What to see in: La Rochelle

Pineau des Charentes & Cognac region

Version Française

La Rochelle is a capital of Charente Maritime department. It is a thriving city where old blends well with new. It dates back to XII century. In the XVII century, Cardinal Richelieu won the city from Protestants for the King Louis XIII. Fleeing Protestants arrived in USA and formed New Rochelle in New York State.

Today, nearly 100,000 residents of La Rochelle are involved in fishing, ships and TGV trains building.

But above it all, it is a leisure and tourism city. Lots of beaches, sailing, sports and nearby islands.

• Vieux Port where sailing boats are surrounded by street cafes and restaurants is dominated by three old towers from XIV century: La Tour de la Chaîne, La Tour St. Nicholas and La Tour de la Lanterne that faces the sea

• Porte de la Grosse Horloge great piece of architecture that serves as an entry into walking only part of Old Town

• Le Musée du Flacon à Parfum museum of perfumes and perfume bottles

• City Hall building dated from Renaissance period

La Rochelle is renown for its festivals, sport and cultural events. Among them are:

• Festival International du Film June-July 1997

• Francofolies International french language music festival July 1997

• Marathon de La Rochelle November 1997

Visit Cognac and Pineau des Charentes makers: Godet Freres and J.Normandin-Mercier

La Rochelle is a city on the Atlantic Ocean. Within easy access by bridge or by ferry boat are three Islands of Tranquillity, as the locals call them. They are:

Ile de Re bridge and ferry access

Ile de Oleron bridge and ferry access

Ile de Aix ferry access from La Rochelle and Fouras

Fort Boyard old prison rising from the ocean is now a setting for a famous TV series. Not accessible but can be viewed from cruise boats departing La Rochelle and Fouras.

Tourist office in La Rochelle is in Quartier du Gabut

Phone:+33 (0)5 46 41 14 68 Fax:+33 (0)5 46 412 99 85

03 January 2001