48h in La Rochelle
Medieval towers, Old Port, giant aquarium and a getaway to Île de Ré.
Two days in La Rochelle, a Protestant port that withstood Richelieu's siege in 1628 and whose medieval towers still guard the channel entrance. The trip opens at the Saint-Nicolas tower and the Chain tower, between which a chain once closed the harbour at night, then the Vieux Port and its arcades. The aquarium, with more than twelve thousand marine animals and its shark tunnel, ranks among Europe's largest; the Ile de Re thirty minutes away across the bridge, and the Gabut quarter with its brightly painted timber houses, complete the stay. The three towers can be visited on a combined ticket. The Grand Pavois boat show in September and the Francofolies festival in July fill the city, so book accommodation early.
Practical info
- Stops
- 5
- Duration
- 2 days
- Transport
- 🚗 Car
- Distance
- ≈ 40 km
- Best time
- All year round
Itinerary
- 1
Tours du Vieux Port
Tour Saint-Nicolas et tour de la Chaîne, sentinelles du port.
- 2
Vieux Port
Terrasses face aux bateaux, arcades et marché couvert.
- 3
Aquarium de La Rochelle
Plus de 12 000 animaux marins, tunnel des requins et meduses.
- 4
Île de Ré
Pont à 30 min : villages blancs, marais salants et vélos.
- 5
Quartier du Gabut
Maisons colorées en bois, cafés créatifs et galeries d'art.
