Do you dream of immersing yourself in the unrivaled beauty of coastal France? Discover La Rochelle and Ile de Ré – two stunningly gorgeous locations that are packed with exciting things to do! From visiting historic sites such as Fort Boyard, exploring stunning lighthouses, discovering beautiful beaches and more, there is something for everyone at these wonderful spots.
Here are 10 Things To Do in La Rochelle and Ile de Re that will make your holiday an unforgettable experience!
1. Visit the Old Port of La Rochelle
The Old Port of La Rochelle could easily be mistaken for a dream destination; the sights, sounds, and colors of this beloved destination will leave you wanting more. Whether you choose to spend your time strolling around the port or indulging in some of the amazing eateries, you will quickly find that there is something for everyone here.
With its cobblestone streets, castle, and ancient watchtower, La Rochelle’s 16th century port contains a wealth of history to explore. A trip to Ile de Re will also provide ample opportunity for exploration; there are miles of sandy beaches, beautiful fishing ports and stunning salt marshes to discover.
Address: 32 Quai Duperré, 17000 la Rochelle, France
2. Explore The Château des Aix Island
The Château des Aix Island in La Rochelle and Ile de Ré is the perfect getaway for a peaceful, relaxing vacation. Located 1.5 kilometers from the shores of La Rochelle and Ile de Ré, this charming estate has been around since the 18th century and provides both stunning natural beauty and historical monuments to explore.
Guests can traverse meandering paths through picturesque gardens, take refreshing swims in a large pool overlooking the countryside, wine and dine on delicious local fare, as well as enjoy activities such as fishing or horseback riding. Whether you choose to stay all day or just spend an afternoon here, Château des Aix offers a unique experience unlike any other.
3. Take a Boat Trip to Ile de Ré
A boat trip to Ile de Ré in La Rochelle is an excellent way to experience the French coast and its picturesque natural beauty. The island offers a tranquil and relaxed atmosphere, with gorgeous bays to explore along the coast. There are plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities such as swimming, surfing or windsurfing, as well as cycling tours across the salt marshes.
Visitors can also take in spectacular views of the sea while dining on exquisite seafood dishes at one of the many seafood restaurants nearby. To top it all off, there are several secluded beaches where visitors can relax and take in some stunning views of the sun-soaked shores. Take a boat trip over to Ile de Ré in La Rochelle and experience a paradise like no other!
4. Spend the Day at Plage de L’Eguille Beach
If you’re looking for a perfect beach day in the region of La Rochelle and Île de Ré, Plage de L’Eguille is the destination for you. It’s situated in the village of Loix-en-Ré, which has all the amenities you need for a fun, relaxing time. The clean white sand here stretches as far as the eye can see – and it’s shallow waters are perfect for swimming or enjoying other water sports.
Here, you can also lounge in a hammock or sunbathe with friends and family. In addition, there are plenty of nearby bars and restaurants you can enjoy delicious seafood from. Once your day at Plage de L’Eguille Beach is over, be sure to take advantage of some of the nearby attractions such as Château des Archers Museum or Fort Boyard.
Address: Prom. André Pradayrol, 06590 Théoule-Sur-Mer, France
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5. Enjoy Musée Maritime du Vieux-Port
The stunning port of La Rochelle and surrounding Ile de Re provide travelers with a plethora of captivating sights. A must-see for newcomers is the Musée Maritime du Vieux-Port, a maritime museum that offers a glimpse into the city’s history as an important French trading and fishing port.
Open to the public since 1949, this unique museum introduces visitors to La Rochelle’s ancient and modern interaction with the ocean. An array of majestic nautical artifacts are exhibited, including models and drawings of historic vessels, 19th century barrels used to transport salt, intricate carvings and paintings depicting lives at sea, and even an iconic navy cannon that once defended the harbor.
Join the generations of locals who have visited Musée Maritime du Vieux-Port to explore their beloved city’s aquatic heritage!
6. Visit the Aquarium La Rochelle
Located on the western portion of France, La Rochelle and Ile de Re are home to some of the most impressive sights and experiences their country has to offer. One of these is Aquarium La Rochelle, a large underwater zoo with more than 11,000 animals and 340 different species.
