La Rochelle, known for its Old Port, aquarium and historical heritage, also has some hidden gems. Here is our selection of 10 places of interest to discover, with links to book or plan your visit:
1. The Bunker in La Rochelle
Few residents of La Rochelle themselves know about this hidden place in the city centre. Behind an inconspicuous façade lies a huge German bunker, built during the Occupation. Now converted into a museum, it immerses visitors in the 1940s: maps, uniforms, everyday objects and audio recordings recreate the heavy atmosphere of war.
Ce qui frappe, c’est le contraste : à deux pas des cafés animés, un espace sombre et silencieux raconte l’histoire des heures les plus dures. On en ressort avec le sentiment d’avoir effleuré un pan de mémoire collective, soigneusement préservé.
2. The Maison Henri II: a Renaissance illusion
Built around 1555, the Maison Henri II is as intriguing as it is surprising. Its Renaissance façade suggests rich salons and vast rooms... but inside, there are only narrow, stacked corridors. A life-size trompe l'oeil that is as amusing as it is confusing.
Aujourd’hui, l’édifice accueille le Centre Intermondes, un lieu dédié à la création artistique contemporaine. Les murs anciens, marqués par le temps, servent de cadre à des œuvres actuelles, créant un dialogue entre passé et présent. C’est une visite qui interroge, à la fois sur l’architecture et sur la manière dont on habite l’histoire.
3. The New World Museum: America from La Rochelle
Housed in the Fleuriau mansion, this museum recounts the close ties that the city has maintained with the Americas. Ancient maps, model ships, paintings and period objects trace the history of transatlantic trade and exploration, but also darker chapters such as the slave trade.
It is a moving visit, which does more than just display artefacts in glass cases: it questions the role of the city in the emerging globalisation. Here, we discover another side to La Rochelle, that of a city open to the world, both prosperous and marked by its contradictions.
4. The Lantern Tower: marine graffiti and engraved stories
While the Chain Tower and Saint Nicholas Tower are the most photographed, the Lantern Tower is undoubtedly the most mysterious. A lighthouse tower in the 15th century, it later became a prison for sailors and privateers. On its walls, more than 600 hand-carved graffiti bear witness to their passage: names, crosses, stylised ships, naive drawings... It is a gallery of raw art, left behind by men who came from all the oceans.
Climbing the narrow stairs to the top allows you to admire the view of the Atlantic, but it is these anonymous traces that leave the greatest impression. They tell a story of waiting, boredom and exile, giving this tower a poignant human dimension.
5. Le Gabut: the arty wasteland by the sea
A stone's throw from the Old Port, Gabut is a surprising neighbourhood. Formerly a port area, it has been transformed into a playground for urban artists. The façades are covered with colourful murals, the hoardings change with the whims of graffiti artists, and alternative bars add to the relaxed atmosphere.
Strolling through Gabut is like wandering through an open-air gallery that is constantly evolving. It's the perfect place to get a feel for La Rochelle's creative vibe, far removed from the usual picture-postcard images.
6. La Pallice Market: the true flavour of the city
Every Sunday morning, La Pallice comes alive. Here, there is no tourist folklore, but rather a large, popular market where the people of La Rochelle come to do their shopping. You will find stalls selling fish that are still wriggling, Marennes oysters, spices, cheeses... and a friendly atmosphere, filled with laughter and melodious accents.
Strolling around early in the morning, you can feel the heart of the city beating, far from the terraces of the Old Port.
7. The Rompsay Canal: gliding across the water on a paddleboard
Just a stone's throw from the city centre, the Rompsay Canal offers an unexpected green setting. Hop on a paddleboard or canoe and discover another side of La Rochelle: silence, birdsong, trees reflected in the water... You'll almost forget you're in a big city.
At sunset, the experience takes on a magical dimension. An unusual activity, ideal for those who want to combine gentle exercise with immersion in nature.
8. Segway tour: when the future meets the past
On a Segway, you can effortlessly explore the historic centre. Between the Old Port, the ramparts and the cobbled streets, the ride is both fun and informative. The contrast is striking: Segway technology in a medieval setting.
An original way to discover monuments while having fun, perfect for families or groups of friends.
9. The France 1: a museum ship laden with sea spray
Moored at the Maritime Museum, the meteorological frigate France 1 takes visitors on a journey back in time. Visitors can explore the bridge, the engine room, the sailors' cabins and more, imagining what life was like on board during missions on the high seas.
The ship retains a special atmosphere, made up of silence, steel and memories. A visit that appeals to both maritime enthusiasts and the curious alike.
10. Food tours and gourmet discoveries: the taste of La Rochelle
Behind its white façades, La Rochelle is also a city of flavours. Several guides offer food tours that allow you to taste local specialities while discovering their history: oysters, pineau, cognac, cagouilles (Charente snails), and more.
It's a delicious way to discover La Rochelle's culture, with interesting anecdotes and generous tastings.
🧊 Frosty bonus: the Ice Family touch
And to finish off your discoveries on an unexpected note... why not try out our ice cube vending machines, installed throughout the region? Unusual, practical and refreshing, they are open 24 hours a day. Because in La Rochelle too, refreshment is part of the experience!
👉 La Rochelle reveals itself as a multifaceted city, where every street corner has a story to tell.
So, are you ready to think outside the box?
