La Rochelle Cruise Port Guide
Photos: Remi Jouan (CC BY-SA 3.0) · via Wikimedia Commons; Christophe Appaix, Aomar Allab, Didier Souplet, Miss Ana Cat, Emz Lagundino · via Google Maps
- Country:
- France
- Region:
- Spain, Portugal & France
- Coordinates:
- 46.1594° N, 1.1514° W
About La Rochelle
La Rochelle is a city on the west coast of France and a seaport on the Bay of Biscay, a part of the Atlantic Ocean. It is the capital of the Charente-Maritime department. With 78,535 inhabitants in 2021, La Rochelle is the most populated commune in the department and ranks fourth in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region after Bordeaux, the regional capital, Limoges and Poitiers.
Read more on Wikipedia (text CC BY-SA)
Things to do in La Rochelle on a port day
Top-rated sights within reach of the cruise terminal. Ratings, hours and reviews from Google — check opening times before you go.
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Photo: Aquarium La Rochelle · via Google Maps Aquarium
La Rochelle Aquarium
4.1 (11,495) 0.7 km from port
Walkways over 2 floors of bubbling seawater tanks containing around 600 aquatic species.
Near: Brasserie Là-Haut (38 m) · Hôtel Mercure La Rochelle Vieux-Port (101 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
Opening hours
- Monday: 10:00 am – 7:30 pm
- Tuesday: 10:00 am – 7:30 pm
- Wednesday: 10:00 am – 7:30 pm
- Thursday: 10:00 am – 7:30 pm
- Friday: 10:00 am – 7:30 pm
- Saturday: 10:00 am – 7:30 pm
- Sunday: 10:00 am – 7:30 pm
- 5 · “A wonderful experience to witness of a family business that has evolved and grew over many generations. To one of…” — Jontyrates
- 5 · “Amazing place so immersive, a nice educational visit queues were super large. So im glaf I booked online so much…” — Maggie Murphy
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Photo: Cristopher Sánchez · via Google Maps City Park
Le parc Charruyer
4.5 (5,732) 0.6 km from port
Tranquil green strip with paved trails down its length, plus a small zoo & beach picnic spots.
Near: parc animalier (148 m) · Banque de France (201 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
- Dogs allowed
Opening hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
- 5 · “Excellent park, lots to do for children and Adults, highly recommend! 🔥” — Info.dustybutdigital
- 5 · “A great park in the town centre which leads down to a small beach.” — Helen E
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Photo: Musée Maritime de La Rochelle · via Google Maps Museum
Musée Maritime de La Rochelle
4.6 (3,983) 1.0 km from port
Films, models & seafaring artifacts set within colorful pavilions, plus a heritage fleet to explore.
Near: La Fabuleuse Cantine - La Rochelle (34 m) · Le France 1 - Bar de la mer (64 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
- Toilets
Opening hours
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: 10:00 am – 5:30 pm
- Wednesday: 10:00 am – 5:30 pm
- Thursday: 10:00 am – 5:30 pm
- Friday: 10:00 am – 5:30 pm
- Saturday: 1:30 – 5:30 pm
- Sunday: 10:00 am – 5:30 pm
- 5 · “Incredible welcome at the reception when I mentioned that I come from Germany. There was a written introduction in German…” — Carl Hartick
- 5 · “Friendly staff and very well-presented ships. The meteorological ship was highly informative and beautifully laid out with thoughtful presentations. The…” — Jonathan Williams
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Photo: Philippe B · via Google Maps Church
Saint Louis Cathedral
4.5 (2,068) 0.3 km from port
Consecrated in 1784, Catholic cathedral housing ceiling frescoes by local artist William Bouguereau.
Near: Sushi Shop La Rochelle (56 m) · LCL Banque et assurance (87 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Opening hours
- Monday: 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
- Tuesday: 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
- Wednesday: 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
- Thursday: 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
- Friday: 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
- Saturday: 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
- Sunday: 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
- 5 · “This emblematic landmark reflects the city’s rich maritime heritage. Its neoclassical façade somewhat austere interiors, carry a sense of beauty.…” — GLM PRG
- 5 · “I visited St. Louis Cathedral in La Rochelle for the evening 360° immersive show - LUMINISCENCE. It’s a large, historic…” — Anna Zakharova
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Museum
Muséum d'Histoire naturelle de La Rochelle
4.5 (1,661) 0.6 km from port
Museum with interactive exhibits on zoology, geology & ethnography, including archeological finds.
Near: Botanical Garden (24 m) · Middle School Eugène Fromentin (94 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
- Toilets
Opening hours
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: 10:00 am – 12:30 pm, 1:30 – 5:30 pm
- Wednesday: 10:00 am – 12:30 pm, 1:30 – 5:30 pm
- Thursday: 10:00 am – 12:30 pm, 1:30 – 5:30 pm
- Friday: 10:00 am – 12:30 pm, 1:30 – 5:30 pm
- Saturday: 1:30 – 5:30 pm
- Sunday: 10:00 am – 12:30 pm, 1:30 – 5:30 pm
- 5 · “Not as vast as Bordeauxs natural History museum, but still beautiful and aesthetically please to view. Some instructions in English…” — Jontyrates
- 5 · “Lovely cool building I n a very hot day! Amazing range of animals. Not much in english but my kids…” — Tim Hole
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Historical landmark
Grosse Horloge
4.7 (979) 0.2 km from port
Near: CINÉMA CGR La Rochelle Dragon (30 m) · Ibis Styles La Rochelle Centre Vieux Port (44 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
Opening hours
- Monday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Friday: Closed
- Saturday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Sunday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- 5 · “Our favourite place, beautiful La Rochelle.” — Daphne Todd
- 5 · “The name says it all. It's a big clock and it's not to be confused with anything else. It's actually…” — Antonio Di Tarverni
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Museum
Musée du Nouveau Monde
4.3 (724) 0.3 km from port
An 18th-century mansion housing art & exhibits showcasing La Rochelle's relations with the Americas.
Near: Falbala (34 m) · LE JARDIN DU MARCHÉ (34 m)
- Good for children
- Toilets
Opening hours
- Monday: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Thursday: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Friday: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Saturday: 2:00 – 6:00 pm
- Sunday: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
- 5 · “One of most important museums in France and Hati but located in France. Should be a pilgrimage site for anyone…” — Gables Gardens
- 5 · “Visiting the Musée du Nouveau Monde in La Rochelle was a captivating experience that I highly recommend. The museum, dedicated…” — ChefLaurent DE
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Tourist attraction
Belvedere (Phare du Bout du monde)
4.7 (124) 2.9 km from port
Near: Parc des minimes (253 m) · Phare du Bout du Monde (398 m)
- Good for children
Opening hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
- 5 · “A lovely spot to relax and enjoy the view. Plenty of benches and grass.” — alexis barraux
- 5 · “A magnificent lighthouse, located at the end of the world at the entrance to the park's promenade. A beautiful place…” — Autour d'un monde \ Ben & Clara
Map of La Rochelle and nearby attractions
Cruises calling at La Rochelle
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