Things to do in La Rochelle
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L'Estamient
Built into the market walls, this family-run place has a convivial atmosphere and draws plenty of regulars with its tasty and filling lunch menus comprising all the French bistro standards. Book ahead at lunchtime.
reviewed
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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 12th-century base and an 18th-century top. For safety reasons, it’s not possible to enter.
reviewed
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Aux Table Rondes
Those with a tiger in them craving a solid lump of meat should come to this carnivore-friendly institution. As well as steaks, it's also renowned for its cochon du lait (pig cooked in milk).
reviewed
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Club Oxford & Club Papagayo
The dual discos Club Oxford & Club Papagayo are on the waterfront about 500m west of Tour de la Lanterne. Oxford spins techno and house, Papagayo goes for '70s and '80s, with karaoke on Sundays.
reviewed
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Chez Mah Monir
Next door to L'Estamient (built into the market walls). Let your taste buds travel a little further afield to the souks of Iran and North Africa at the ever-popular Chez Mah Monir. It's best to book a table at lunchtime.
reviewed
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Crêperie des Halles
Cosy, convivial crêperie tucked behind the covered market serving sweet crêpes and savoury galettes at equally convivial prices.
reviewed
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Covered Market
The lively, 19th-century covered market seethes with stallholders selling fresh fruit and vegetables, fish splayed on beds of ice, and just-killed meat.
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Cave de la Guignette
On a hot summer's afternoon, try a glass of Guignette (white wine with tiny bubbles, flavoured with natural fresh fruit) here.
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Craft Market
Authentic, handmade leather crafts, jewellery, sand sculptures and more are sold by the artists themselves on the waterfront.
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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 this museum.
reviewed
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Bowling Les Minimes
For a change of pace from the café scene, have a spin at Bowling Les Minimes, in an alley next to the youth hostel.
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Paul Bossuet
Cognac and pineau produced by this local vintner make great souvenirs, not least for their decorative bottles.
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Merling
For fresh-roasted coffee, head to this 1st-floor tearoom, which supplies most cafés in town with their brews.
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La Coursive
The two auditoriums at La Coursive host regular concerts and nondubbed art films.
reviewed
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Le Triolet
Le Triolet has been le cool club for an older crowd since 1970.
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Monoprix Supermarket
In the old city you can pick up staples at Monoprix supermarket.
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Boulangerie Fillon
Pick up fresh-baked breads and pastries at Boulangerie Fillon .
reviewed
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La Douche
La Douche draws a trendy gay and straight crowd.
reviewed
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L'Assiette Gourmande
Sleek new hotspot serving traditional cuisine.
reviewed
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S
Hôtel de Ville
Flanked by a 15th-century Flamboyant Gothic wall and a resplendent 17th-century Renaissance-style courtyard, the Hôtel de Ville has guided tours in French at 3pm daily in June and September, 3pm and 4pm daily in July and August, and on weekends during the rest of the year.
reviewed
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Réserve Naturelle Marais d’Yves
An easy 15km drive south of La Rochelle, the Réserve Naturelle Marais d’Yves has a free nature centre, where you can pop in and peer through telescopes to watch some of the 192-hectare reserve’s 250 bird species amid the wetlands. Depending on the season, you might see flocks of over 20,000 birds fill the sky on their migratory path. The website lists various guided walks and cycle rides through the wetlands (available in English), where you’ll also learn about the area’s 750 species of frogs, flowers and insects.
reviewed