelle market to stock up on fresh produce and enjoy some oysters on the go. Under this magnificent building made of wrought iron, glass, and bricks, dating from the 19th century, the colorful stalls offer a warm and welcoming 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 be your happy place.

Have a drink on Rue Saint-Nicolas

In the old sailors' and fishermen's quarter, we cross the Saint Nicolas quarter bordered restaurants, cafes, thrift stores, art galleries, and creative boutiques. The perfect place to refresh yourself with a drink. On Saturdays and Thursdays, a flea market enlivens the streets.

Stroll through the Gabut district

The Gabut district and its colorful wooden houses connect 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 yacht basin and the Bassin des Chalutiers. Don't miss the frescoes and street art of the Friche du Gabut, a 5000 m^² space for artistic expression at the foot of the Saint-Nicolas tower and the Phare Rouge de la Rochelle.

Explore the marine world at the La Rochelle Aquarium

Facing the Old Port, the La Rochelle Aquarium is the leading tourist attraction in Charente-Maritime. It is home to more than 12,000 species of aquatic animals and enjoys international renown. During a visit, dive into the heart of the oceans and be amazed by the biodiversity of the Atlantic, the Mediterranean, and the Tropics. A few hours of wonder await young and old alike!

Visit the Maritime Museum

Continuing along the quayside, you'll see the Maritime Museum of La Rochelle, with several floating ships and trawlers on display. A fascinating museum to discover the maritime history of La Rochelle!

Admire the sunset over the port of Minimes

A fifteen-minute walk separates us from the final stop on our tour: the Port des Minimes. The largest marina on the Atlantic coast accommodates over 5,000 boats and is a popular spot for watching the sunset.

To return to the Old Port, take the electro-solar sea bus, a unique 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 unique views of La Rochelle from the ocean !

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

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

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