Our hotel in La Rochelle old town invites you to visit museums and exhibitions

The “Nouveau Monde” Museum

Created in 1982, the Nouveau Monde Museum illustrates the relations that France, and in particular La Rochelle, has had with the Americas since the 15th century. In fact, La Rochelle was one of the main ports of emigration and trade to the New World. Thousands of French people set sail for the New World from the 16th century onwards, taking with them their dreams of America.

Paintings, drawings, engravings, old maps, decorative art objects and photographs evoking Brazil, Canada or Louisiana. Temporary exhibitions and creations are also on display…

The Museums of Art and History offer an introductory workshop on the History of Art every Wednesday morning for youngsters aged 6 to 10. If you are staying with your family at the François 1er Hotel in La Rochelle old town, we invite you to discover this new kind of workshop.

The Nouveau Monde Museum is located a 3-minute walk from the hotel*** François Ier La Rochelle old town.

The Maritime Museum

The Maritime Museum offers 3 areas to visit where you can plunge into the heart of an exciting marine world. A unique collection of small pleasure boats and the discovery of the maritime history of La Rochelle.

Embark on emblematic ships such as the France 1, the famous meteorological frigate which carried out its missions for 27 years, before the introduction of meteorological satellites in 1985.

The France 1 is now a listed historical monument and is the emblem of the Maritime Museum of La Rochelle. You can discover the engine room and the commander’s bridge.

The hotel*** François 1er in La Rochelle recommends that you go to the upper deck of the France 1 where an atypical bar/restaurant has been set up. You will appreciate the view of the sunset over the port of La Rochelle. This place has now become a must for all the inhabitants of La Rochelle.

LE BUNKER Museum in La Rochelle

Built in the greatest secrecy in 1941, the BUNKER was home to German submarine commanders during the Second World War. Now unveiled to the public, dive into this world of history. Stroll through these 300 square metre labyrinths of rooms in the heart of the city centre of La Rochelle.

The François 1er Hotel in La Rochelle old town invites you to discover another facet of its history, from 1939 to 8 May 1945, the date of its liberation!

Museum of Natural History

The Museum of Natural History unveils its naturalist and ethnographic collections to all, and in particular to all nature lovers and science enthusiasts. You will discover many pieces brought back by great travellers, donors and collectors.

If you are looking to escape and discover, the Museum of Natural History in La Rochelle will impress you.

The Museum of Automata and Scale Models

The Museum of Automata and Scale Models is truly synonymous with a return to childhood. Let yourself be carried away by this enchanting universe and discover more than 300 moving characters: animated display cases, automatons, historical scenes…

This museum will seduce you with its numerous reproductions of old cars, railway circuits or boats from another time. Sound and light will help you to immerse yourself in this exotic world of the 1900s.

Rochelais Museum of Protestant History

If you wish to discover the soul of the city of La Rochelle, we invite you to visit this museum dedicated to the history of Protestantism in La Rochelle, Aunis and Saintonge. This museum is located in the heart of the historic centre of La Rochelle, opening onto a charming garden. Another way to discover the beautiful city of La Rochelle…

Our hotel in La Rochelle old town

Staying at the hotel *** François 1er in La Rochelle, for a weekend or for holidays, you will have the opportunity to discover La Rochelle, its museums and exhibitions. The hotel is located in the city centre of La Rochelle, in the heart of the historic centre and a few steps from the Vieux Port. Its location is ideal to discover the museums and exhibitions of La Rochelle located in the heart of the city.

Book one of our 34 rooms full of charm and authenticity and discover La Rochelle.