Day Trips La Rochelle

Day Trips in La Rochelle: Your Ultimate Guide

La Rochelle, a charming seaside town in France’s Poitou-Charentes region, is a fantastic base for day trips. Here’s some useful information to help you make the most of your time exploring this beautiful area.

  1. Ile de Ré (Island of Ré) 🏖️

    • Distance from La Rochelle: Approximately 20km by bridge or ferry.
    • Time needed: A full day is ideal, but you can adjust based on your pace.
    • Highlights: Explore the picturesque villages like Saint-Martin-de-Ré and La Flotte-en-Ré, enjoy bike rides along the coastline, and visit the stunning beaches.

  2. Ile d’Aix (Island of Aix) 🌴

    • Distance from La Rochelle: Approximately 13nm by ferry from Fouras.
    • Time needed: Half a day is sufficient, but you might want to stay longer if you enjoy peace and tranquility.
    • Highlights: Discover the island’s rich history, walk through its beautiful pine forests, and enjoy a picnic at one of the picturesque beaches.

  3. Bordeaux 🏭

    • Distance from La Rochelle: Approximately 2 hours by train or car.
    • Time needed: A full day is recommended to explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
    • Highlights: Visit the famous Place de la Bourse, wander through the historic district of Saint-Pierre, and taste some of the region’s renowned wines.

  4. Cognac 🥃

    • Distance from La Rochelle: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes by car or train.
    • Time needed: A half day is enough, but you can extend your visit to include a cognac tasting tour if you wish.
    • Highlights: Discover the history of Cognac, visit some of the prestigious cellars, and stroll through the charming town center.

  5. Royan 🏖️

    • Distance from La Rochelle: Approximately 1 hour by car or train.
    • Time needed: A half day is sufficient, but you can stay longer if you wish to relax on the beach.
    • Highlights: Enjoy the seaside promenade, visit the Saint-Louis cathedral, and soak up the sun on one of the beautiful beaches.