Je ne regrette rien in La Rochelle
Promising sunshine, seafood, and plenty of French je ne sai quoi, La Rochelle on the Atlantic Coast of France is a highlight of any trip to Europe. Get your French adventure off to a great start by booking a La Rochelle vacation rental with ocean views. Stroll along the city's bustling promenade in the Old Port, take a boat trip to the beautiful beaches of Ile de Re, or spend the afternoon chatting with the fishes at the Aquarium. After dark, enjoy a fresh seafood platter in one of the numerous seafood restaurants lining the port. Well, when in France?
From towers to turtles, La Rochelle is la piece de resistance
Book a La Rochelle vacation rental close to the Old Port and visit the imposing trio of towers, St. Nicholas Tower, Tour de la Lanterne, and the Tower of the Chain which overlook the harbor. Or why not come nose-to-fin with sharks and giant trevally at the Aquarium La Rochelle. One of the biggest draws to the seaside city, it's popular with families who come to witness more than 600 species of sea life and mammals. Visitors descend to the aquarium's 'ocean floor' in an old submarine to meet turtles, sharks, and jellyfish.
Welcome to La La Land—La Rochelle
La Rochelle's Old Port is an area of the maritime city where life rolls at a gentle pace. Visit the bustling fish market, take a paddle in the sea, or stop off for lunch at one of the popular seafood restaurants. It also draws sailors and fishing enthusiasts who come to enjoy the cool, crystal waters of the Atlantic Coast. For the best sands, venture over to Ile de Re, a charming island with secluded beaches. As the sun sets over the Old Port, stop off in an old sailor's bar for a glass of the local grape.
Walking on sunshine in La Rochelle
Overlooking the Bay of Biscay, La Rochelle often sees the best of the French weather. A typical European climate, it benefits from long, warm summers with temperatures reaching 85 degrees. It cools down come fall, and has a higher risk of rain in winter. Snow is rare on the coast, but temperatures can be bitter, so pack well. The busiest time visit is June, July, and August, when La Rochelle vacation rentals get booked up in advance. For the best choice, but still with a chance of sunshine, visit in the shoulder seasons of fall and spring.
Biking on the Bay of Biscay
The charming old port of La Rochelle is perched on the central Atlantic Coast of France, overlooking the Bay of Biscay. For the best scenic views of the area, venture across the bridge to Ile de Re, which is as quiet as a dormouse out of high season. This charming, small island is blessed with a wealth of cycling trails and leisurely coastal walks, and is perfect for getting away from it all. Wind along the road north, past the island's vineyards and cornfields, for the best views of the island.
Transportation to and around La Rochelle
Fly into La Rochelle (LRH-La Rochelle - Île de Ré), the closest airport, located 2.3 mi (3.8 km) from the city center.
If you'd rather travel by train, make your way to La Rochelle Porte Dauphine Station or La Rochelle Station and explore the city from there.