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

Published on September 13, 2025, modified on October 7, 2025

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

Photo : Best Western Premier Le Masq Hôtel

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 Premier Le Masq Hôtel

Located just steps from the train station, the Best Western Premier Le 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 train.

©Rosalie Borde - Best Western Premier Le Masq Hôtel

Why do we love it? Because you can take advantage of the immediate proximity to the city center and the transportation included in your La Rochelle Océan Pass to explore without constraints. Discover La Rochelle and the prettiest nearby villages by train, bus, or bike! But above all, because the Masq Hotel stands out for its strong commitment to the environment and the region!

In terms of its ecological impact, after conducting a carbon assessment in 2023, the establishment launched numerous initiatives to reduce its footprint: installation of solar panels, renovation of the facade and replacement of windows to limit heat loss, centralized switches and detectors on windows, water fountains in common areas, provision of bicycles, and electric car charging stations. The hotel also participates in the preservation of biodiversity with beehives installed on the roof and bird and lizard nesting boxes in partnership with local associations. Waste is recycled using innovative methods, from transforming bio-waste into fertilizer to recovering corks. The hotel has even contributed to the financing of an orchard in Longèves to strengthen the region's carbon sinks!

©Rosalie Borde - Best Western Premier Le Masq Hôtel

And the commitment doesn't stop there, as the hotel also supports social and cultural initiatives: a training program has been set up to help migrants find jobs as housekeeping staff, and the hotel finances and hosts several iconic cultural events in La Rochelle, such as the Film Festival, the FIFAV, and the Francofolies, organizing concerts to promote young artists. Finally, through the “Ocean Lovers” campaign, 15% of the revenue generated during Valentine's Day weekend is donated to ocean protection associations (an initiative that raised more than €5,000 in 2025), while waste collection events are regularly organized on the beach and in the port to raise awareness among staff.

In short, this is a place where comfort and responsibility go hand in hand, for a pleasant and socially conscious stay in La Rochelle!

And the good news is that with the promo code “HOURRAIL25,” you can enjoy a 20% discount on any stay between September 16 and December 30, 2025, inclusive, booked through the official Masq Hotel website!*

take advantage of the promo code (-20%)

*Conditions: offer valid on all room categories subject to availability, cannot be combined with any other current offers. Applicable only to the best available rate. Breakfast and additional services are extra.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.