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La Rochelle was formerly known as the French Geneva. It began as a small fishing village, grew up to be the stronghold of the Huguenots then turned into a historic port and an ancient sailor’s city.

Today, La Rochelle stands to be the cultural and administrative hub of the Charente-Maritime department. It earned for itself the title of the City of Light with its famous city lights and is found to be the most attractive and unspoiled seaside town in the whole France. With its past architecture carefully and beautifully well kept, La Rochelle makes for one picturesque and historically rich city in the Atlantic coast.

La Rochelle is divided into two faces, the ancient and unspoiled town inside the Vauban defenses and the tacky contemporary and industrial areas.

The town of La Rochelle is a great place to go strolling with its arch covered streets giving shelter to sun and rain. The best streets in La Rochelle to go for a stroll are the rue du Palais, la Rue du Temple, rue Chaudrier and rue des Merciers. Each street comes with its own 17th century arcade.

La Rochelle has four significant harbours each with its own rich identity and a world of its own. These include the modern yacht marina of Port de Plaisance and the Port de Commerce. La Pallice is La Rochelle’s deep water commercial harbour where a large submarine bunker that was built in World War II still stands.

Considered as La Rochelle’s main feature, the Vieux Port or Old Harbour is located right in the heart of the city. Lined with seafood restaurants, this picturesque historic harbour opens its city walls for an evening promenade.

One major attraction of this beautiful port city is the Aquarium de la Rochelle, a smash hit of a tourist attraction located near the Port des Minimes. Inside, approximately 10,000 species of flora and fauna from all over the world wait to please and delight you. If you are a huge fan of marine zoology or just someone who enjoys watching beautiful creatures from the sea, the Aquarium de la Rochelle will certainly keep you preoccupied.

At the Maritime Museum of La Rochelle, one can see the ship used by Jacques-Yves Cousteau, the Calypso. Costeau used the ship as a mobile labpratory for oceanography unfortunately it sunk after a collision in Singapore’s port.

One of La Rochelle’s historical buildings is the Hotel de Ville which served as the town’s city hall in the 14th century. Hotel de Ville is built in Gothic style. Inside, one can revel in the Henry II staircase with canopies as well the Jean Guiton’s marble desk.
At La Cathedrale St. Louis, one can see many treasures like the 19th century paintings of William Bouguereau that adorns its dome.

Another historical building is the 36 meter high tower of Tour St. Nicholas. Built during the second half of the 14th century, the tower overlooks the port to defend the area. The Tour St. Nicholas contains three large octagonal rooms one on top of the other and is surrounded by a number of staircases and galleries as well small rooms and even a chapel.
La Rochelle plays host every summer to FrancoFolies, one of France’s biggest musical festivals. Francophine musicians gather here for week-long concerts and performances.
The city also features an interesting array of stores, boutiques and great places to wine and dine.

When visiting La Rochelle on the months of July to September, drop by at quai Duperre, cours des Dames and cours des Templiers. When the sun starts to set at the horizon, the place becomes a huge pedestrian zone exploding with street performers. It’s an almost magical sight that sets your night out just right.

At the raucous English-pub style of Mac Ewan’s one can stop to choose from a fine selection of beer and wine. Or if you want to hear the tone of rock, the proudly French-style Le Piano Pub features regular rock concerts to keep you on your feet. Or you can choose to dance the night away to Cuban music at Music Hall Cohiba disco and bar.

La Rochelle is an exciting place to visit. Both vibrant and historic at once, the city is an excellent tourist destination in its own right.

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