Be it the fishing industry, boating or cruising: La Rochelle is a „must“ on the Atlantic coast. Its four harbors make it one of France‘s most important ports for tourism and trade.

Port of La Rochelle

Located on the sun-drenched coastline of the West Atlantic, the port of La Rochelle-Pallice is easily accessible from the open ocean. Situated in a picturesque bay, the port is naturally sheltered by the islands of Ré and Oléron.

Sunshine City

With an exceptional 2,400 hours of sunshine per year, which rivals the French Riviera, and the neighboring islands of Ré, Oléron, Aix and Madame, La Rochelle is an ideal cruise destination. With beaches, vegetation, fortifications and chalk cliffs La Rochelle’s beauty and diversity provide an ideal setting to enjoy life‘s pleasures. La Rochelle is the third most-visited city in France.

Fashionable to Medieval

La Rochelle offers a very attractive mix of architecture from the Middle Ages to the present day, as well as a wide range of exiting stores, from department stores such as Galeries Lafayettes to fashion boutiques and deli stores. It is a real pleasure to wander around and taste exquisite cognacs or discover the different varieties of the “Pineau des Charentes” aperitif. Alternatively, why not enjoy an unforgettable lunch in one of the numerous restaurants in the old medieval port? The port is famous for its two 14th century towers: the crenellated fortress of Saint Nicolas and, on the opposite side of the harbor entrance, the Tour de la Chaîne, so-called because of a chain that was drawn across between the two towers at night to keep intruders out.

Destination Highlights

• Cognac
• Ré & Oléron islands
• La Roche-Courbon castle
• The Green Venice