The Tour de la Chaîne, Tour St Nicolas and Tour de la Lanterne, erected in the XIII, XIV and XV centuries, mark the entrance to the Old Port. Well-known throughout the world, they showcase the town’s heritage. Plan your trip and find out about opening hours, prices and any other useful information by visiting the website run by the Centre des Monuments Nationaux (the National monuments centre) www.tours-la-rochelle.fr.
Set in a stunning building nestled amidst rare botanical wonders strewn across a sensational park, the 2,300 m² exhibition takes you on an amazing journey through the heart of natural and cultural heritage. You can discover almost 10,000 items from natural and ethnographic collections which started to be put together in the XVIII century. Link, find out about useful information on www.museum-larochelle.fr.
Visit ships whilst they’re afloat (the France 1 weather frigate and Angoumois offshore trawler), themed exhibitions, the tale of the Petite Plaisance and the full-time large exhibition “La Rochelle, born from the sea” which presents La Rochelle as the ‘daughter of the sea’, a town which has been shaped over the course of the maritime adventures and victories of the men who built it. Find out about practical information on www.museemaritimelarochelle.fr.
The Crussol d’Uzès hotel, a former bishop’s palace constructed during the reign of Louis XVI, now houses the Museum of Fine Arts where you can find a rich collection of European paintings from between the XV and XX centuries. You can find the map, prices and more useful information on www.ville-larochelle.fr.
Come and discover one of the largest private aquariums in Europe, located in the centre of town, opposite the Old Port.
Wile away 2 hours visiting the heart of the ocean and met over 12,000 sea animals on the way. Dream of the sea and come and discover its depths. You can find all the useful information on www.aquarium-larochelle.com.
Established in 1982 and situated inside a unique hotel erected in the XVIII century, the New World Museum depicts France’s, and La Rochelle’s in particular, relationship with the Americas during the XVI century. Ancient maps display the maritime relations which developed after the discovery of Brazil, New France and the West Indies. A collection of furniture and works of art alludes to the world of ship-owners and their wealth. Tapestries, paintings and sculptures tell stories of America from the imagination of artists and literary writers from the start of the XVII century. You can find useful information on the town’s website: www.ville-larochelle.fr.
An incredible 300m² blockhouse right in the town centre enables you to discover La Rochelle’s history from 1939 to the 8th May 1945, the day the town was liberated. You can find all the useful information on bunkerlarochelle9.wixsite.com.
The Museum of Automation and Models has two large exhibition halls (spread across over 1800m²) with displays of over 300 moving figures: both old and modern automated figures, animated window displays, historical scenes…enchanting for both young and old. Find out more: www.museeslarochelle.com.
Live the full La Rochelle experience by finding out about trip options and Tourist Office services on www.larochelle-tourisme.com. La Rochelle, it’s more than just a town, it’s a lifestyle, both renowned and cherished! Make sure every nook and cranny is explored by visiting the town website, as well as the website for the La Rochelle urban community.