Showing 1-10 of 10 results
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Aquarium
La Rochelle's 21st-century, state-of-the-art aquarium with good wheelchair access is a fantastic way to spend an afternoon. As well as lots of local Atlantic fish and sea creatures, you can also peer at some spectacular tropical fish and sea flora and ominous 2.7m-long bull sharks. While you're here, head up to the rooftop Café de l'Aquarium for panoramic views over the city and harbour.
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Hôtel de Ville
Flanked by a 15th-century Flamboyant Gothic wall and stunning 17th-century Renaissance-style courtyard, the Hôtel de Ville has guided tours in French on weekends and school holidays in July and August.
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Islands
Several islands are scattered around La Rochelle, including the nearby Île de Ré as well as a trio further offshore. The car-free, crescent-shaped Île d'Aix (pronounced 'eel dex'), 16km due south of La Rochelle, has some blissful beaches. Between the Île d'Aix and Île d'Oléron is the fortress-island Fort Boyard, built during the first half of the 19th century and these days best known (in France at least) as the location for the 'adventure' TV show of the same name, which is filmed here each summer. When the weather's clear, you can see La Rochelle in the distance.
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Musée des Automates
Musée des Automates is a small theme-park-style display with good wheelchair access showing 300 automated dolls from the last two centuries, including a near-life-size re-creation of bygone Montmartre in Paris, right down to the Moulin Rouge and funicular railway.
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Musée des Modèles Réduits
Trainspotters will love the Musée des Modèles Réduits, with miniature cars, computer-automated naval battles, and a tootling model railway. In July and August, children under 10 can ride aboard a little train.
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Musée du Nouveau Monde
La Rochelle's role as a departure point for North America is interpreted at the 18th-century mansion housing the Musée du Nouveau Monde .
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Musée Maritime Neptunea
Moored at Bassin des Chalutiers are the two ships comprising the Musée Maritime Neptunea: the meteorological research vessel France 1, and Angoumois, a chalutier (fishing boat). In 2008, a land-based extension of the museum on the adjacent dock will incorporate a section dedicated to Jacques Cousteau, and a re-creation of the city's ancient fish market.
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Temple Protestant
The austere Temple Protestant was built in the late 17th century, though it became a Protestant church only after the Revolution. After the St Bartholomew's Day Massacre of 1572, many surviving Huguenots took refuge in La Rochelle before the city was besieged in 1627 by Louis XIII's forces under the command of Cardinal Richelieu.
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Tour de la Grosse Horloge
The gateway to the old city, Tour de la Grosse Horloge is a steadfast Gothic-style clock tower, with a 14th-century base and an 18th-century top. For safety reasons, it's not possible to enter.
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Towers
La Rochelle's three defensive towers can be visited individually, or on a combined ticket.
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Showing 1-10 of 10 results
