⚡ The Quick Scoop
The Vibe: A perfectly balanced coastal getaway mixing towering medieval history with relaxing modern attractions.
Must See: The three historic towers guarding the port, the sobering WWII scars at Eglise Saint-Sauveur, and the incredible world-class Aquarium.
Shauna's Rating: 💎💎💎💎💎 (5 out of 5 Diamonds!)
We absolutely love beach towns and port towns! There is just something so beautiful about a quaint town sitting on the coastline. I love walking the beaches in these areas, finding what makes each town unique and entirely its own.
La Rochelle, France, is a town that has so much to offer. Beyond its stunning beauty and medieval architecture, we were pulled to La Rochelle on our Tour Of France because it offers the absolute best Aquarium and Zoo in the country. It is truly the best of so many worlds—a place where you can admire ancient stone towers one minute, and marvel at incredible underwater creatures the next.
👇 Choose Your Path
The Three Towers of the Harbor
Like many towns in France, cars are not allowed into the old district. We stayed at a hotel just down from the train station, making it an easy, beautiful walk into the old town without the stress of finding parking!
The signature feature of La Rochelle is the incredible, castle-like entrance into the port. As you watch huge catamarans glide into the harbor, you are greeted by three massive historical towers:
- Saint-Nicholas Tower: Built in the 1300s, originally on stilts with no wall connecting it to the city! It still has three solitary cells at the bottom.
- La Chaine (The Chain Tower): This tower currently houses a fascinating exhibition about the emigration from France to Canada in the 17th century.
- Tower of the Lantern: The tallest of the three! It used to be the South West Corner of the old medieval city wall. It served as a jail cell for English, Spanish, and Dutch sailors—you can still see the marks they carved inside the stone walls!
🤿 The Epic Red Bull Dives
One of the things that stood out to me the most was realizing we were standing right in the exact place where the legendary Red Bull Cliff Diving competition was held! It was amazing to have been in such awe watching that event on video, and then to be standing right there where it all happened. Remembering those incredible, dizzying dives off the Saint-Nicolas tower is just wild.
⚔️ The Knights Templar & Queen Eleanor
This harbor has seen incredible history! In the 12th and 13th centuries, the Knights Templar converged here, making the city their main port on the Atlantic. In 1154, the marriage of the famous Eleanor of Aquitaine to Henri II of England actually made La Rochelle an English Province! It changed hands many times during the Hundred Years' War before finally becoming definitively French in 1372.
The Big Clock & The Scars of War
Just past the harbor stands the Big Clock (Grosse Horloge). Originally, this was the main gateway into the walled city! The door at the bottom was known as the Door of the Parrot (or Pettot). On the outside of what used to be the city wall is a beautiful walkway around the port, filled with a lively market and sellers displaying their wares.
⛪ Eglise Saint-Sauveur
While exploring the streets, we visited the Eglise Saint-Sauveur. This church helped me truly realize the scope and repercussions of WWII in this area. It is very "in your face" just how much of this church was destroyed, and how it was simply never the same again. I have a hard time imagining all the destruction the war caused on this country, but seeing scars like this helps me understand how tough it must have been.
Inside, it is a simple but beautiful church. My absolute favorite detail was looking up to see that the lights hanging from the ceiling were shaped like beautiful ships!
The Lighthouse & The Aquarium
The next morning, we had two major goals before heading out of La Rochelle. The first was to find the Lighthouse at the End of the World. We had been really obsessed with finding this spot! Frankly, the lighthouse itself was a little disappointing once we got there, but the walk down to see it was incredibly special.
Strolling down the sidewalk, passing all the historic buildings right as the sun set... it was magical. In fact, Todd brought it up the other day that this walk was one of the major highlights of his entire trip!
👗 A Romantic Green-Screen Fantasy
Even if the lighthouse was small, the setting immediately gave me a fun idea for a historical romance fiction video! I can totally picture a green-screen story of a fair lady, all alone at the lighthouse, patiently waiting for any connection to a sailor who might sail by. A creative little love story by the sea! LOL!
🐠 A Break from Architecture
Our second goal was the world-famous La Rochelle Aquarium. It boasts of being the best in France, and I completely agree—it delivered! They were so different than other aquariums I've visited back near me in the USA. The fish had such fun shapes and completely unique looks!
While I love exploring old stone walls, it was such a wonderful, refreshing break from architecture to see how many unique and amazing creatures exist in this world. The whole family thoroughly enjoyed our time here.
The True French Rhythm
After a long day of exploring, it was time to chill. We found "Glaces", a Thai and Sushi place, on a beautiful street to relax and unwind in true French style for the evening.
Honestly, I don't even remember the exact food we had, because it is all about the atmosphere and getting into the rhythm of these towns. Being willing to eat after 7:00 PM, sit out on the street, listen to the locals talk, and watch the sun drop is purely magical in France.
People spoke quietly for the most part, actively trying to contribute to a chill, relaxed atmosphere. It is one of those incredibly enjoyable cultural moments that you just don't get to be a part of when you travel on a massive tour group. If you miss this rhythm in France, you have missed half the experience! I highly recommend adding a quiet, outdoor French dinner to your travel bucket list!
Transport Yourself: 360° VR Tours
Experience the coastal magic of La Rochelle for yourself! Click and drag to explore the ancient towers, the beaches, and the lighthouses.
Saint-Nicolas Tower
Tower of the Lantern
Look out over the water from the former sailors' prison!
The Stall of the Beach
Lighthouse at the End of the World
The Coastal Scrapbook
A collection of my favorite moments, from massive pirate ships in the harbor to the peaceful sunset glow.
✨ Ask the Coastal Guide
Curious about the Knights Templar, the Lighthouse, or the Aquarium? Ask our AI Guide!
A Beautiful Balance
I enjoyed La Rochelle far more than I ever thought I would! I initially thought it would just be a smart change of pace to see the amazing aquarium, but it delivered that and so much more. From the magnificent historical towers to the quiet beauty of the "Lighthouse at the End of the World," this town was a perfect reminder that the best adventures often come from finding a balance between ancient history and the simple beauty of nature.
It was the perfect launch spot for the rest of our journey as we headed toward Bioparc Doué-la-Fontaine and up to some gorgeous châteaux!
Sending Love and Positive Vibes,
Shauna @ VRGetaway
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