La grande roue - La Rochelle, Ferris wheel in the historic port of La Rochelle, France.
La grande roue is a 40-meter-high observation wheel located in the harbor of La Rochelle, offering views across the Atlantic Ocean, the port basins, and distant Île de Ré on clear days. The cabins rotate slowly enough to let visitors look all around and spot landmarks in every direction.
The wheel was built in 2011 and brought a modern leisure feature to the medieval harbor of La Rochelle, which had been central to the city's identity for centuries. It sits alongside the ancient defensive towers rather than replacing them.
The wheel shows how La Rochelle connects its long maritime past with modern entertainment, letting visitors experience the harbor from a completely different angle than before. It represents how the city honors its traditions while offering fresh ways to explore them.
The wheel is best visited in early morning or late afternoon when visibility extends farthest and the sun lights up the landscape. It sits right in the harbor and is easy to locate, and visitors should expect a gentle ride lasting around ten minutes.
A dedicated cabin is equipped for wheelchair users and their companions, allowing everyone to enjoy the panoramic views equally. This was one of the first such provisions among similar attractions in the region.
Location: La Rochelle
Inception: January 1, 2011
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
Address: Pl. du Commandant de la Motte Rouge, 17000 La Rochelle, France
Opening Hours: Monday-Friday 13:00-19:00; Saturday-Sunday 10:00-19:00
Phone: +33609555736
Email: contact@lagranderoue-larochelle.fr
Website: https://lagranderoue-larochelle.fr
GPS coordinates: 46.15541,-1.14911
Latest update: December 6, 2025 17:49
La Rochelle and its surroundings offer families a range of activities along the French Atlantic coast. The city itself holds several attractions, including the aquarium with over 12,000 marine animals, medieval towers at the Old Port, and various museums such as the Maritime Museum and the New World Museum. Visitors can walk through the historic center with its Grosse Horloge and Saint-Louis Cathedral or explore the beaches at La Concurrence and Minimes. Port des Minimes provides access to boat trips, while parks like Charruyer Park offer green spaces for relaxation. The region extends to the offshore islands of Île de Ré and Île d'Oléron with their beaches and the Phare des Baleines lighthouse. Inland, attractions include La Palmyre Zoo with over 1,600 animals, Zoodyssée in Chizé, and Court d'Aron floral park in Saint-Cyr-en-Talmondais. History enthusiasts can visit the Corderie Royale and naval museum in Rochefort, while Fort Boyard stands as a recognizable landmark off the coast. Natural areas like Pierre Brune park near Mervent and the Rompsay Canal round out the offerings with walking trails and water activities.
Aquarium de La Rochelle
262 m
Tour Saint-Nicolas
338 m
Gare de La Rochelle
401 m
Vieux-Port de La Rochelle
350 m
Hôtel de Ville de La Rochelle
494 m
Tour de la Chaîne
405 m
Grosse Horloge
464 m
Église Saint-Sauveur de La Rochelle
370 m
La Coursive/Scène Nationale La Rochelle
493 m
La Rochelle rear range light
172 m
Temple protestant de La Rochelle
467 m
Porte Maubec, La Rochelle
468 m
Musée protestant
468 m
Église des Carmes
436 m
Bastion du Gabut
328 m
Cloître des Dames Blanches
486 m
Maison, 8 rue des Merciers
498 m
Maison Pillaud
490 m
Maison Léon
444 m
Musée du flacon à parfum
475 m
Admiral Duperré
420 m
Memorial to the Soldiers and Sailors of Charente-Inférieure
253 m
Maison, 1 rue Chef-de-Ville (La Rochelle)
493 m
La Rochelle front range light
251 m
Maison, 4 rue des Merciers
487 m
Maison, 6 rue du Port
409 m
Fortifications maritimes de La Rochelle
471 m
Maisons, 25 rue Bletterie
411 mReviews
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