Things to do in La Rochelle

Activities, attractions and tours

Visit La Rochelle

Types of activities

Where to stay

La Rochelle travel guide

La Rochelle showing heritage elements and a coastal town

La Rochelle which includes heritage elements and a coastal town

La Rochelle which includes a bay or harbour

Minimes Beach which includes a beach and flowers as well as an individual male

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What to do in La Rochelle

Popular places to visit

Vieux Port

Explore the waterfront in La Rochelle with a trip to Vieux Port. While you're in the area, stroll along the beautiful beaches.

Minimes Beach

Spend the afternoon enhancing your tan on La Rochelle’s largest beach, before viewing the lavish yachts in the port.

La Rochelle Hotel de Ville

After visiting La Rochelle Hotel de Ville, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in La Rochelle. Wander the waterfront and beautiful beaches in the area.

Tour St. Nicolas

Learn about the local history of La Rochelle when you spend time at Tour St. Nicolas. Wander the waterfront and beautiful beaches in the area.

Tour de la Lanterne

You can learn about the history of La Rochelle with a visit to Tour de la Lanterne. Wander the waterfront and beautiful beaches in the area.

Tour de la Chaine

You can learn about the history of La Rochelle when you stop by Tour de la Chaine. Wander the waterfront and beautiful beaches in the area.

Musée des Beaux-Arts

You can spend an afternoon exploring the galleries in Musée des Beaux-Arts in La Rochelle. Wander the waterfront and beautiful beaches in the area.

New World Museum

You can spend an afternoon browsing the exhibits at New World Museum during your trip to La Rochelle. Wander the waterfront and beautiful beaches in the area.

Natural History Museum

Get a closer look at the stuffed animals and other unusual items found by French explorers during the 18th and 19th centuries.

Areas of La Rochelle

La Rochelle City Centre

4.5/5(59 area reviews)

La Rochelle City Centre is popular for its waterfront views, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Vieux Port or La Rochelle Hotel de Ville.

Les Minimes

Les Minimes is beloved for its captivating waterfront views. Take some time to explore sights in the area like Port des Minimes and Minimes Beach.

Saint-Nicolas

Though Saint-Nicolas may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Vieux Port and La Rochelle Hotel de Ville.

La Ville-en-Bois

A noteworthy feature of La Ville-en-Bois is its captivating waterfront views. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out Musée des Automates and Musée des Modeles Reduits.

Le Gabut

You'll enjoy the restaurants and waterfront in Le Gabut. You might want to make time for a stop at Tour St. Nicolas or Bay of Biscay.

La Pallice

Travellers like the historical sites in La Pallice, and Port de la Pallice is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Frequently asked questions

Is La Rochelle worth visiting?

From retail therapy to history and outdoor pursuits, there are many great things to do in La Rochelle. Make sure to enjoy the area's blend of unmissable attractions, local charm and culture.

How do I spend a day in La Rochelle?

Kick your day off with a visit to Aquarium La Rochelle and Natural History Museum. Then, explore other areas of La Rochelle for tasty eats and some souvenir shopping.

What is the top tourist attraction in La Rochelle?

The top tourist attraction in La Rochelle is Aquarium La Rochelle, so be sure to put it on your sightseeing itinerary.

Is three days enough to stay in La Rochelle?

Three days in La Rochelle is plenty of time to enjoy the city's main attractions. Many travellers stay for three days on average. Aquarium La Rochelle, Natural History Museum and Vieux Port are among the top-rated sights. Want to see more? Hang around a while longer to visit nearby hotspots like Saint-Martin-de-Re.

Is La Rochelle a walkable city?

Some top sights in La Rochelle, including Aquarium La Rochelle and Natural History Museum, are within walking distance. You can also explore several of the city's neighbourhoods on foot. Just 0.16 kilometres from the city centre of La Rochelle is La Rochelle City Centre and Le Gabut is 0.48 kilometres away.

What are some activities to do in La Rochelle with kids?

If you're searching for activities and sights for all of your group, check out these fabulous ideas for what to do in La Rochelle with kids.

What to do in La Rochelle for adults?

There are lots of things to do in La Rochelle, with activities for adults of all ages. End the day with a visit to Angoulins Town Hall or Musée Grevin.

Are there free things to do in La Rochelle?

In La Rochelle, Port des Minimes is a popular spot for anyone wanting to tour the city without opening their wallet. Also, wander around the parks and other neighbourhoods, and ask for tips from a local tour guide. It's a good way to find out about the best free things to do in La Rochelle.