La Rochelle, Port city in western France
Located on the Atlantic coast, La Rochelle features two medieval towers guarding the entrance to its harbor, stretching along the Bay of Biscay.
The city transformed into a Protestant stronghold during the 16th century, leading to a significant siege by Cardinal Richelieu's forces in 1627-1628.
The rue des Merciers displays numerous Renaissance houses with ornamental gargoyles and architectural details that reflect the prosperity of past merchants.
The commercial port of La Pallice handles imports of wood products and fuel oil while exporting cereals through its modern facilities.
La Rochelle connects to Île de Ré through a 2.9-kilometer bridge constructed in 1988, allowing direct access to this Atlantic island.
Location: Arrondissement of La Rochelle
Location: Charente-Maritime
Elevation above the sea: 9 m
Shares border with: Aytré, L'Houmeau, Lagord, Périgny, Puilboreau, Rivedoux-Plage
Address: La Rochelle, France 17000 La Rochelle 17000 La Rochelle
Phone: +33546515151
Email: courrier@ville-larochelle.fr
Website: https://larochelle.fr
GPS coordinates: 46.15944,-1.15139
Latest update: May 30, 2025 06:59
La Rochelle presents photography opportunities at its medieval towers, historical port, and coastal areas. The city features architectural monuments from the Renaissance period, maritime structures, and public spaces. Visitors can photograph the towers guarding the harbor, the clock gate, traditional fishing structures, and the modern Nelson Mandela bridge.
The region around La Rochelle offers numerous ideas for family outings, including the Aquarium with its 12,000 marine animals, the medieval Towers, and Fort Boyard. The area features several museums, such as the Maritime Museum and the New World Museum, as well as beaches and islands like Ré and Oléron. Visitors can explore the Old Port, natural parks, local product markets, and historical monuments like the Grosse Horloge and Saint-Louis Cathedral.
Lighthouse at the End of the World
3.2 km
Île de Ré bridge
6.9 km
La Rochelle submarine base
4.5 km
Aquarium de La Rochelle
690 m
Tour Saint-Nicolas
438 m
Gare de La Rochelle
868 m
Tour de la Lanterne
604 m
Hôtel de Ville de La Rochelle
20 m
La Rochelle Cathedral
263 m
Les Minimes
2 km
Tour de la Chaîne
454 m
Musée maritime de La Rochelle
986 m
Port de plaisance La Rochelle
1.9 km
Musée rochelais de la Dernière Guerre
248 m
Grosse Horloge
230 m
Église Saint-Sauveur de La Rochelle
118 m
Café de la Paix
360 m
Muséum d'Histoire naturelle de La Rochelle
597 m
Musée du Nouveau Monde
250 m
Église Notre-Dame-de-Cougnes de La Rochelle
617 m
Parc Animalier Charles-Édouard Beltremieux
786 m
Plage de Chef de Baie
4.7 km
Commanderie de La Rochelle
131 m
La Coursive/Scène Nationale La Rochelle
412 m
France I
917 m
La Rochelle rear range light
311 m
Temple protestant de La Rochelle
122 m
Vieux Marché de La Rochelle
307 mReviews
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