La Rochelle, France

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This delightfully unspoiled seaside town has been an important port since Eleanor of Aquitaine, granted its first charter in 1199. The heart of the 17th- and 18th-century city center lies between the harbor and the place de Verdun, just a ten minute walk away. Several 14th-century towers remain, including two which once anchored the opposite ends of a large chain that was slung across the harbor entrance at night to keep out intruders. Today, the harbor provides sanctuary to more yachts than working boats. Stroll along the Rue du Palais, lined with shops in well-preserved 18th-century slate and half-timbered houses, or perhaps enjoy a coffee and pastry in the Belle Epoque Cafe de la Paix. Among the numerous diversions are several interesting museums, including the Musee des Automates, featuring over 300 mechanical puppets, as well as one of the largest aquariums in France.

La Rochelle is also your gateway to the Charentes and Cognac - home, of course, to one of the world's great
spirits.

Read More about La Rochelle, France description

Points of Interest

  • Cognac Camus
  • Bicentenary Cave
  • Saintes
  • La Roche Courbon
  • St. Martin de Re
  • Ars-en-Re
  • Abbaye des Chateliers
  • Coulon

More about La Rochelle, France Points of Interest

  • Cognac Camus

    Founded in 1863, the company is the only Cognac distiller that has been produced by five generations of the Camus family. Today, it's renowned as the one of the world's largest distillers of fine Cognac.

  • Bicentenary Cave

    Many of the world-famous Cognac distilleries store their barrels filled with Cognac in underground caves where light is low and the temperature rarely varies ensuring a rich and flavorful liquor.

  • Saintes

    Like taking a step back in time, this quaint village is home to the medieval Saint Pierre Cathedral. Its life as a former Roman port is evident at the 1st century Arch of Germanicus.

  • La Roche Courbon

    This storybook 17th century castle was in ruins until it was restored in the 1920s. Today, classified as a Historic Monument the impressive grounds are acclaimed as one of the Notable Gardens of France.

  • St. Martin de Re

    The capital of Ile de Re boasts a beautiful harbor, winding cobbled streets, quaint whitewashed houses and imposing fortified 17th century walls recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

  • Ars-en-Re

    With its idyllic atmosphere, traditional white houses with traditional green shutters and profusion of flowers, it's no surprise that Ars-en-Re has earned the title "one of the most beautiful villages of France."

  • Abbaye des Chateliers

    Built by monks in 1152 on the island of Ile de Re, the ancient monastery that included a church and cloister once served as a revered place of pilgrimage; today, it lies in ruins.

  • Coulon

    Set on the banks of the Sèvre, Coulon has appointed itself "capital of Green Venice" and is a perfect place to begin explorations of the marshy region that wraps around this enchanting village.

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