La Rochelle is an attractive port city known for its aquarium, which attracts tourists from all over the world. The city is a popular vacation destination due to its sandy beaches, restaurants and cafes, as well as an active cultural life with numerous festivals and events throughout the year

La Rochelle, located on the west coast of France, is one of the most beautiful and oldest port cities in the country.

It is a city with a rich history and culture that attracts tourists with its charming architecture, historical monuments and modern attractions such as the famous Aquarium de La Rochelle.

History of La Rochelle

La Rochelle was founded in the 10th century as a fishing village and quickly became one of the most important ports on the Atlantic coast. In the Middle Ages, the city became a significant trading center, especially known for its salt and wine trade. La Rochelle also played a key role during the Wars of Religion in France, becoming a Huguenot stronghold in the 16th century. The siege of La Rochelle in 1627-1628, during which the city defended itself against the army of Louis XIII, is one of the most famous episodes in the city's history.

Architecture and attractions

La Rochelle is famous for its beautifully preserved architecture, which combines medieval, Renaissance and Baroque elements.

Main attractions include:

The Old Port (Vieux Port):

This is the heart of the city with numerous cafés, restaurants and shops. The port is guarded by two towers – Tour Saint-Nicolas and Tour de la Chaîne, which were built in the XIV century and served to protect the entrance to the port.

Tour de la Lanterne:

Built in the XV century, this tower originally served as a lighthouse and prison for sea pirates.

It offers breathtaking views of the city and the Atlantic Ocean.

Gothic and Renaissance buildings:

Walking around the city, you can see numerous historic buildings, such as the Maison Henri II and the Hôtel de Ville, which reflect the richness and cultural significance of La Rochelle in the past.

Aquarium de La Rochelle

One of La Rochelle's main modern attractions is its famous Aquarium, one of the largest in Europe. Opened in 1988, it covers an area of 8,445 square meters and contains more than 12,000 marine animals from all over the world. The aquarium looks very cool, it is full of interactive zones, special passages that are designed specifically for children and will bring a lot of pleasant emotions to the whole family.

Main exhibits

The Aquarium de La Rochelle offers visitors to immerse themselves in the fascinating world of underwater life through a variety of themed areas:

Atlantic Ocean

This zone presents the marine life of the Atlantic, including fish, crustaceans and mollusks that inhabit the coastal waters of France.

Caribbean

In this zone you can see the colorful fish and corals that inhabit the warm waters of the Caribbean. The bright colors and amazing shapes of coral reefs capture the imagination of visitors.

Indian Ocean

The species living in the waters of the Indian Ocean, including a variety of sharks and rays, are represented here. The bull shark is particularly popular.

Medusarium

This area is dedicated to jellyfish swimming in illuminated aquariums, creating a magical atmosphere.

Tropical Forest

Visitors can walk through a tropical forest that features not only aquatic species, but also amphibians and reptiles that inhabit tropical regions.

The ticket prices for the Aquarium de La Rochelle in 2024 are as follows:

Adult: 18€

Junior (13-17 years old): 14.50€

Child (3-12 years old): 12€

For children under 3 years old: free admission

To avoid queues, it is recommended to buy tickets online in advanceon the official website of the aquarium.

Also, for the convenience of visitors, there is a cloakroom near the aquarium where you can hand over outerwear and extra clothes for free, as well as a souvenir shop where your children will find a variety of toys of all kinds of underwater inhabitants, coins with the Aquarium's emblem or key chains - in memory of this wonderful trip. 

Educational Programs and Research

The Aquarium de La Rochelle is actively engaged in educational activities, offering a variety of programs for schoolchildren and students. In addition, it participates in scientific research and marine conservation programs. The aquarium is also part of international marine species exchange programs, contributing to the conservation of biodiversity in the world's oceans.

Cultural events and festivals

La Rochelle is also known for its numerous cultural events and festivals that attract visitors from all over France and the world. The most famous among them are:

Francofolies, Music Festival: 

This annual summer music festival brings together leading performers of French-language music and attracts thousands of visitors, this year it will run from July 10 to July 15.

La Rochelle International Film Festival (Festival International du Film de La Rochelle):

One of the oldest film festivals in France, founded in 1973, offers a rich program with films from different genres and countries. This year, it will start on Friday, June 28 and end on Sunday, July 7.

Le Grand Pavois, Maritime Festival: 

This is one of the largest water boat shows in Europe, showcasing a wide variety of sailing and motor boats from around the world. With more than 800 boats on display and over 750 exhibitors, it is an event worth attending for anyone with a passion for boating and marine activities. Taking place in September, visitors can see the latest models of yachts, boats and marine equipment.

Gastronomy

La Rochelle is famous for its gastronomy, especially seafood. Visitors can enjoy fresh oysters, mussels, crabs and fish served in the city's many restaurants. One of the most popular places is the fish market, where you can buy fresh seafood and taste it in local cafes.

There is also an option for lovers of traditional French crepes made from buckwheat flour and served with savory fillings.

For the atmosphere:
When going on vacation to this magical place, I recommend re-reading The Three Musketeers, as it describes the siege of La Rochelle, which will help you feel the atmosphere of this ancient city.

La Rochelle is a city that has a lot to offer its visitors: from fascinating history and architecture to modern attractions like the Aquarium de La Rochelle and an interesting cultural life. Here you can immerse yourself in the rich world of French culture, enjoy magnificent views and delicious food, and discover the amazing world of underwater life. Whether you are looking for a cultural experience or an adventure, La Rochelle is sure to leave you with unforgettable memories.