The François 1er hotel in La Rochelle odl town, has put together a guide to family outings
Our hotel in the city of La Rochelle will allow you to take full advantage of the gentle way of life in La Rochelle. Located just a few steps from the Vieux-Port of La Rochelle, you will be close to most of the attractions of La Rochelle. Explore the city’s iconic districts on foot or by bike.
To facilitate your travels, our hotel with parking invites you to reserve a private and secure parking space. You will be able to move around freely, on foot or by bike.
Your charming hotel has put together a small guide to the unmissable outings in and around La Rochelle. If you are discovering La Rochelle with your family, all these activities will satisfy both young and old. Moreover, our guide will also be useful if you wish to discover La Rochelle as a couple or with friends.
Markets
The keystone of trade, discover the markets and all the regional specialities :
- La Rochelle Central Market (open every day). It is located a few minutes walk from your hotel in La Rochelle old town. A real attraction in La Rochelle, you will have the opportunity to taste the products on the spot: oysters, seafood, wine… The market halls date from the 19th century, so we advise you to make a diversion to the central market of La Rochelle!
- La Pallice market (open every Sunday). You will find on the market of La Pallice food sellers but also sellers of clothes, hats, accessories and other objects of all kinds.
The Vieux-Port of La Rochelle
Take advantage of your stay at the hotel*** François Ier to stroll around the Vieux-Port of La Rochelle, located just a few steps away. In the heart of La Rochelle, we invite you to stroll along the mythical port of La Rochelle. You will find terraces and restaurants as far as the eye can see. The Vieux-Port offers you a breathtaking view of the famous towers of La Rochelle.
The Towers of La Rochelle
The Tour de la Chaîne, the Tour Saint Nicolas and the Tour de la Lanterne have been classified as historical monuments since 1879. These military buildings are real defensive dungeons and symbolise the power and wealth of La Rochelle. Activities and exhibitions are held there all year round. The François 1er Hotel invites you to consult the ticket office.
The Aquarium of La Rochelle
Facing the Vieux-Port of La Rochelle, discover one of the largest private aquariums in Europe. You can admire more than 10,000 specimens from the Atlantic, Pacific and Mediterranean all year round. Dive into the underwater world for more than two hours and be surprised by this unique journey. Sharks, jellyfish, marine animals from the tropics… The species seen are very varied and are not limited to those from the Atlantic Ocean.
Our hotel in La Rochelle old town is located just a few minutes’ walk or bike ride from the Aquarium. We invite you to visit it during your stay!
Tours organised by the tourist office
The La Rochelle Tourist Office offers you the opportunity to discover the city through various guided or unguided tours: heritage, history, art of living, gastronomy, landscapes… On the Tourist Office website, you will find a wide range of guided, unusual or self-guided tours: book your tour by clicking here.
The François 1er Hotel recommends the guided tour “in the footsteps of a musketeer”. This guided walking tour lasts about 1h15. Discover the history of La Rochelle told by a musketeer guide! Book this original tour by clicking here.
The mythical islands of La Rochelle
Your charming hotel in La Rochelle old town presents the most beautiful islands of the Atlantic: Ré, Aix and Oléron. Just a short distance from La Rochelle, set sail for these famous islands for a day out. The islands of Ré and Oléron are also accessible by car. True emblem of the Charente-Maritime region, these islands will surprise you with their exceptional landscapes: beaches, charming villages, marshes…
The Marais Poitevin
The Marais Poitevin, a timeless destination with the Regional Nature Park and Grand Site de France label, reveals its amazing beauty. To discover the Marais Poitevin from the inside, the François 1er hotel offers you the opportunity to board a small electric boat, which is environmentally friendly. Far from the beaten track, book your guided tour along the Marais Poitevin. We advise you to book your visit here, with Objectif Marais Poitevin.
The oyster city in Marennes
The Oyster City is located along the Cayenne Canal in Marennes. Explore, taste and have fun: this is the concept of the oyster city. Between marshes and oyster-farmers’ huts, animations, exhibitions, games for children, bike rides, fishing, tastings; you will find your happiness.
The François 1er hotel in the centre of La Rochelle recommends unique experiences to share with your family…
Fort Boyard
During your stay in our hotel in La Rochelle old town, get close to the mythical Fort Boyard. We recommend that you board the cruise boats which depart from the Vieux-Port, a few steps from the François 1er hotel. Get close to this mythical fortress where the TV game show “Fort Boyard” is held.
The beaches
- The Minimes beach: small beach in the heart of the Minimes district.
- The Concurrence beach: small beach in the centre of the town.
- The Chef-de-Baie beach: small beach located in the Pallice district. The hotel*** François 1er recommends this beach if you wish to enjoy the sunset during a picnic, for example. There is a large area of grass overlooking the beach: ideal for kite flying or playing with the children.
- The beach of Châtelaillon-Plage: a seaside resort close to La Rochelle, discover large beaches overlooked by a small town with an old-fashioned charm, a swimming paradise for young and old.
- Aytré beach: this beach is well known for water sports such as windsurfing or kite surfing.
The Marais d’Yves
A few kilometres from La Rochelle, discover this unique place between marsh and sea. An essential stopover for migratory birds, this nature reserve has remarkable flora and fauna. This nature reserve offers you the opportunity to come into contact with a rich and above all preserved nature. If you visit the Marais d’Yves in spring, you will have the chance to observe storks raising their young.
Your charming hotel in La Rochelle old town
Located in a quiet street in the heart of La Rochelle, the location of the hotel*** François 1er is ideal to enjoy the city with your family. We invite you to reserve a parking space in our hotel with parking in La Rochelle. To facilitate all your travels, we offer bicycles for hire. This solution will allow you to move around freely!
Our hotel has 34 rooms with a unique and contemporary style including 2 suites and 2 family rooms that can accommodate up to 5 people. This configuration is ideal for a family stay.
We hope this guide will inspire you to visit the beautiful city of La Rochelle and its surroundings. We invite you to book your stay at our hotel in downtown La Rochelle now.
