La Rochelle Holidays

Ahh, La Rochelle. A French seaside gem packed with charm, sunshine and seafood – what’s not to love?

Highlights

• Historic harbour vibes - The Vieux Port (Old Port) is the beating heart of La Rochelle, lined with cafes and guarded by majestic medieval towers.

• Golden beaches - From town-side coves to the sweeping sands of Les Minimes, beach lovers are well looked after.

• Seafood heaven - With one of France’s biggest fish markets, it’s a paradise for foodies (bring your appetite!).

• Cycling city - Super flat and bike-friendly – this is one of the best places in France to explore on two wheels.

Getting around

La Rochelle is great for a city break as it's wonderfully walkable, with most of the action centred around the old town and marina. If you’re heading to the beach or out of the centre, hire a bike – the city has more than 230km of cycling paths and its own Yélo bike rental system. Fancy giving your legs a rest? Hop on one of the electric buses or glide across the harbour on the solar-powered sea bus – yes, that’s a thing here. There’s also a train station in town with links to Paris and Bordeaux, perfect if you fancy adding La Rochelle to a wider French adventure.

Things to do for families in La Rochelle

La Rochelle is packed with family-friendly fun. The Aquarium La Rochelle is one of the biggest in Europe – we’re talking sharks, jellyfish and a turtle or two. Over at Muséum d’Histoire Naturelle, little ones can come face-to-face with everything from dinosaur fossils to exotic butterflies. When the sun’s out (and it often is), grab a bucket and spade and hit Plage de la Concurrence, a sandy beach just a short stroll from the old town. Fancy something a bit different? Hop on a boat to Île de Ré, where kids can enjoy car-free villages, donkey rides and ice cream shops galore.

Things to do for couples in La Rochelle

This place has ‘romantic escape’ written all over it. Start with a hand-in-hand stroll along the Vieux Port, pausing to admire the boats and those famous towers. Grab a drink at a waterside bar as the sun sets – Le Comptoir Saoufé is a local fave. For something extra special, book a boat trip to Fort Boyard (yes, the one from the telly) or sail across to Île d’Aix, a car-free island that’s perfect for peaceful beach walks and picnic lunches. In the evening, tuck into oysters and crisp white wine at a candlelit bistro in the old town. Très romantique.

Things to do for groups in La Rochelle

Whether you’re a group of mates on a long weekend or celebrating something big, La Rochelle delivers. Take a guided kayak tour around the harbour or out to sea, hit up the beach with snacks and speakers, or try your hand at paddleboarding in the calm shallows of Plage des Minimes. Prefer dry land? The old town is full of bars, boutiques and history to explore together. By night, there’s everything from cosy wine bars to buzzing cocktail spots – or head to the Casino Barrière for some glitz and roulette thrills.

Things to do for foodies in La Rochelle

Seafood fans, this is your moment. La Rochelle’s fish market is a must – arrive early to watch the catch come in, then feast on oysters, mussels and langoustines so fresh they practically wink at you. The old town is sprinkled with bistros and crêperies serving up traditional fare, while the harbour area offers alfresco dining with a view (and a sea breeze). Head to Les Halles Market for gourmet cheeses, local charcuterie and buttery pastries – or stock up for a beach picnic. For something fancier, Christopher Coutanceau’s two-Michelin-starred spot is a seafood lover’s dream.