Is La Rochelle worth visiting?
We loved visiting La Rochelle and, yes, it's absolutely a coastal town that any traveler should visit. By the end of our time here, it felt like a second home.
Whether you're a traveling as a family, a couple, or a backpacker, this coastal town has a lot to offer. Any local will tell you what makes it special is the amazing food and fantastic historical sights.
La Rochelle is a coastal town in southwestern France that has a charming atmosphere, cobblestone streets, and a long running history as a port city. Today it is a touristy town with many great seafood restaurants and fine wine. There are also beautiful coastal walks as well a nice beaches in town.
La Rochelle, France
8 Reasons to Visit La Rochelle
1. Food
It may be small, but its filled with delicious cafes, bistros, and local restaurants. Seafood is the obvious choice in this coastal town and many visitors head to Vieux Port to eat, as many restaurants there offer waterfront views. If you want something a little less touristy, head to the St. Nicolas District, which was the town's former fishing district. Rue de la Fourche is also a charming road with many places to grab a bite or a drink. Or head to Rue St Jean-du-Perot, which is just off the old port.
The Marche du Centre Ville is known for its vibrant and bustling atmosphere offering local flavors and products. (Free)
2. Historical Sights
The old town is filled with wandering cobblestone streets, charming squares, and cafes that spill into the street.
The Marche du Centre Ville is known for its vibrant and bustling atmosphere offering local flavors and products. (Free)
3. Museums and Attractions
Filled with history, the town itself is like a living museum. Within town there are many sights such as the Vieux Port, La Rochelle Aquarium, Musée d'Histoire Naturelle, and Musée du Nouveau Monde de La Rochelle.
Musée Maritime de La Rochelle is known for its diverse collection of artifacts and exhibits showcasing the city's maritime heritage. (€8)
The Natural History Museum is known for its informative exhibits showcasing the region's rich biodiversity and natural heritage. (€8)
Le Bunker de La Rochelle is known for its immersive exhibits and fascinating WWII history. (€9.50)
The New World Museum is known for its insights into the city's maritime history and connections with the Americas. (€8)
The Towers of La Rochelle are known for their rich history and commanding presence guarding the city's harbor. (€11)
The Tour de la Lanterne is known for its unique architecture and fascinating exhibits. (€11)
4. Nightlife
While it's known as a peaceful, seaside town, you'll still find wine bars, pubs, and even a club or two around town.
5. Beaches
There are three main beaches in town that each attract a crowd on warm summer days. Plage de la Concurrence, Plage Chef de Baie, and Plage des Minimes are the closest beaches to La Rochelle, and they are popular for sunbathing and water sports. They have a mix of sand, pebbles, and cliffside views that attract locals and tourists alike.
6. Hiking
There are many coastal walks just outside of town that take you along the scenic coastline. It's beautiful to stroll through the countryside and pass through many quaint villages.
7. Shopping
The old town is filled with boutique shops as well as some name brands. Another fun place to visit is Les Halles, which is an indoor market with fresh produce, seafood, and many local cheeses.
The Marche du Centre Ville is known for its vibrant and bustling atmosphere offering local flavors and products. (Free)
8. Authenticity
La Rochelle has an authentic vibe where you can experience local culture, cuisine, and activities without the large tourist crowds of other popular destinations.
Is La Rochelle worth visiting in the Summer?
You'll find the weather to be very nice here during summer with average temperatures around 20°C (67°F).
The peak season for travel is summer in La Rochelle, so expect to see more tourists than usual. This destination is somewhat popular with travelers, and in the high season it's busier than usual.
Don't miss the small town charm during summer. Just take some time to wander through the local shops and see the historic landmarks around town when the weather is nice. You'll also find it quite easy to get around on foot, because this is a very walkable coastal town, especially in the nice weather. This is a great time of year to relax at the beach, take in the local charm, and take a hike. Also, you can experience the museums and landmarks, the historic old town, and the nightlife.
