A Summer Holiday in La Rochelle

La Rochelle, the capital of the Charente-Maritime department on the west coast of France is one of the most beautiful and historic seaside towns in the country. La Rochelle’s centre and coastal areas date back to the 17th century, to a time when it played an integral role in the trade of the New World. Some of the most scenic parts of the town can be found between the picturesque harbour and La Place de Verdun.

When it comes to attractions, the aquarium near the Port des Minimes, slightly north of the old town, arguably ranks as La Rochelle’s most popular. The aquarium is spread across two large floors with a wide variety of exhibits.

Another of the city’s main pulls is the 14th-century Hotel de Ville. Designed in a Gothic style, the City Hall still features its original battlements, a Henry II staircase and amazing marble desk, once owned by Jean Guiton.

La Rochelle also has a number of excellent museums. Be sure to visit the Musée Orbigny-Bernon, which displays La Rochelle’s rich ceramic history as well as one of France’s most impressive collections of Far Eastern art. As well as this, the museum contains a photographic exhibit showing the destruction La Rochelle suffered during Allied bombing campaigns of World War II.

The Musée des Beaux Arts is also worth a visit, if only for the architecture alone. The museum (which contains an impressive collection of 15th-19th century art) is housed in an Episcopal palace, which dates back to the 18th century.

Also make time for the Musée du Nouveau Monde, which many regard as the town’s most important museum. This museum details La Rochelle’s important role in the development of the New World and France’s many colonies. Displays and artefacts tell a 300-year old story of how the French settled in Louisianna, the West Indies, Martinique, Guadeloupe and Canada.

Sightseers are treated by the Tour de St. Nicholas - the town’s oldest tower - which was built in 1382 and played an important role in guarding the town from attacks. It also offers wonderful panoramic views of the surrounding area.

Another notable tower is the Tour de la Lanterne. This former lighthouse was also used as a prison during the 19th century and as a place of execution when priests were thrown from the top during the Wars of Religion. If you climb the 160 or so steps, you can see the scrawlings of former prisoners on the walls on your way up, and at the top you can yet again enjoy spectacular views of the town and the beautiful Ile d’Oleron.

The Ile d’Oleron is France’s second largest island after Corsica and it boasts a good choice of wonderfully sandy beaches. To get to the island you can either take a ferry from La Rochelle itself or drive across the bridge linked to the mainland near Marennes. The island also features plenty of greenery, due to the many pine trees which make up the large Foret des Saumonards. La Grande Plage - as the name suggests - is the island’s largest beach and is situated far enough from any major development to remain relatively uncrowded during the summer months.

Another local island with beautiful beaches is the Ile de Ré. A popular activity for visiting tourists is to hire a bike on the island and peddle around the network of designated cycling routes or to simply relax and enjoy the beautiful sunshine on the small, yet unspoilt beaches.