Hotels in Arrondissement de La Rochelle

A coastal town by the Atlantic, La Rochelle will greet you with its salty air and amazing seascape. The city is a clear standout from the rest of France with its skyline dotted by various medieval towers. History buffs will find a liking to this city because of its impressive list of museums for them to explore. Indeed, La Rochelle will certainly transport you to the Medieval Ages just by strolling around the city. Tourists will also find themselves enjoying the food and the scenery through hiking, biking, or simply just walking around the main square.

How to Get There

The city is accessible to numerous travellers coming from different parts of France. The main airport in the area is the Île de Ré Airport (LRH) which is five kilometres away from the city centre. It is also reached directly through different cities in the United Kingdom and its neighbouring countries of Switzerland and Italy. Commuting is available through a train, a bus, and a cruise ship.

Getting Around

Seeing that it is a small city, La Rochelle is best explored on foot or by bike. The rental service is run by Yelo located in the main square. Even as a tourist, it would not be complicated to navigate the city because of its extensive bike trails and tourist routes. Public transportation is also fairly easy because of its efficient network of buses and trains.

Top Things to Do

Everyone goes to La Rochelle thinking about having the best seafood seeing that it is a coastal town. While true, the area is also rich with marine biodiversity. To get a glimpse, Aquarium La Rochelle is France’s best state-of-the-art aquarium. It has over 12,000 marine animals and 600 different species. Maritime has also been a big part of the city. In the Musée Maritime, you will be greeted by eight renovated ships upon entering with attractions such as France 1 and the Saint Gilles tugboat. Also on display are classic yachts that are still used today.

Exploring the city will also take you to the Vielle Ville (Old Town) where you can wander around and admiring the sights of the city on your own time. At its centre, you will find the famous Hôtel de Ville that is known for its opulent decor. Maison Henri II is also nearby in Rue Des Augustins. The home was built in 1555 and it is a beautiful space with a gallery and courtyard.

There is also the Tour de la Lanterne, which is a focal point of the city. It has been around since the 15th century. Over the years, it has served a defensive purpose, but it eventually turned into a prison from the 17th to 19th centuries. A tour will take you to different cells where you can see the graffiti made by different people. On the topmost floor, you will see a panoramic view of the coastal city.

Vieux Port will also be unmissable because it is what greets you upon entering the city via ship. It is still a bustling port that has remained to be a big part of the lives of the locals. The harbor is lined with fishing boats and restaurants that serve the fine seafood that can only be found in La Rochelle.

What to Eat

Food is a big deal in the city, especially seafood. The quality is exceptional. André has been open since the 1950s. It is a waterfront seafood cafe that is a maze with 8 interconnecting rooms. What sets this restaurant apart from the others if that every room has a different ambiance, creating a unique experience for all of the diners currently there. The popular seafood dishes remain the same no matter what room and all are fresh from last night’s catch.

In Le Panier de Crabes, the local chef named Olivier Tétaud works with the local fishermen to bring in a fresh catch. They are known for their oysters, crabs, and shrimps and all are served in affordable platters. Le Comptoir Saoufé is a chic oyster bar that offers two menus: mer (sea) and terroir (land). Tapas dishes made of oysters, salmon rillettes, and salicorne are available.

Where to Stay

To be near all of these restaurants, having accommodations by the beach is ideal. You would be in a convenient spot especially if you are a foodie. Being here is also great if you are looking for a more peaceful place to stay in. In the city centre, you will find different chic boutiques that are in the middle of everything. Cheaper accommodations can also be found here.

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