Romantic weekend in La Rochelle
With its landscapes and coastline that could have been taken from a romantic painting, its little squares, beautiful cobbled streets, fountains and traditional arcades, La Rochelle is undoubtedly the ideal getaway destination for a romantic weekend together. Discover our selection of favourites and enjoy the most romantic activities and magical nights in La Rochelle.
Top 10 spots and romantic activities to enjoy in La Rochelle
From sunrise to sunset, enjoy couples outings in the most beautiful spots around La Rochelle:
1/ Steal a kiss as you wander around the squares and most intimate corners of the old town:
While you walk through the historical old town, don't forget to visit the Rue de l'Escale, the Cour des Moureilles or the Cloître des Dames Blanches; take a stroll in Parc Charruyer and cross its little bridges; and climb the rampart walk of the Tour St-Nicolas, with its panoramic view of La Rochelle...
Themed maps and plan of the historic centre of La Rochelle
Visit the Towers of La Rochelle
2/ Stroll along the sand and pebble beaches:
For sand, head to the Aytré and Châtelaillon-Plage beaches and enjoy fantastic walks, hand in hand with your feet in the sand. With shoes on your feet this time, you can also discover the pebble beach of l'Houmeau. You'll definitely want to continue on your walk towards the Port du Plomb in l'Houmeau, and why not immortalise the moment with a lovers' selfie under the iconic red and white lighthouse.
3/ Ride a tandem bike along the coastal cliffs:
The long coastal path is perfect for cycling. There, you'll discover the charm of the little ports, traditional squares and oyster shacks, along a coast lined with limestone cliffs – not forgetting the superb view of the ocean and, as you head towards Esnandes, the incredible bay of L’Aiguillon.
Rent a tandem
Pointe Saint-Clément: a balcony overlooking the bay of L’Aiguillon
4/ Enjoy an aperitif or oysters on foot or in a fishing cabin:
known as 'carrelets', these huts border the coast of Charente-Maritime. In Esnandes and Angoulins, you can rent a cabin for the day or for an exceptional evening watching the sunset. If you fancy it, you can even learn to fish!
Rent a cabin in Esnandes
Rent a cabin in Angoulins
Where to find the best oysters:
On the market in central La Rochelle, head to the Roumégous oyster bar. Then, be sure to visit the Cave Vin Cellar, where they'll help you find the perfect wine to pair with your oysters.
On the road to Esnandes, stop at l'Houmeau and visit the Bonnain family to buy oysters directly from the producer, or from Bideau & Fils: oyster farmers for four generations at the Marsilly Port de la Pelle.
In Angoulins, head to Sudre Ostréiculteur and enjoy its warm welcome and the quality of the oysters. Equally fantastic are the oysters you can pick up at L'Huîtrière du Sud-Ouest, on the Marais oyster path.
5/ Head out to sea until sunset:
Aboard a sailboat or a catamaran, embark on an exotic sea trip. On the waves, there's nothing like the intimacy of the ocean for whispering sweet nothing into your partner's ear.
Book a sunset trip with Kapalouest
Boat outings and rental in La Rochelle
6/ Rent a two-seater canoe and follow the Rompsay Canal:
Borrow a canoe from the Maison de l'Eclusier and set off for a fantastic afternoon's journey along the water (round trip). After the first bridge, you'll be amazed by the exotic atmosphere of the Rompsay canal. Located below a pedestrian path and the Vélodyssée cycle route, the canal is bordered by trees and vegetation – all with an incredibly calm atmosphere.
Book a canoe (open)
Discover the Rompsay canal
7/ Take to the skies (with a view) on the Ferris Wheel:
Reach dizzying heights with a ferris wheel ride: cosied up together, you can enjoy a 360-degree view of the Old Port and its bays, the historic city and the horizon.
Take a ferris wheel ride in La Rochelle
8/ Experience total relaxation with a duo massage at Châtelaillon-Plage:
With its incredible view of the ocean, the Grande Terasse invites you to experience a moment of total fulfilment in this exceptional setting: nuxe spa or couples' thalassotherapy – treat yourself!
Spa and thalassotherapy – Book at the Grande Terrasse
The best wellness destinations in La Rochelle
9/ Visit the Cognac cellars and taste some of the finest creations:
At the heart of the Château de la Péraudière estate in Dompierre-sur-Mer, Edouard Normandin opens the doors of his cellars to share each stage of Cognac production with you. You'll even have the chance to push open the doors of this Paradise before sharing in a delicious tasting*.
Visit the Edouard Normandin Cognac cellars
The best locations to shop for pineau, cognac and other local products
*Excessive alcohol consumption can be dangerous to your health. Please consume in moderation.
10/ Lose yourself in art as you explore the galleries of La Rochelle
From canvas to canvas, sculpture to sculpture, work to work – immerse yourself in the creative world of modern artists, revealed by gallery owners with the most discerning of eyes. A shared moment of discovery which you can continue by visiting one of La Rochelle's temporary exhibition venues: Porte Maubec, Centre Intermondes, the Chapelles des Dames Blanches or the Cloître des Dames Blanches.
Art galleries in La Rochelle
Current exhibitions in La Rochelle
Spend the night in some of La Rochelle's most charming accommodation
Unusual accommodation, total comfort and relaxation or a five-star experience. La Rochelle has some fantastic choices on offer, ensuring you'll never forget the nights spent on your romantic weekend in the area.
A selection of our favourite hotels and guesthouses
- Find yourself in a vaulted cellar with an irresistible charm: Entre Hôtes
- Spend a unique night in a Mill: The Moulin d'Esnandes Le Moulin d’Esnandes
- Enjoy a spot of relaxation in the peace of Marsilly: Un Banc au Soleil
- Wake up in front of the Towers of La Rochelle: La Tour de Nesle
- Fall in love upon the waves as you spend the night on a boat: Life and Boat
- Treat yourself to a night of luxury, calm and delight: La Villa Grand-Voile