Where to stay in La Rochelle and the surrounding area without a car?

Written by Sophie Renassia

Published on September 12, 2025

Photo: Central Hostel La Rochelle – © Nikki Thebault

Planning your trip to La Rochelle and want to do everything without a car? Nothing could be easier with the La Rochelle Océan Pass (which gives you unlimited access to Yélo buses, ferry shuttles, TER trains to Rochefort, Niort, Saintes, and even several regional coach lines to Île de Ré, Île d’Oléron, Royan, Surgères, Marans…). And the good news is, La Rochelle and its surroundings are full of places designed for responsible travelers: hotels near the train station, eco-friendly hostels, Accueil Vélo-certified campsites, nature-oriented B&Bs… Here’s our selection of accommodation options in La Rochelle and nearby for a 100% car-free stay.

Must-stays in the city

1. Best Western Masq Hôtel

Located just steps from the train station, the Best Western Masq Hôtel is perfect if you’re arriving by train. Its contemporary style and cozy comfort make it the ideal spot to drop your bags as soon as you step off the TER.

Why we love it: Because you can take advantage of its immediate proximity to the city center and the transport included in your La Rochelle Océan Pass to explore without hassle. Discover La Rochelle and the prettiest nearby villages by train, bus, or bike!

2. Central Hostel La Rochelle

Looking for something between a youth hostel and a hotel? Central Hostel ticks all the boxes: comfortable rooms, a friendly atmosphere, and a location right in the heart of the city.

© Nikki Thebault

Why we love it: Because it’s the perfect base if you want to mix sightseeing, evenings out, and strolls—without ever needing a car.

3. Youth Hostel – Port des Minimes

La Rochelle’s youth hostel is a reliable option for budget-conscious travelers. With the European Ecolabel and Accueil Vélo certification, it includes breakfast and is located right on the Vélodyssée and Vélo Francette cycle routes.

© Auberge de jeunesse de La Rochelle

Why we love it: Because it’s the perfect hostel for cyclists and eco-minded travelers who want simple comfort with an environmental conscience.

Campsites around La Rochelle

4. Camping Le Soleil – La Rochelle

Designed for cycle travelers, Camping Le Soleil has a brand-new Cyclocamp area. You’ll find a communal kitchen, secure bike shelter, charging stations, repair tools, a water fountain, and sheltered tables.

© Camping Le Soleil

Why we love it: Because if you’re into cycling, you’ll find everything you need for a practical and friendly stop, whether you’re on the Vélodyssée or the Vélo Francette.

5. Camping Au Port-Punay – Les Boucholeurs (Châtelaillon-Plage)

In the heart of the small oyster-farming village of Les Boucamping Au Port Punay offers a natural, sustainable vibe. Accessible by bike, it’s perfect if you want to combine environmental respect with a holiday spirit.

© Port Punay

Why we love it: Because this campsite, certified with the European Ecolabel and recognized as an LPO bird sanctuary, multiplies concrete initiatives: nesting boxes, insect hotels, preserved spaces for biodiversity…

6. Camping Le Verger – Dompierre-sur-Mer

Just 8 km from La Rochelle, surrounded by orchards, Camping Le Verger is a peaceful little hideaway. Shady pitches, different food trucks every evening, a friendly atmosphere: everything here exudes simplicity.

© Camping Le Verger

Why we love it: Because this Accueil Vélo-certified campsite is only 850 meters from the Vélodyssée. An ideal stop for cyclists seeking calm and authenticity.

Hidden gems off the beaten path

7. Chambres d’Hôtes Le Moulin d’Esnandes

If you want to step off the beaten track, head to Esnandes and its old mill, now transformed into a charming B&B. Authentic atmosphere and natural surroundings—perfect for a slow-paced break, close to nature and local heritage.

© C. Galletier

Why we love it: Because this charming guesthouse combines simplicity, friendliness, and soft mobility.

And that’s it! With this selection, all you have to do is choose your style: modern comfort in the city, eco-friendly hostel, cycle-friendly campsite, or charming B&B. Slip your La Rochelle Océan Pass into your pocket, and you’ve got the perfect formula for a car-free stay: practical, eco-conscious, and full of discoveries.

This article was written in partnership with the La Rochelle Tourist Office. To find out more, visit larochelle-tourisme.com!

Written by Sophie Renassia

Issue du monde de la communication et des médias, Sophie est Responsable éditoriale chez HOURRAIL ! depuis août 2024. Elle est notamment derrière le contenu éditorial du site, la page Linkedin du média, ainsi que La Locomissive (de l'inspiration voyage bas carbone et des bons plans, un jeudi sur deux, gratuitement dans ta boîte mail !).

Convaincue que les changements d’habitude passent par la transformation de nos imaginaires, elle s’attache à montrer qu’il est possible de voyager autrement, de manière plus consciente, plus lente et plus joyeuse. Son objectif : rendre le slow travel accessible à toutes et tous, à travers des astuces, des décryptages et surtout, de nouveaux récits.