La Rochelle: places to see in summer

Thanks to the renovation of the railway line, La Rochelle is only 2? hours from Paris and 1 hour from Bordeaux. The city is close enough to home that you won't have to spend your weekend in the car. You can also reach the city by plane, thanks to La Rochelle-île de Ré airport.

👉 The Lantern Tower

Listed as a historic monument since 1879, the Lanterne Tower is one of the three sea-facing towers of La Rochelle. Standing 55 metres high, it is set apart from the other two towers. As a result, it is a little less well known than its two big sisters, which serve as gateways to the Old Port.

👉 The Saint-Nicolas tower

This is certainly the best-known tower in La Rochelle. For centuries, it was used to defend the town. If you look closely, the tower is leaning. However, there is no risk of this happening, as the foundations have been stabilised.

👉 The Chain Tower

This is the second tower that serves as the gateway to the old port. Its date of construction is still a mystery, however, it is estimated that work began around 1378 to 1390. The written records tell us that there were actually 2 Chaîne towers: a small one and a large one. Today, the Tour de la Chaîne is a museum open all year round.

👉 Have a drink Cour du Temple

Hidden away in the old town of La Rochelle, the Cour du Temple is a pleasant little square during the day, where you can enjoy a coffee in the shade of the trees. When night falls, the place becomes livelier, with its many dance bars. It's a meeting place for students who want to have fun at the end of the week, and for party-goers who want to dance the night away!

👉 Shopping under the arcades

With its 3 kilometres of arcades, La Rochelle is home to a large number of big-name shops, as well as boutiques selling local crafts. In the past, the arcades were used by merchants to display their wares. But there was a charge for renting the space, which made life difficult for shopkeepers and onlookers alike. Today, the arcades are a haven for small shops and a place to stroll without fear of the rain.

👉 Take a ride on a Ferris wheel

To get a bit of height and observe the city from the sky, why not take a ride on the Ferris wheel. Depending on the season, the Ferris wheel is moved. In summer, it is located near the old port. It's the perfect place to admire the maze of narrow streets in the centre of La Rochelle.

As the city's flagship attraction, it's impossible to visit La Rochelle without seeing it. You can see 12,000 animals from 600 different marine species. The Aquarium de La Rochelle is made up of a number of centres showcasing the different forms that the underwater world can take. In a few figures, the La Rochelle Aquarium covers an area of 1,600 m² and contains 550,000 litres of seawater. It is the second most visited aquarium in France. Advance booking is recommended.

Right in the middle of summer (between 12 and 16 July), the Francofolies is an event like no other! This not-to-be-missed event has been held every year for the past 33 years. The Jean-Louis Foulquier stage has played host to some of the biggest names in French music, including Johnny Hallyday, Yannick Noah, Diam's, Benjamin Biolay and Orelsan. Over the next few days, the city will come alive to the sounds of the various artists, transforming itself into a musical mecca. One part of the festival, called "Le Village des Franco", is free to all onlookers, while the paying stage is located in the large Vieux-Port-Ouest car park.