La Rochelle on Foot

by coach & on foot

The attractive city of La Rochelle is the capital of the Aunis province, once a Roman colony which changed hands several times between the English and the French in the Middle Ages. It is popular with painters, seduced by its traditional scenes, and the hustle and bustle of its harbour and daily life.

The old fortified port, the hidden streets lined with arcades, the ancient wooden houses and stately mansions, whether under the brilliance of summer skies or the most romantic of drizzles, combine to make La Rochelle the most visited city on the coast between Nantes and Bordeaux. This experience will enable you to explore this unique location on foot at a leisurely pace.

After an approximately 30-minute transfer from the pier, you will arrive at La Rochelle’s old harbour. Disembarking from your coach, you will see the newer harbour, the Port des Minimes, just across the water. This is the renowned leisure port of La Rochelle, located on the southern side of the bay. The marina can accommodate up to 3,500 craft of all types, making it the largest in Europe on the Atlantic coast.

From the old harbour, you’ll have a picture-postcard view of the well-known towers, Tour de la ChaÎne and Tour Saint-Nicolas, which proudly stand at the entrance to the port. The Tour de la ChaÎne owes its name to a huge and heavy chain which used to be stretched across the harbour mouth between this tower and Tour Saint-Nicolas at night, closing the port to ships. The old port is lined with cafes and restaurants and is a very lively area.

Continuing your walk with your guide, you’ll see the impressive Porte de la Grosse Horloge, which used to be the main gateway and entrance to the city from the port. The original Gothic tower was modified in the 18th century by the addition of a belfry surmounted by a dome and lantern. La Rochelle's pale limestone buildings have given the town the name La Ville Blanche or the White City.

In the attractive pedestrianised centre, you will be charmed by the old town, with its Gothic and Renaissance architecture, including passageways covered by 17th-century arches and fine old houses. Along the way, your guide will point out places of interest, including the town hall, a late 15th century building from the reign of Henri IV.

Following your guided walk, you will have some free time to explore the streets and boutiques of La Rochelle, maybe to sit with a coffee and admire the local way of life.

Back on your coach, the return journey to the ship will be along the seafront, passing by the Jardin du Mail and the Casino.