La Rochelle, France

La Rochelle Twin Towers

La Rochelle

How to Get There

From the UK:

If you’re setting out from the UK, you’ve got a few options. The Eurostar train can take you from London to Paris, and from there, a TGV will whisk you to La Rochelle in about three hours. If you’re more of a road warrior, you can take your own car via the Channel Tunnel and enjoy a scenic drive through the French countryside. Ferries are also an option, but let’s be honest, you’re already on a boat, aren’t you?

From Europe:

For those coming from mainland Europe, the train is your best bet. La Rochelle is well-connected to major cities like Paris, Bordeaux, and Nantes. Coaches and buses are also available, but they can be a bit of a drag compared to the speed and comfort of the train.

From North America:

If you’re crossing the pond, you’ll likely fly into Paris. From Charles de Gaulle Airport, you can catch a direct TGV train to La Rochelle, or opt for a domestic flight if you’re in a hurry.

From Australia:

For our mates down under, the journey is a bit longer. You’ll likely have a layover in Asia or the Middle East before landing in Paris. From there, the travel options are the same as those coming from North America.

 

What to Do in La Rochelle

History:

La Rochelle is steeped in maritime history. The city’s Old Port is a living museum, and the Maritime Museum is a must-visit. Don’t miss the Saint-Louis Cathedral and the city’s ancient fortifications.

Culture:

The city is a melting pot of French culture and maritime traditions. The Francofolies music festival is a highlight, and the local art scene is vibrant, to say the least.

Sites of Interest to a Sailor:

Ah, now we’re talking. The coastal views are stunning, especially from the Tour de la Lanterne. The nearby Île de Ré offers beautiful harbours, and the Phare des Baleines lighthouse is a sight to behold. There are also numerous headlands and bays that make for excellent sailing or quiet contemplation.

Entertainment:

La Rochelle’s nightlife is a mix of traditional French cafés and modern bars. Live music is common, and you might even stumble upon a sea shanty or two.

Eating Out:

Seafood is the star here. Oysters from the local beds are a must-try. For a more upscale experience, head to Coutanceau for some Michelin-starred dining.

Nature:

The nearby Marais Poitevin offers a unique marshland experience. If you’re more of a beachcomber, the coastline offers numerous sandy stretches, perfect for a day ashore.

Special Interests

If you have a special interest that you would like to find out about for this port or to tell us about, we would love to hear from you.

 

Sustainable Travel Carbon Offset Schemes

 

By selecting sustainable travel options and actively participating in carbon offset initiatives, you can make a positive impact while journeying to or from your voyage.

Here are some suggestions for carbon offset websites.

 

UK: One popular carbon offset website in the UK is “Clear” who offer a range of carbon offset projects and solutions for individuals, businesses, and organisations. They provide detailed information about their projects and allow users to calculate and offset their carbon footprint online.

North America: In North America, “Terrapass” is a well-known carbon offset website. Terrapass offers carbon offset projects across the United States and Canada. They provide options for individuals, businesses, and events to calculate and offset their carbon emissions. Terrapass also offers additional resources and information on sustainable living.

 

Europe: A popular carbon offset website in Europe is “MyClimate.” MyClimate provides carbon offset projects and solutions for individuals, businesses, and travel. They offer a carbon footprint calculator and allow users to support various sustainable projects worldwide. MyClimate focuses on promoting climate protection and sustainability.

 

Australia:Greenfleet” is a prominent carbon offset website in Australia. Greenfleet focuses on planting native forests to offset carbon emissions. They offer individuals and businesses the opportunity to calculate and offset their carbon footprint by contributing to tree planting projects across Australia. Greenfleet provides detailed information about their projects and the positive environmental impacts they create.

 

Please note that these carbon offset websites may vary over time, so it is recommended to research and explore multiple options to find the most suitable one for your needs. 

 

If any of these links do not work it would be kind of you to inform us, many thanks.

More Stories

Tall Ship Sailing on Morgenster with Classic Sailing

24/04 Inspiration

Great Summer Voyages

Great Summer Voyages  Sail the coastal waters of Cornwall, Isles of Scilly, Devon, Scotland, the Baltic, Mediterranean, and Brittany on tall ship voyages ranging

Read More

28/02 Educational

2024 – Classic Sailing’s Year of Skills: Confident Crew

Throughout 2024, we’re shining the spotlight on the various ways our customers get more with a Classic Sailing booking. Sailing on a traditional vessel

Read More
Wild Boy and Leafy

01/02 Boat building

2024: Classic Sailing’s Year of Skills! It’s not just sailing, you know!

Throughout 2024, we’re shining the spotlight on the various ways our customers get more with a Classic Sailing booking. There are many physical and

Read More

14/01 Inspiration

Turning the Tide on Blue Monday

Turning the Tide on Blue Monday Blue Monday, marked on 15th January 2024, is here again. Many of us find ourselves caught in the

Read More
Polar explorer Jim McNeill leads an Ocean warrior planning meeting. A group poring over maps. Join the adventure through Classic Sailing

11/10 Climate Change

Science & Sailing: Ocean Warrior #Resolute Expeditions

I couldn’t praise the Linden crew highly enough, extremely professional, friendly and encouraged us to be part of the team. I’d sail on that

Read More

18/04 Shipmates' Stories

Tall Ship Memories – A Teenage View of Sailing TS Royalist in the 70’s

Huge thanks to Richard for sending in this glorious account of his first Tall Ship Voyage. If you have a story to share, get

Read More

13/04 Book Reviews

Every Boat Should Have a Copy!

How Boat Things Work An Illustrated Guide by Charlie Wing Today I’m pleased to review ‘How Boat Things Work’ by Charlie Wing. It’s a

Read More