A walk through the historic centre of La Rochelle

While La Rochelle is undoubtedly a maritime city, it is also a city full of history and ancient monuments that, for a moment, make us turn our backs on the ocean to visit its very special sites. The town's historic centre is on a human scale and can be explored on foot as you wander through the cobbled streets and lanes. Don't forget to look out for a hidden monument at every crossroads: a cloister, a watchtower, a church...

There are plenty of places to visit to delight history buffs and the simply curious. For an afternoon or a day, plunge into La Rochelle's past and take a step back in time. Birds will marvel at the illuminated architecture of the monuments, while early risers will enjoy the quiet of the morning as the town wakes up. Day or night, La Rochelle offers unrivalled cultural and historical visits.

Strolling through La Rochelle town centre is like walking through a history book. Every monument, every stone tells the story of a moment in time. A maritime, port and fortified town, La Rochelle's heritage includes some jewels, such as the city's defensive monuments. It's impossible not to mention the medieval towers of the Vieux-Port, which proudly guard the city's harbour.

As you stroll through La Rochelle town centre, you can't help but fall under the spell of the arcades, which are more than just an architectural detail. They shelter part of the street, making for a charming stroll. Shopping enthusiasts will be delighted to stroll through the city under these arcades, where you'll find a host of boutiques. They can be very useful for shelter when the weather turns rainy. Being a coastal town, we're not immune to a gust of wind!

Following the arcades, visitors are bound to come across La Rochelle's central market and its charming covered market halls: a 19th-century building built of Charente stone and topped by a magnificent wooden roof structure.

It's a meeting place for all the people of La Rochelle who come here to fill their baskets with fresh, local produce. From fruit and vegetables to meat and seafood, the Halles de La Rochelle market is a mecca for regional gastronomy. Top chefs like Coutanceau come here to stock up. If that's not a guarantee of quality?

La Rochelle Town Hall is much more than just an administrative building. The people of La Rochelle are very proud of it, and so are the tourists who marvel at its architecture. Built between 1628 and 1748, it is the oldest town hall still in use in France. After a devastating fire in 2013, it has been restored to its former glory in 2019 following major renovation work.