La Rochelle Day Trips: Top 5 Unforgettable Escapes

So, you have found yourself in La Rochelle, a pretty coastal spot with a history as salty as the sea air. La Rochelle, with its old harbor, tower buildings, and a feeling that is kinda like the good old days, it almost has its own kind of charm. But that is it, the adventure doesn’t just need to stop there. Close by there’s a treasure box of places just begging for a day trip. Let’s find the top 5 day trips that’ll make your time in La Rochelle completely unforgettable.

1. Île de Ré: The Jewel of the Atlantic Coast

Okay, Île de Ré is arguably one of the stars. Just a quick hop over a bridge, and boom, you’re suddenly on an island that feels a million miles from everyday life. So you get a bicycle, ’cause seriously, that’s the way to get around there. And you can cycle past houses with flowers all over them and salt marshes where you might see loads of cool birds.

It’s almost like this island is completely dotted with charming villages, each one of them has that little something that sets it apart. Saint-Martin-de-Ré, arguably, the main town, is that it is almost entirely enclosed by impressive fortifications that were created by Vauban and these fortifications are actually a UNESCO World Heritage site. Ars-en-Ré is quite pretty, is that with its church that’s got this black and white spire that you’ll spot from miles away. Then you have La Flotte, a pretty harbor where you should try a local seafood restaurant; its amazing.

That said, one of the big draws of Île de Ré is that it’s got awesome beaches. Very soft sand, clear water, perfect for unwinding. Really, after a morning of exploring, just lie back and grab some sun or have a go at some watersports.

So, for something extra special, very make sure to check out the Phare des Baleines lighthouse at the tip of the island. If you go up to the top, the view is insane; the complete island, the sea going for miles, that is spectacular.

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2. Rochefort: A Step Back in Time

Alright, if history’s like your kind of thing, then a day out to Rochefort is well worth it. So this town has some connection with the sea ’cause Louis XIV decided to build one of the most important naval dockyards back in the 1600s. Anyway, today, it’s arguably packed with spots to explore that highlight the spot’s interesting nautical story.

L’Hermione is arguably the big attraction and it is that this is an exact copy of the ship that Lafayette sailed to go and support the American Revolution. Is that it is completely mind blowing seeing the complete details that went into making a ship like this. You can get on board, and get a proper feel for what life was like for sailors way back when. Very interesting.

That said, the Corderie Royale, arguably, is one of the places you can’t miss. So it’s one of the longest building of its kind anywhere in Europe. This is where they once made all of the rope needed for the French Navy. Arguably, there’s tours that demonstrate the process and explain the story.

To me, the Musée National de la Marine, might be of interest and it’s almost based in Rochefort. With the museum you get to have a great insight into France’s naval past with many old artifacts and displays. So its very amazing for learning how influential the town has been on seafaring adventures throughout the years.

Plus, is that it doesn’t end just with the historical locations, there is other spots to admire around town. The central square with some shops, cafes, restaurants provide a little bit to everything for any visit.

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3. La Palmyre Zoo: Wild Adventures Await

Anyway, if seeing all type of animals, arguably, sounds great, grab a car and visit La Palmyre Zoo, is that it isn’t too far away down the coast. The zoo has like every type of animal; polar bears to giraffes and heaps more. What seems to impress people, is that the animal’s areas are really great.

The zoo is quite great ’cause you could get so close up and personal with the animal life. What it does is support all type of conversation initiatives, very so, a day here is obviously entertaining and provides educational benefits.

That said, what the children tend to enjoy is some animal shows which runs often and these animal show highlight that zoo is very much involved with protecting endangered species. A bit about their environmental responsibilities when maintaining a place for many living creatures. All which provides,arguably, some positive effects when watching.

I can say the grounds at the Zoo allow one of the best viewing around France with a natural setting. The way the walkways guide yourself into seeing the animal exhibits allow time for yourself in this pretty location to spend time with family.

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4. Cognac: Taste the Elegance of France

For something to taste elegance then taking a short day visit to the Cognac region may be in order. Cognac; like the region, like the drink. So the town’s arguably, got this slow-paced, elegant air to it with beautiful buildings. Obviously, its famed globally ’cause of the distilleries.

What I do, is arguably, suggest going to one of the big Cognac places like Hennessy, Martell or Rémy Martin. They basically will demonstrate how they make this amazing liquor with guided tours and, is that it, yes there’s lots of sampling too.

However that is it, Cognac is certainly more than liquor; It has loads of stories to tell. So you get to go along the old town with many cobbled streets and beautiful places to visit. You may admire, arguably, this ancient architecture.

The Musée des Arts du Cognac has an amazing array of artifacts for yourself to look around that describe the interesting heritage of this region, or why don’t you simply try to grab lunch looking towards the Charente River which arguably cuts through the town’s landscape adding to a charm with old-world style views.

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5. Marais Poitevin: The Venice of Green

Anyway, wanting to swap ocean views out of lakes, well, travel, just, little bit, more, to this wonderful green space known as Marais Poitevin; this, to me is like the “Green Venice” of France.

With this place you’ll admire many type of canals, with soft and still flowing surfaces perfect, in a way, when traveling by flat-bottom boat that gently float down towards beautiful tunnels filled with tall shrubs.

That said, what provides it some great beauty, is the green nature that has taken some part of this landscape with quiet space providing you many chance just to unwind along it waterway path; there’s plenty wildlife watching in such open space which brings great views for anyone.

Is that the center where you explore more space into this destination is near Coulon. Okay if looking to completely admire that park. When floating down canals of France arguably its hard beat this landscape, or wildlife which will makes this an, nearly, unforgettable vacation memory that stays. One thing which does helps, arguably, with seeing France at some very best and what creates vacation stories. Marais Poitevin gets visitors towards the environment for quiet space where you’ll spend those afternoons away, in style from typical city spot providing many charm for the visit.

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