Looking for a spot of beauty located on the coast ? Then why not choose La Rochelle and Premiere Classe Hotels !
La Rochelle is a port city in the Poitou-Charentes region, at the heart of the Atlantic sea front in the Bay of Biscay. It is also the capital of the Charente- Maritime department. The city is connected to the Ile de Re by a 1.8 mile bridge and its harbour opens into a protected strait – the Pertuis d’Antioche. It is one of the most attractive and dynamic cities in France that has managed to turn its maritime base into an economic, tourism and cultural asset.
La Rochelle was first founded in the 10th century as a fishing village and began to expand in the 12th century through the wine and salt trade. Despite a protestant coup in 1568 that saw the city acquire the status of a free city, in 1628 Louis XIII laid siege to the city. Faced with famine, the city fell and found itself without a town hall and stripped of its privileges. From 1694 La Rochelle’s sea trade, along with the intellectual renaissance, helped the city back to its former glory. This continued with the creation of the port of La Pallice in 1890.
A two-day trip
Two days is the perfect amount of time to get to know the city of La Rochelle. Premiere Classe Hotel – La Rochelle Sud – Aytre and Premiere Classe Hotel – La Rochelle Nord – Puilboreau are both just a short taxi ride from the city centre and the Old Port, where you will want to spend your first day. The Old Port is the oldest and most picturesque part of the city with its narrow streets and pale stone buildings. The harbour is guarded by the Three Towers, which date back to medieval times, and all are well worth a visit. Be prepared for all the steps to climb though ! For your second day check out the huge number of yachts in Port des Minimes before heading across the bridge to Ile de Re to experience its beautiful beaches.
A one-week break
A whole week is the perfect amount of time to get the full La Rochelle experience as well as that of the surrounding Poitou-Charentes region. A popular destination is Ile d’Oleron – the second largest island in France, just south of La Rochelle. As well as stunning beaches to swim and surf in, there are many interesting old buildings to see as well as horse riding around the island. Also in the region and worth a visit, are Saint-Jean-d’Angely, famous for its royal abbey, and Saintes, with its Roman ruins.
A family holiday
La Rochelle makes for the perfect place to take the whole family ! As well as the glorious beaches the city also boasts a fantastic aquarium and from the harbour boating trips can be taken to the Ile d’Aix and Fort Boyard which everyone will enjoy !
