La Rochelle

France

Things to do in La Rochelle:

View the Gallery St Nicholas Tower

La Rochelle Restaurants

Cheap (15)

Caf� du Nord

Busy, family-run French bistro overlooking the harbour and offering good-value, two-course lunchtime deals. read more
Affordable (18)

Sri Krishna

One of the longest-established Indian restaurants in La Rochelle for those needing a curry fix. Try the lamb vindaloo with home-made naan bread. read more
Good quality (15)

Le Bistrot de Bernard

Near the harbour at Ars-en-R�, this light and airy restaurant uses the freshest local produce. Signature dishes include fricass�e of lobster and pigeon. There is also an open fire for chilly autumn... read more

La Rochelle Nightlife

Chilled (17)

Bar Via Brazil

Brazilian-themed bar offering a range of South American beers and an array of rum-based cocktails. Sit on the terrace overlooking the harbour or enjoy the samba music within the dark interior. read more
Live Music (15)

Fitzpatrick's Irish Pub

If you are seeking a bit of craic, try this bustling Irish bar opposite the old harbour. It serves Irish stout and hosts live music on Saturday night. read more
Clubbing (11)

Le Shadow

Recently opened, with regular themed evenings, Le Shadow plays a mix of rock and electro music and it's popular with the twentysomething Rochelais. read more

This Month in La Rochelle (October):

By Stephen Garwood

Shopping: For the ideal romantic gift, head to Vertigo, where you exquisite silver jewellery is sourced from around the world (5 Rue du Port. Tel. 05 4641 1790. www.bijouxvertigo.com, French only).

Sightseeing: October sees the 12th annual Jazz festival host a range of concerts (some free) at venues across the city. There is also a musical tribute to the influence of blues and gospel on jazz (10-17 October. www.larochelle-jazz-festival.com).

Key areas: The Canal de Marans offers an escape from the bustle of the city and a chance to explore a verdant, little-known backwater. You can walk, take a bike or hire a canoe. Ask the tourist office for a suggested itinerary (www.larochelle-tourisme.com).

Day trips: The finest oysters in France come from the beds around Marennes, 40 minutes south of La Rochelle by car. Visit the Cit� de l'Hu�tre and see how they have been cultivated for centuries. Inevitably, there are plenty of opportunities to taste the bivalves (www.cite-huitre.com, French only).

La Rochelle Trivia

October: In 1974, La Rochelle was the first city in France to introduce the concept of free bike loans to the public. The famous yellow bicycles have been a feature of the city ever since.
September: The white cobblestoned streets for which La Rochelle is famous are partly made from ship's ballast brought back across the Atlantic in the 18th and 19th centuries.
August: Calypso, the discovery ship made famous by Jacques Cousteau, spent nine years slowly rusting away in La Rochelle harbour following his death in 1997. It has now been taken to Concarneau in Brittany for refitting.