Village of fishermen in the medieval period, La Rochelle becomes thereafter a town of trade and an important commercial port in connection with Canada, then the Antilles.
Today, La Rochelle is a dynamic coastal town of maritime Charente, which has an immense marina with a capacity of reception of 3.500 boats. In fact, La Rochelle has 4 distinct ports:
- The fishing port.
- The commercial port.
- The marina.
- The port of cruisings which receives the large steamers carrying out their cruisings on the Atlantic.
On holiday in La Rochelle, the tourist will appreciate the walks in the old part of La Rochelle and will discover its streets with arcades and its ship-owners' private mansions frontages.
Lodging at La Rochelle, where to stay:
House to rent in La Rochelle: In the Tasdon district 1,5 km far from seaside and port, located in a quiet part of the city, the Jamet House is a large Rochelaise house with 150 m ² 2 levels, including 6 rooms: Equipped kitchen, (dishwasher, washing machine, dryer, microwaves, freezer), living room (television, telephone, video tape recorder, piano), 3 rooms with beds 140, 2 rooms with 2 beds 90), 5 WC separated, 1 bathroom and 2 water rooms. A closed garden of 450 m ² with living room of garden and barbecue, local carpark for bicycles. The place is appropriate for 2 families or a group of 10 people.
Tariffs: 950 euros the week, 1.900 euros the fortnight in August. Low season and June, July and September, contact the landlords.
Address: 54 rue des Mathias La Rochelle
La Rochelle hotel: Located in the old part of the city, and at a few minutes by feet from the port, the Résidence hotel of France is a very beautiful 4 seasons establishment with 5 rooms and 11 suites and a hotel residence with 20 studios and 16 apartments. Its restaurant the Patio faces a garden, and a traditional French cooking is proposed. The hotel is open all year long. The price of the rooms varies from 110 euros to 170 euros. Possibility of stay in half-board. Access wi-fi.
Address hotel: 43, rue du Minage 17000 La Rochelle.
Hotel Poitou-Charentes.
To camp La Rochelle: The Clos Richelieu, camp-site on the beach of La Rochelle and close to downtown, proposes in July and August, many activities organized by its team of moderators. The camp-site is arranged to receive the handicapped people. The place is open all year long. The pets are accepted.
Leisures. What to do in La Rochelle: Because of its position on the Atlantic facade, La Rochelle counts many schools of veils and small companies which propose excursions or fishing in the sea. But the city has also its swimming pool and its club of tennis. For the enthusiasts for big thrills, the park of adventures Vertig' O Park installed in Chemin of Ronflac 17220 La Jarne, proposes courses in the trees or in canoe-kayak. In addition, the Ile de Ré which faces La Rochelle, deserves a visit. Lastly, La Rochelle knows an animated night life with its discotheque Papagayo, its pubs bars and restaurants located in the historical quarters or on the quays of the port.
La Rochelle knows throughout the year important cultural events:
- In February, the Creative Leisures exhibition.
- In March, Spring of the Poets.
- In April, exhibition garden passion and Atlantic habitat.
- In May, international Week of the veil.
- In June, International festival of film.
- In July, francofolies.
- In August, Jazz in August.
- In September, Festival of the fiction TV.
- In October, Jazz between the two turns.
- In November, Festival of film of adventure.
Address Tourist office: 2, quai Georges Simenon Le Gabut – 17025 La Rochelle Cedex 01
