The hotel*** François 1er in La Rochelle gives you its good advice

Do you need ideas to occupy your days during your stay in our hotel*** François 1er La Rochelle ? You will find on this dedicated article a list of 5 things to do during your stay in La Rochelle. Our hotel in La Rochelle old town is at your disposal to give you good advice to prepare your stay as well as possible !

The 5 things to do during your stay in La Rochelle?

1. Visit the Vieux-Port of La Rochelle

La Rochelle’s emblem, the Vieux-Port, is only a few minutes away by foot or by bike from our hotel in the old town, the hotel*** François 1er. The Vieux-Port of La Rochelle is now a marina where it is pleasant to stroll. We invite you to stroll along the quays of the Vieux-Port:

  • Cours des Dames, the busiest quay of the Vieux-Port
  • Quai Duperré, located at the end of the port. This is where you will find wine bars and bistros, the ideal place for a festive evening in the heart of La Rochelle.
  • Quai du Carénage
  • Quai Valin
  • Quai du Gabut, with all its colourful Scandinavian-style houses.

The two famous towers that defend the entrance to the Vieux-Port bear witness to the power of this port during the Hundred Years’ War. Built in the 14th century, they have been classified as historical monuments since 1879. The Tour Saint-Nicolas is located on the south bank while the Tour de la Chaîne is located on the north bank. These two relatively impressive buildings have watched over the Vieux-Port of La Rochelle for many years.

Spend a privileged evening in the Vieux-Port of La Rochelle, very close to our hotel in La Rochelle old town. As night falls, the city is brilliantly lit, offering you a magical environment to spend a night in the city centre. Between the lively atmosphere of the terraces and the sunset, La Rochelle has a new look and will never cease to surprise you.

Hotel near the Vieux Port in La Rochelle

2. Visit the Aquarium of La Rochelle

The Aquarium of La Rochelle is certainly one of the most beautiful in France. It welcomes you all year round to discover the seabed of the Atlantic, the Mediterranean, but also the Tropics. Located only a few minutes’ walk or bike ride from our hotel with car parking in La Rochelle, you will discover one of the largest private aquariums in Europe. A unique journey for young and old alike, where you will rub shoulders with turtles, sharks, rays, sea urchins and even the aquarium’s star fish.

The La Rochelle Aquarium is one of the places of interest in the city of La Rochelle. It is a must-see if you are visiting La Rochelle with your family. If you would like to know more about the Aquarium of La Rochelle, the hotel*** François 1er invites you to consult the page dedicated to this place. Book your tickets to visit the Aquarium by clicking here.

Visit the Aquarium of La Rochelle near the hotel in la rochelle with parking

3. Discover the islands near La Rochelle

Don’t forget to visit the islands of the Charente coastline if the length of your stay leaves you time.

Visiting the island of Ré is a must if you stay in La Rochelle. In one day you will have time to stop at the port of Saint-Martin where cafés and small shops await you. At the end of the island you will find the Phare des Baleines, located in the commune of Saint-Clément-des-Baleines. At 60 metres high, the lighthouse offers a breathtaking view of the ocean and the island of Ré.

The hotel*** François 1er, a hotel in La Rochelle old town, invites you to take a trip to the island of Aix. The island of Aix is a small island where it is still wild and pleasant to walk around, especially in summer when the weather is good. You can also rent bicycles to tour the island. Beaches, paths, fortifications, creeks and forts await you for a superb escapade. It is also possible to walk around the island for a day. You can get to the island of Aix by taking one of the many boats located in the Vieux-Port of La Rochelle.

The island of Oleron is a larger island than the two previous ones. You will find marshes, cliffs, beaches, oyster basins, a wide choice of places all different from each other on the same territory. The wild coast of the island of Oléron is the ideal place for surfing, beautiful waves await you.

visit the island of re from the city centre of la rochelle
stay in a hotel in la rochelle

4. Stroll through the historic centre of La Rochelle

Our charming hotel in La Rochelle is located in the historic centre of La Rochelle. This is where we invite you to take a stroll during your stay in La Rochelle.

The Rue du Temple is one of the liveliest streets in La Rochelle old town. Overlooked by the Grande Horloge gate, it is the ideal place to do some shopping. Your walk will take you through different small streets under the typical arcades where you will enjoy the architecture of La Rochelle.

Our walk continues towards the market. A real meeting point of La Rochelle, you will be able to taste different products of the region. In our opinion, this is an unmissable stop during your stay in your hotel in La Rochelle.

the La Rochelle market near our hotel in La Rochelle old town

5. Visit La Rochelle by the sea

A maritime city par excellence, take advantage of your stay in our hotel*** François 1er in La Rochelle to enjoy the sea air. Numerous boats depart from La Rochelle and offer various sea trips. The great departure to discover the landscapes of the Rochelle coast, its limestone cliffs, its amazing Phare du Bout du Monde and the famous Fort Boyard. If you wish to know more about Fort Boyard, our hotel in La Rochelle invites you to consult our dedicated page.

Your stay in your hotel in La Rochelle

What better way to soak up the atmosphere of a city than to stay in the heart of it? This is what our charming hotel in La Rochelle offers you. The hotel*** François 1er is located in the centre of La Rochelle. You will be able to walk or cycle there without any questions asked. Just a stone’s throw from the Vieux-Port, the market and the heart of the historic centre, the hotel’s location is ideal for enjoying your La Rochelle getaway.

The hotel*** François 1er in La Rochelle guides you through La Rochelle. We will be delighted to answer any questions you may have and give you our opinion on the best things to do in La Rochelle.