About La Rochelle
Poitiers may be the capital of the Poitou Charentes region but La Rochelle rivals it in economic importance with tourism the primary draw for the famous sea port. Close by is the island of Il de Ré, which is connected to the city of La Rochelle by a 3km long bridge built in the 1980s. The island is a major attraction for visitors – from celebrities to campers – and is most famous for its pretty villages of whitewashed houses and its long sandy beaches. The old town in the island capital of Saint Martin is a World Heritage listed site.
Flights to La Rochelle from Cork Airport
Things to do here
La Rochelle Aquarium
With 12,000 marine animals, La Rochelle’s Aquarium is one of the biggest in Europe. It offers a comprehensive insight into the marine world and is a great attraction for families – particularly if the weather fails to behave.
Ile d’Aix
The little island of Aix can only be reached by boat. There are no cars allowed on the island, which can be traversed on foot in under an hour. Napoleon famously visited and the island boasts intact fortifications from that era.
Bunker de la Rochelle
A secret bunker built by the Germans in WW II as the headquarters of the Saint Nazaire U-Boat fleet. It was discovered by chance beneath a hotel in La Rochelle.
Futuroscope
Located 10km north of the regional capital of Poitiers and just 90 minutes from La Rochelle, Futuroscope is dedicated to the thrill of the new with something for all the family.