ITINERARY USING LA ROCHELLE AS A BASE

DAY 1 – LA ROCHELLE, THE WHITE CITY BY THE SEA

Morning – Port city and heritage sites
Guided tour from the Vieux-Port to the famous Tour de Saint-Nicolas and Tour de la Chaîne watchtowers
on the harbour.
Stroll under the arcade’s arches and feast your eyes on the Town Hall’s Gothic and Renaissance architecture.

Late morning – Market and ocean flavours
Visit the local foodie destination: Marché Central.
Sample oysters, wine and Charente specialities at the warm and friendly market.

Afternoon – Modern flair and sea air
Visit one of the biggest aquariums in Europe, Aquarium La Rochelle, then take a stroll around the Le Gabut neighbourhood and city docks.

Overnight in La Rochelle.

DAY 2 – ISLAND ADVENTURE: ÎLE DE RÉ OR ÎLE D’OLÉRON

Option A – Île de Ré: Atlantic vibes (30 min drive on the bridge)
Morning: Saint-Martin-de-Ré, the island’s capital
Tour of the local UNESCO World Heritage sites: the port and Vauban fortifications.
Visit the market and lanes bursting with flowers.

Afternoon: Ars-en-Ré and the salt marshes
Ride along the coastal bike paths between the salt marshes and whitewashed villages.
Visit a salt cooperative and sample products made using Ré salt.
Back to La Rochelle for the evening.

Option B – Île d’Oléron: untamed nature and ocean views (1 hr drive)
Morning: Le Château-d’Oléron and its artisan huts
Visit the port and citadel then meet artists and oyster farmers in their colourful huts.

Afternoon: Saint-Trojan and the south coast
Walk on the sandy beach, visit an oyster farm and sample seafood by the ocean.
Back to La Rochelle for the evening.

DAY 3 – ROCHEFORT AND THE HIGH SEAS (45 min drive)

Morning: The Hermione and Corderie Royale
Explore the restoration site for the frigate Hermione, a symbol of the bond between France and America, then visit the awe-inspiring 17th century Corderie Royale, Musée de la Médecine Navale and transporter bridge.

Afternoon: Maison Pierre Loti and naval history
Get to know the Rochefort author and globetrotter Pierre Loti at his recently renovated home.
Wander around the old town and on the Charente riverbanks.
Back to La Rochelle for the evening.

DAY 4 – ÎLE D’AIX OR FORT BOYARD: HISTORY AND HORIZONS (1 hr drive and boat trip)

Option A – Île d’Aix, a haven for history and nature
Boat trip from Fouras.
Walk or bike ride around the island, time at the Musée Napoléonien and coastal fortifications.

Option B – Cruise around Fort Boyard
Join a guided cruise from the Vieux-Port to sail around the famous fort.
Stop on Île Madame or Île d’Oléron subject to tide and season.
Back to La Rochelle for the evening.