Visitors have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the diverse marine world inside the aquarium’s walls, enjoying exhibits focused on regional ecosystems such as coastal lagoons and open ocean habitats. From seahorses to coral reef systems, visitors can observe vibrant colors and learn interesting facts about life underwater.
The aquarium also focuses on protecting ocean conservation by participating in breeding programs, research initiatives and awareness campaigns throughout their exhibitions. If you’re ever near La Rochelle and Ile de Re, make sure to stop by Aquarium La Rochelle for an educational exploration of our planet’s fascinating aquatic environment.
Address: Quai Louis Prunier, 17000 la Rochelle, France
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7. Explore Fort Boyard
Exploring the region of La Rochelle and Ile de Re means discovering the secrets of Fort Boyard. Perched between two islands, Fort Boyard is an impressive building situated in the waves of the Atlantic Ocean. This fortification was built in 1804 to protect the city from any attempted invasions. Tours are organized to explore its cobbled streets, courtyards and terraces that provide stunning views of both land and sea.
The fully functioning military dungeon constructed beneath the fort has also been converted into a tourist attraction allowing visitors peek into its mysterious depths. If you’re feeling more adventurous, dare yourself to climb up its towers or test yourself on an assault course operated on-site! For those wanting to delve deeper into history and culture, Fort Boyard is certainly an exciting destination to explore.
Address: Île-d’Aix, France
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8. Tour Phare des Baleines Lighthouse
A trip to the beautiful coastal city of La Rochelle wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the picturesque Phare des Baleines Lighthouse. Located on the Ile de Re, this landmark is one of the most renowned sights in France and offers stunning views of the Atlantic coast and beachfronts near La Rochelle.
Visitors can climb up the 217 steps of this iconic lighthouse that stands at a height of 54 meters before enjoying spectacular 360-degree panoramas from its top. From there, you will be able to spot some of La Rochelle’s other popular sites including the Towers of Saint Nicolas and Chaine Gate as well as Fort Louvois, located nearby on Ile d’Aix.
Address: 155 Route du Phare | 155 Allée du Phare, 17590 Saint Clement Des Baleines, Ile de Re, France
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9. Discover the Corderie Royale
The Corderie Royale in La Rochelle and Ile de Re is a magnificent architectural complex, constructed in the 18th century and once used as a shipyard. Located along the waterfront of La Rochelle, the Corderie Royale consists of five long buildings surrounded by far-reaching fortifications spread over one hectare. The area was home to some of the largest sailing vessels ever built, and has been listed as a UNESCO heritage site since 2012.
Visitors to the elegant complex today can explore its many attractions, including its galleries where old ironworks are displayed alongside drawings of legendary ships that have sailed out of La Rochelle. Along with admiring stunning architecture, visitors can also take part in guided tours or visit during special events that often take place within the walls of this impressive landmark.
Address: Rue Jean-Baptiste Audebert, 17300 Rochefort, France
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10. Visit Le Minimes Waterfront Park and Marina
Le Minimes Waterfront Park and Marina, conveniently located in the popular destination of La Rochelle and Ile de Re, is a wonderful place to visit. Here visitors have access to some of the most beautiful beach views in France as well as numerous activities to participate in – from swimming to cycling.
Plus, it offers boat moorings which are ideal for day trips on motorboats or sailboats. Due to its picturesque location, it also hosts many wedding and event activities throughout the year making it an ideal destination for holiday makers or those wanting a special occasion space against a stunning background. Take a visit today to explore all that Le Minimes Waterfront Park and Marina has to offer!
Address: Régie du Port de Plaisance De, Av. De la Capitainerie, 17000 la Rochelle, France
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In conclusion
La Rochelle and Ile de Re is an incredible destination to explore with plenty of activities and sights to enjoy. From discovering the secrets of Fort Boyard to climbing up the Phare des Baleines Lighthouse and visiting the Corderie Royale to taking in the views from Le Minimes Waterfront Park and Marina, this French coastal paradise has something for everyone. Whether you want to explore its rich history or experience its remarkable nature, La Rochelle and Ile de Re is definitely worth a visit.