Summer Weather in La Rochelle
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| July | 20°C (67°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| August | 20°C (67°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| September | 18°C (64°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
Is La Rochelle worth visiting in the Autumn?
Autumn is the shoulder season for travel in La Rochelle. Even though La Rochelle is fairly busy with tourists, in the shoulder season there will be smaller crowds and better prices.
You'll find the weather to be very nice here during autumn with average temperatures around 15°C (59°F).
Autumn is a great time of year to explore the numerous museums and landmarks around town. They are fun for the whole family as well great for couples. Soaking up that old town charm in the autumn is one of the favorite activities of visitors. The quaint scenery combined with the weather this time of year is quite nice. You'll find plenty to do during autumn, as you'll be able to browse around the old town, spend time at the museums, and go hiking. Also, you can savor the small town atmosphere.
Autumn Weather in La Rochelle
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| October | 15°C (59°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| November | 10°C (51°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| December | 7°C (45°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
Is La Rochelle worth visiting in the Winter?
This is the low season for travel in La Rochelle. This destination is fairly touristy, but in the low season you can find fewer crowds and better deals.
The weather in La Rochelle can be quite cold during winter, and averages around 7°C (44°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.
During this season it's fun to experience the museums and landmarks, the cuisine, and the historic old town. Also, you can check out the nightlife.
Winter Weather in La Rochelle
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| January | 7°C (44°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| February | 7°C (45°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| March | 9°C (48°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
Is La Rochelle worth visiting in the Spring?
You'll find the weather to be very nice here during spring with average temperatures around 11°C (52°F).
Spring is the shoulder season for travel in La Rochelle, which means slightly less visitors than in the peak season. Even though La Rochelle is fairly busy with tourists, in the shoulder season there will be smaller crowds and better prices.
Soaking up that old town charm in the spring is one of the favorite activities of visitors. The quaint scenery combined with the weather this time of year is quite nice. This is a great time of year to browse the shops, wander through the museums, and wander through the small town. Also, you'll be able to admire the historic sights and enjoy the evening activities.
Spring Weather in La Rochelle
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| April | 11°C (52°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
| May | 14°C (58°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| June | 17°C (63°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
Related
What is La Rochelle most famous for?
La Rochelle is most famous for its medieval towers, maritime history, and beautiful setting. People visit this impressive coastal town for its great food and historical sights. It's also known for museums and attractions. And many travelers come for the nightlife, beaches, hiking, and shopping, as well. It is often described as peaceful, relaxing, laid-back, quaint, and charming.
What is the most famous sight in La Rochelle?
The most popular sight in La Rochelle is The Old Port. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in La Rochelle on our travel costs page.
Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for The Old Port and other attractions here.
How touristy is La Rochelle? Is it a popular coastal town to visit?
La Rochelle is more popular with local tourists than with international visitors. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)
- La Rochelle Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $57
- 3 Hour La Rochelle Private Tour: $286
- Discover Discovery Walking Tour of La Rochelle: $48
- Poitiers: Private tour of the historic city centre: $89
- Guided tour of La Rochelle The splendor of merchants in the 18th century: $24
- Private Walking Tour: $256
- La Rochelle Private Custom Private Walking Tour With a Guide: $66
- Planet Exotica entrance ticket: $25
How long should I spend in La Rochelle?
The ideal length of time for a trip to La Rochelle is two to four days. Since La Rochelle has a variety of activities such as dining and historical sights, most people need this much time to see and do everything here.
If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in La Rochelle? and Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in La Rochelle?.
More Things to Do in La Rochelle
- Is The Aquarium La Rochelle Worth Visiting?
- Is Musée Maritime de La Rochelle Worth Visiting?
- Is The Tour de la Lanterne Worth Visiting?
- Are The Towers of La Rochelle Worth Visiting?
- Is Vieux Port Worth Visiting?
For guided and organized tour options, check out The Best Family-Friendly Tours to France and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in France.
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