Where does the south of France begin? For most of this site I have taken it to include the regions of Aquitaine, Languedoc-Roussillon, Midi-Pyrenees and Provence / Cote d’Azur.
But a little further up the Atlantic Coast, in Poitou-Charentes, the coast has its own sunny micro-climate, and has more of a ‘south of France’ feel than places further north. So I have no problem in considering La Rochelle, the major town in the region, as ‘gateway to the south-west of France’.
A lovely and lively town, La Rochelle is centred around its harbour – two medieval towers dramatically guard the entrance, and make for a very scenic place to promenade or eat in on of the numerous water-side restaurants.
Away from the harbour, the town has an extensive old town with pretty arcaded streets and boutiques to explore, and all pretty much as it would have been 200 years ago.
The region around the market is also worth exploring, and be sure to go into La Rochelle market itself, for some of the freshest produce you have seen, all beautifully presented.
There are a multitude of historical monuments to discover among the city streets, from the elegant facade of the House of Henry II to the ornate town hall, and much more besides.
The dramatic aquarium, on the harbour, is another highlight of a visit.
Although it is on the coast, and La Rochelle itself has a small beach, it is not really a ‘seaside resort’ – for better beaches you will need to head across to the Ile-de-Ré, or north to the Vendee beaches, or further down the Atlantic Coast.
But if you are hoping to discover a lovely town that oozes with history and where you can pass a day or two exploring the history of the region, La Rochelle is ideal.
(See more information about La Rochelle (including photos and places in the vicinity)
