La Rochelle
La Rochelle was once known as the French Geneva and today the comparisons are still being made. Thanks to its famous city lights, La Rochelle has been called the "City of Light," much like Paris itself. But to anyone visiting this bustling seaport, La Rochelle has its distinct charm.
Attractions
La Rochelle's main feature is the "Vieux Port" ("Old Harbour"), which is at the heart of the city, picturesque and lined with seafood restaurants. The city walls are open to an evening promenade. The old town has been well-preserved. From the harbour, boating trips can be taken to the Île d'Aix and Fort Boyard. Nearby Île de Ré is a short drive to the North. The countryside of the surrounding Charente-Maritime is very rural and full of history. To the North is Venise Verte, a marshy area of country, criss-crossed with tiny canals and a popular resort for inland boating. Inland is the country of Cognac and Pineau.
Activities
Aquarium. One of La Rochelle’s top tourist attractions houses around 10,000 arranged over two floors. Downstairs is a shop, the atlantic room, the Oceanic area with its barracuda, jacks and rays, and the Mediterranean cave home to spirographs and a giant octopus. Upstairs is the shark tank which allows visitors the chance to get close to many different species of this impressive animal. There are also Caribbean tanks, an Indo-Pacific room, the Lagoon, an amphitheatre and an interactive learning area.
Ile de Re. A short distance from the centre of La Rochelle and accesible by bus is the Ile de Re. The island is popular with local residents who wish to escape the city. The town of Saint Martin de Re which is considered the island’s capital has some fine restaurants and wineries. Elsewhere Ile de Re boasts miles of cycle paths, vineyards, deserted beaches, pine woods and salt water marshes. Musee de Beaux-Arts. Housed in an 18th century Episcopal palace, the museum displays pieces from the 15th to the 20th century and includes works by artists such as Maillol, Leger and Fromentin.
City Hall. This fine 14th century structure is built in a Gothic style. The City Hall can only be visited by a guided tour which must be booked in advance, but it is well worth it for the fine Henry II staircase and Jean Guitton’s marble desk.
Towers. The port of La Rochelle is guarded by several towers. The oldest one is Tour St Nicholas which was constructed between 1371 and 1382. This must-see attraction offers superb views from the top of the tower over the old town and the island of Ile d’Oleron in the distance. Close by is the Tour de la Lanterne constructed between 1445 and 1446. Formerly a lighthouse, the tower was also used as a jail until the 19th century.
Musee du Nouveau Monde. This museum celebrates La Rochelle’s 300-year long relationship with the New World when many products such as fur, coffee, sugar, cocoa and slaves were traded in the town. The exhibition tracing the 1682 discovery of the Mississippi Delta by La Salle is particularly interesting.
Shopping
Spend the day shopping in the old town, La Vieux La Rochelle, where you'll find wonderful antiques, jewelry stores and small boutiques.
Food
The French are known for their fine cuisine and La Rochelle is no different. Many menus feature a wide variety of meat dishes, specifically steak and duck, served with rich sauces. For something a little lighter, sit down at a sidewalk cafe to sample a variety of cheeses or a glass of wine. Or for the more daring, you may want to try blood pudding, a local delicacy. But an absolute must for anyone with a sweet tooth is to try the delicious pastries you'll find at any number of coffee shops and sidewalk cafes.
Currency
The Euro (EUR), the currency of the European Union, is the official currency of France.
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