Our hotel in La Rochelle old town invites you to discover different sports events
La Rochelle is a city where there is no shortage of sporting events. As a seaside town, nautical events are widely represented. The Stade Rochelais is also a real institution of La Rochelle, discover the atmosphere of the city on match days! By staying at our hotel in the centre of La Rochelle, you will be ideally located to enjoy all these events.
Stade Rochelais
Are you a rugby fan? Come and watch the matches at the Marcel-Deflandre stadium, located a few minutes’ drive from the François Ier hotel***, to see the yellow and black teams play. The atmosphere is guaranteed, ideal for your weekend with friends!
The rugby club plays in the top level Top 14 championship. After recently playing the final against Toulouse, the Stade Rochelais is now ready to establish itself as the reference club in French rugby.
The atmosphere is guaranteed at the Marcel Deflandre stadium as the yellow and blacks are supported by a public that has been awarded the Best Public Trophy several times. A true La Rochelle institution, match days are synonymous with celebration in La Rochelle. Enjoy the atmosphere of the match days in La Rochelle.
Major sailing races
La Rochelle is a major venue for international sailing competitions with over 120 events and regattas per year. The Port of La Rochelle hosts emblematic offshore races such as the Velux 5 Oceans and the Solitaire du Figaro. The Pro Sailing Tour, a spectacular and innovative sporting event, also calls at La Rochelle.
Protected by the islands of Aix, Oléron and Ré and sheltered from the waves, the open sea of La Rochelle is ideal for learning water sports: sailing, surfing, sea rowing, canoeing, kayaking… Even when the weather conditions are not particularly favourable, sailing is still possible in this area. We invite you to discover La Rochelle and its islands from the sea!
The La Rochelle Marathon
The La Rochelle Marathon is the second largest marathon after the Paris Marathon, bringing together more than 10,000 runners each year. On the last weekend of November, the whole city vibrates to the rhythm of the marathon!
Don’t be fooled by the fact that different race formats are offered to make this sporting event in La Rochelle more accessible: the Marathon, but also the Duo with 2 runners in relay, the 10 km, the Challenge Entreprises and the Handisports race.
If you are spending the weekend at the François 1er Hotel and have not planned to register for the marathon, a friendly 4km jogging session is organised the day before the start. The “Leg Warmers” are open to all, without registration. On the day of the race, enjoy the entertainment along the route. Bands will entertain you throughout the race.
For those who don’t want to run but still enjoy the marathon atmosphere, the Marathon Village organises the “Pasta Party” the day before the race. This pleasant evening welcomes up to 1350 people for a guaranteed friendly atmosphere!
Our hotel in La Rochelle old town
Whether you are a sportsman or not, the sporting events in La Rochelle and their aftermath will amaze you. The location of our hotel in La Rochelle old town is ideal for getting to the Port des Minimes or the Marcel Deflandre stadium, which are just a few minutes away by bike or car. We invite you to reserve your parking space in our hotel in La Rochelle old town with parking, this solution will make your travel easier. Book one of our 34 rooms and discover La Rochelle from a different angle.