Discover La Rochelle: Discovery Walking Tour of La Rochelle
Active
2h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Walking tour of La Rochelle in English.
Find out about the history of La Rochelle, visit the key sights to see, discover the best things to see and do around La Rochelle, learn about the Food and Drink specialties of the region and get loads of tips for making the most of your time in this wonderful city!
Available options
La Rochelle Free Walking Tour
2024 pricing
Duration: 2 hours
What's included
Guided Walking Tour
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
We start outside the Chain Tower, stop outside the Lantern Tower and finish the tour beside the Saint Nicholas Tower
2
We begin and end beside the old port and pass by it several times on our tour
3
We pass through the Porte des Deux Moulins en route from the Lantern Tower to the Fort des Dames
4
We stop beside the Plage de la Concurrence and talk a bit about the western side of La Rochelle including the new port and the role of La Rochelle in the World War 2
5
We stop outside the Gross Horloge and talk about the old city of La Rochelle including the original city walls and trade during this time.
6
We pass by the statue of this famous french war hero.
7
We stop and discuss the role the oldest working town hall in France has had in the development of La Rochelle
8
We stop outside the cathedral and talk about the origins of La Rochelle
9
We talk about the development of commerce in La Rochelle and some of the key food and drink specialities of the region.
10
We pass through the park en route back from the western part of La Rochelle to the town centre.
11
We walk along the only surviving part of the walls of La Rochelle.
12
We pass by the famous land mark of La Rochelle
13
We walk through this bohemian neighbourhood discovering some of its unique boutiques and bars along the way.
14
We stop outside the famous relic of La Rochelle and great example of the effect of the iconoclastic wars.
15
We pass through here towards the end of our tour and see if there is anything interesting happening at the famous Guingette!
16
We stop at this lighthouse and discuss the importance the two lighthouses had on maritime navigation in La Rochelle.
What's not included
Access nor Entry to the Towers
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
5.0
32 reviews
5★
31
4★
1
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Tripadvisor
5.0
195 reviews
5★
192
4★
0
3★
1
2★
2
1★
0
Important information
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meeting point
We will meet beside the anchor in Place de la Chaîne, just in front of Tour de la Chaîne.
About La Rochelle
La Rochelle is a vibrant coastal city in western France known for its rich maritime history, stunning architecture, and lively cultural scene. With its well-preserved old town, picturesque harbor, and proximity to beautiful beaches, it offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.
Top Attractions
Vieux Port (Old Harbor)
The Vieux Port is the heart of La Rochelle, surrounded by historic buildings, restaurants, and cafes. It's a great place to stroll, enjoy the maritime atmosphere, and watch boats come and go.
Historical
1-2 hours
Free
Tours de La Rochelle (La Rochelle Towers)
These three iconic towers—Saint-Nicolas, Chain, and Lantern—are symbols of La Rochelle's medieval past. They offer stunning views of the harbor and city.
Historical
1-2 hours
€5-€10
Aquarium La Rochelle
One of the largest aquariums in France, Aquarium La Rochelle features a wide variety of marine life, including sharks, rays, and tropical fish.
Nature
2-3 hours
€18-€22
Plage des Minimes (Minimes Beach)
One of the most popular beaches in La Rochelle, Plage des Minimes offers a long stretch of sand, clear waters, and a variety of water sports.
Beach
Half-day to full day
Free
Musée du Nouveau Monde (Museum of the New World)
This museum explores La Rochelle's role in the transatlantic slave trade and its connections to the New World. It features exhibits on history, art, and culture.
Historical
1-2 hours
€5-€7
Must-Try Local Dishes
Moules Marinières
A classic French dish of mussels cooked in white wine, garlic, and herbs. It's a must-try for seafood lovers.
Main Course
Contains shellfish, can be made gluten-free
Huîtres (Oysters)
La Rochelle is famous for its fresh oysters, often served with a squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of shallots.
Appetizer
Contains shellfish, can be made gluten-free
Cake aux Fruits de Mer
A traditional cake made with seafood, such as shrimp, crab, and mussels. It's a unique and delicious treat.
Dessert
Contains shellfish, not suitable for vegetarians or vegans
Pineau des Charentes
A local aperitif made from a blend of grape juice and Cognac. It's a sweet and refreshing drink that's perfect for sipping before a meal.
Drink
Contains alcohol, not suitable for those avoiding alcohol
Popular Activities
Cycling
Hiking
Water sports
Beach lounging
Spa treatments
Picnicking
Museum visiting
Art gallery exploring
Best Time to Visit
June to August
The peak season in La Rochelle is characterized by warm weather, long daylight hours, and a variety of festivals and events. The city is bustling with tourists, and the beaches are particularly popular.
18°C to 25°C
64°F to 77°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: French
- Widely spoken: English
- English: Moderately spoken
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Time Zone
GMT+1 (CET)
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
La Rochelle is generally a safe city for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, as with any destination, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
- • Be cautious of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas
- • Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services
Getting there
By air
- La Rochelle-Île de Ré Airport • 3 km from city center
By train
La Rochelle Ville Station
By bus
La Rochelle Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
The Yélo bus network covers the entire city and surrounding areas. Buses are frequent and reliable, making it easy to get around.
Taxis
Available • Apps: G7, Uber
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Vieux Port (Old Harbor)
Centre Ville (City Center)
La Pallice
Chemin des Halles
Day trips
Île de Ré
10 km from La Rochelle • Full day
Île de Ré is a beautiful island off the coast of La Rochelle, known for its stunning beaches, charming villages, and scenic cycling routes. It's a great place to spend a day exploring, relaxing, and enjoying the natural beauty of the region.
Île d'Oléron
30 km from La Rochelle • Full day
Île d'Oléron is a larger island off the coast of La Rochelle, known for its beautiful beaches, historic forts, and scenic hiking trails. It's a great place to spend a day exploring, relaxing, and enjoying the natural beauty of the region.
Rochefort
30 km from La Rochelle • Half day to full day
Rochefort is a charming town near La Rochelle, known for its rich maritime history, beautiful architecture, and scenic waterways. It's a great place to spend a few hours or a full day exploring, shopping, and enjoying the local cuisine.
Festivals
Francophone Film Festival • July
International Film Festival • November
Fête de la Musique • June 21
Pro tips
- Visit the Vieux Port in the evening for stunning sunset views and a lively atmosphere
- Try the local seafood, including mussels, oysters, and other fresh catches
- Explore the city's rich maritime history by visiting the Tours de La Rochelle and the Musée du Nouveau Monde
- Take a day trip to the beautiful islands of Île de Ré and Île d'Oléron for stunning beaches and scenic cycling routes
- Experience the vibrant cultural scene by attending a film festival, concert, or other local event
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
