Museums
From the rooftops of the towers to the narrow streets
Whether you're a couple, a family, a group of friends or colleagues, visiting for the weekend or a week... La Rochelle is the place to be, and here's what you won't want to miss when you stay in our beautiful city!
Museums
Discover the city's astonishing collection of museums as you stroll under the 13th-century arcades and through the cobbled streets of the historic center.
Natural History Museum
Maritime Museum
Museum of Fine Arts
New World Museum
Museums
old port
old port
Old Port
La Rochelle’s Old Port is getting a makeover, pier by pier. Since this fall, Quai Valin has been delighting residents and visitors alike with its new esplanade of light-colored pavers. Running alongside a brand-new park frequented by children and adults alike and the Bassin à Flot—where most of the recreational boats in this port area are moored—a wide bike path gives priority to non-motorized two-wheelers. Operational since the completion of the redevelopment work on Quai Valin, this new path will be extended before the end of this year to connect with Quai Georges Simenon. At the far end, the footbridge spanning the Ancien Bassin des Chalutiers will also be renovated, but it will still be possible to cross on foot or by bicycle to enjoy a unique panoramic view of La Rochelle’s three towers, the channel leading to the Old Port, and the Atlantic Ocean.
Towers
Arcades and Old Town
Explore La Rochelle's Old Town with its 13th-century arcades, cobblestone streets, and numerous townhouses and monuments.
Aquarium
Opened in 1988 with a surface area of 8845m² and over 12,000 animals of 600 marine species divided between 75 aquariums with over 3 million liters of seawater.
La Rochelle Towers
The Saint-Nicolas, Chaine, and Lanterne Towers are the remaining landmarks of La Rochelle. Standing facing the Atlantic Ocean and serving as the city’s true guardians, they have stood as a testament to La Rochelle’s power for centuries.
• SAINT-NICOLAS TOWER: A true urban keep and palatial residence facing the ocean, this military structure symbolizes the power and wealth of La Rochelle. Standing 42 meters tall, its architecture is built around a labyrinth of staircases and corridors carved into the thick walls.
• TOUR DE LA CHAINE: As the gateway to the Old Port, the Tour de la Chaîne monitored the movements of ships and port traffic and collected duties and taxes. New as of January 1, 2018: “Everyone to the Beach” exhibition, a panorama of seaside towns from their origins to the present day…
- TOUR DE LA LANTERNE (Dite des 4 sergents): The last medieval lighthouse on the Atlantic coast, 55 meters high and topped by an octagonal Gothic spire, the tower served as a lighthouse and prison throughout its history. It contains over 600 graffiti carved by inmates over 3 centuries.
- Open every day except the 1st Monday of the month.
- Opening hours April to September: 10am-1pm and 2.15pm-6.30pm
- Opening hours from October to March: 10am-1pm and 2.15pm-5.30pm
Towers
city
City Hall
The beating heart of our maritime city since the 13th century, La Rochelle's Hôtel de Ville almost succumbed to the flames of a spectacular fire in 2013. Now rebuilt, this historic edifice, so dear to the hearts of the people of La Rochelle, can once again be visited.
Guided tours
A stop in the heart of the Old Town and the Old Port, taking you through the defining moments of this free merchant city: the legacy of Eleanor of Aquitaine, the escapades of Henry IV, the siege led by Cardinal Richelieu… today, the lively atmosphere of its quays and terraces, the vibrant colors of its market, and the tranquility of its English-style parks will charm you.
The market
Entirely devoted to food, this veritable local institution offers its setting to promote flavors made in France. Facing a half-timbered Renaissance house, a 19th-century covered market is packed with fishmongers, cheese-makers, delicatessens and other delicatessens offering the high-quality products for which our region is famous.
city