Museums and tourist attractions

Built from 1910 to 1922 by the architect Esquier, it is the last great monumental station that French State Railways had built. At the time, the project was surprisingly large for a city with a population of just under 30 000 inhabitants. The exterior decoration displays a maritime inspiration: shellfish, fish and crustaceans.

Saint Nicolas Tower : This military building facing the ocean symbolises the power and wealth of La Rochelle. Both a true keep, 42 metres high, and a residence, it was constructed around a labyrinth of staircases and corridors built within its walls. Chain Tower : From this Tower, entry to the old port, movement of ships was...

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...

Rebuilt in the 18th century on the site of the former Courthouse erected by Henry IV, it was completed at the beginning of the Revolution which, after scraping away the fleur-de-lys, inscribed the still visible inscription on the façade: "Temple of Justice under the reign of Liberty and Equality, year II of the French...

An incredible 300m² bunker right in the heart of the city where you can discover the history of La Rochelle from 1939 to its liberation on 8th May 1945! Built secretively in 1941 to protect German submarine commanders from the bombs, it has remained intact since 1945, and is finally open to the public! Educational booklets.

The museum of automation and scale models, with its two large exhibition halls (more than 1800 m²) has over 300 moving characters: old and modern automatons, window displays, and historic scenes, that both adults and children will love. Ticket sales end: 1hr before museum closes.

Sheltered by the Gulf Stream and rocked by the mild Atlantic climate, the vineyards of the island slowly mature in the Charentais sun. Created by a character soil and a several hundred years old expertise, the vine products are awaiting you at the wine cellar of the Coopérative des Vignerons at Bois-Plage. You’ll be...

A Renaissance-era gem, the Castle of Dampierre is ticked away in the Boutonne Valley amidst a scattering of little enchanted islands where classic French Flowerbeds, a maze, a blossoming poplar grove and a little wood await. the castle is a spectacular architectural feat, boasting a sculpted gallery carved with a mysterious...

Take part in the maritime adventure with a day at the Arsenal des Mers ! From the frigate L’Hermione to the Corderie Royale and the National Maritime Museum, discover all the secrets of the great maritime adventures born in this Arsenal for 350 years. Today, in this exceptional natural and heritage site nestled on the banks...

1989 ... 2019 the Cognac Ecomuseum celebrates its 30th anniversary ... The Bel Age! June 29th and 30th, 2019: open doors, free admission, lots of entertainment Home on the family vineyard of XIX century. To see more than 800m ² of exhibitions : winegrower museum, audiovisual show (3 screenings a day in July / August), perfume...

"Independent wine maker. Pineau - Cognac - Liqueurs. This typical Charente residence dating back to 1600 lies in the heart of the vineyards that make cognac famous. Enjoy a guided tour of the distillery and cellar with the wine maker. Free tastings on site. 69 medals in 40 years. Open to individuals in groups. Motorhome parking...

10 minutes from Saintes, the Paléosite invites you to embark on a journey back to prehistoric times: life-size exhibition, shows on giant screens, 3D shows, facial morphing, full-body scan, etc. Outdoors, you’ll discover the Neanderthal and Homo sapiens villages, a mammoth cemetery, models and life-size animals. Prehistoric...

Built in the 15th century, this fortified castle was transformed into a country residence in the 17th century by the marquis Jean-Louis de Courbon. 3-hour visit of a lived-in and furnished castle. PREHISTOZEN tour (from May to September) to discover the prehistoric caves in a wild natural setting.

In Nieul-sur-l’Autise, Petite Cité de caractère, a few steps away from the royal abbey, discover the authentic and bucolic miller’s house. The place offers you a virtual meeting with the baker, the washerwomen, the miller, his daughter and his cat. A modern and surprising museography reveals all the secrets of the Maison...

The listed Château de Terre Neuve, built in the 16th century, is famous for its Alchemical fireplace, coffered ceilings, sculpted stones and wood work from Chambord castle with suns decorated with gold leaf. Small dogs welcome: on a leash in the park, carried or in a bag inside.