Centuries of historic battles have left their indelible mark on the streets of La Rochelle. A single glance at the tourist map of La Rochelle with its landmarks is enough to see that the main attractions are concentrated in the city’s old port.
Back in the days when the city was a medieval fortress, it was surrounded by a powerful defensive wall, parts of which have survived to this day. At the entrance to the harbor, two watchtowers — Saint-Nicolas and La Chaîne — were built, with a chain stretched between them. It was raised at night to prevent enemies from taking the defenders by surprise from the sea. A third tower — La Lanterne — served as a lighthouse. Today, it is the last surviving medieval lighthouse on the Atlantic coast.
It is from the panoramic terraces of these medieval towers that you can take the best photos of La Rochelle and its landmarks. Note that if you buy a combined ticket at the La Rochelle tourist office, you can visit all three towers for one price.
The Old Port itself is one of La Rochelle’s main attractions.
From here, sightseeing boats depart for ocean cruises and trips to Fort Boyard. The tour to Fort Boyard is panoramic only, without entering the citadel.
This is because the fortress belongs to a film studio, and access for ships is prohibited. A full account of the history and present day of this landmark can be found in brochures and in the audio guide.
Other notable attractions of the city include the Town Hall, located in a 15th-century castle, the Church of Saint-Sauveur, and the Palace of Henry IV.
Despite its modest size, La Rochelle has become a true open-air museum. Moreover, the city is home to 11 fascinating museums, including the Puppet Museum, the Model Museum, the Perfume Bottle Museum, and the Museum of Fine Arts.
A complete description of La Rochelle’s attractions can be purchased at the regional tourist office, located in the former Palace of Justice. We also highly recommend downloading a map of La Rochelle with marked landmarks, which will make independent walks around the city much easier.
