Whether you are in a distinctive hotel from the 18th century, on a boat, in one of the biggest private aquariums in Europe, in scenery recreated to size, in real bustling wineries or castles; La Rochelle’s museums and tourist attractions in the heart of La Rochelle and the surrounding area take you on incredible journeys to the heart of science, art, history and nature... Now boarding!
After the Siege of 1628, the Catholics saw fit to make the former Protestant stronghold the head of a diocese. So it needed a cathedral. Jacques Gabriel drew up the plans but died just before the first stone was laid in 1742. His son and successor, Jacques-Ange Gabriel, directed the construction from afar, helped in 1773 by the...
"It was built for Hugues Pontard, whose son François would become Mayor of La Rochelle in 1567, in a skilful "antique" style that combines columns, pediments and coffered ceilings. However, there was nothing ordinary about this creation in the 16th century, since the "House of Henry II" ... is not a house! Its superimposed...
Located in the city center, facing the old harbor, discover one of the greatest European private aquariums. During 2h, visit the heart of the Ocean, meet over 12 000 marine animals, and be amazed by the biodiversity of the Atlantic, Mediterranean Sea and Tropics. Explore the underwater world, from the fragile jellyfish, to...
The Normandin-Mercier Cognac and Pineau des Charentes house is open for you to visit its old distillery and cellars, and for you to taste its Cognacs and Pineau de Charentes. There are also workshops where you can learn even more about the art of tasting or blending. Visits and tastings from Monday to Friday at 10 am and 2:30...
Headquarters of the Chamber of Commerce from 1760 to 2002. Building of the purest 18th century with two wings joined by a gallery with columns marking out a courtyard where the compass rose on the ground and bas-reliefs on the façade (trophies, anchors, oars, sextants) are tributes to maritime traffic, the source of La...
The old gate of the 12th-century wall that separated the port from the city. The solid 14th-century base had two openings, one for pedestrians and the other for carriages until 1672, when a single arcade was made. Similarly, in 1746, its pepperpot roofs were replaced by a dome decorated with pilasters, columns and cupids...
Corner of Rue Pernelle and Rue Aufrédy. Gothic bell tower from the 15th century. It belonged to the Church of Saint-Barthélemy, which was destroyed in 1568 during the Wars of Religion. It was here that the election of the Mayor of La Rochelle was held every year, at the Quasimodo.
