Things to do in

La Rochelle

Start the day with a breath of fresh and salty air on a sailing tour. Meet at the dock, right in front of the two towers of the old harbor. Once aboard the 16-meter maxi-catamaran, the crew will give a quick safety briefing before setting sail. Head up the channel, admiring the different landmarks of the bay such as the Richelieu Tower, the sailing harbor of Les Minimes, or the "end of the world" lighthouse. Once out in the bay, the crew will unfurl the sails and stop the engines. Generally in the morning, the sea is quiet and few sailboats roam the sea. Take in the peaceful atmosphere, lie down on the trampolines, and let the waves rock you gently. Chat to the crew to learn more about the local environment, history, and nautical lifestyle. You will be back at the dock just before lunch, after one last parade between the old towers.

Meet at the Kapalouest pontoon, just in front of the old port, and start your sailing excursion. Once aboard the Columbus, the crew will give a quick safety briefing before setting sail. Sail along the channel admiring various monuments on the bay including, the Richelieu tower and the bout du monde lighthouse. Once in the bay, the crew will unfurl the sails and shut down the engines. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and let the waves gently rock you. Chat with the crew and learn about the local environment, history, and the nautical way of life. You will be back at the dock after 3-hours, after a final passage between the two towers. The Columbus is a sailboat full of history and maritime heritage. This large 18-meter monohull was built in La Rochelle in the PINTA shipyards. Its first vocation was ocean racing since it participated in the Vendée Globe with the skipper and Rochelais owner Jean-Yves Terlain in 1992. In the early 2000s, the ship was transformed into an expedition sailboat dedicated to safeguarding the marine environment. It is best known for its numerous missions in defense of the environment and oceans with the Sea Shepherd, WWF, and BLOOM. Today it continues to charm and raise awareness among the general public when hosting its passengers in La Rochelle.

Gain entry to the 3 medieval towers of La Rochelle with one ticket: Saint Nicolas, de la Lanterne, and de la Chaîne. Learn about their tumultuous history and royal past. Get your entry ticket for the main attractions in the Old Port of La Rochelle — the 3 Towers. Dating back to medieval times, learn about the tumultuous history of each of these towers.  From prisons for Huguenots and foreign sailors in the 16th-18th centuries, to military prisons in the 19th century, plenty was happening in La Rochelle in times gone by.  Discover the Saint Nicolas Tower dating back to the 14th century. See how it was equipped with royal living quarters, as well as a chapel, while functioning as a defense tower.  Mosey around the De La Chaîne Tower, also dating back to the 14th century. Home to exhibitions since 1998, it used to be a place to collect taxes from incoming boats and the entrance to the port. Learn how the tower was damaged and rebuilt in the 19th century.  Explore the De La Lanterne Tower, the old lighthouse, ship disarmer, and, later, prison for many centuries. Count the 600 graffiti prisoners left on the walls over the years.

Meet your guide and embark on a walking tour of La Rochelle, taking the sights of the Old Town, the City Center, and the Old Port. Known as "La Ville Blanche" (the white city), learn about this popular tourist destination which has a long history and rich cultural heritage. Discover the fantastic medieval architecture of the city, including the famous Lantern Tower and Saint Nicholas Tower. Hear stories of Eleanor of Aquitaine, the antics of Henry IV, and Cardinal de Richelieu. Learn about the modern developments of the city with its picturesque marina, terraces, and tranquil English-style parks.