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Photo: © Destination Cote Atlantique - Farid Makhlouf
Only got two days to explore La Rochelle? Good news: that's plenty of time to soak up the seaside atmosphere, stroll through the narrow streets, climb the medieval towers, set sail and even venture out to the surrounding villages. And you can do it all without ever touching a steering wheel, thanks to the La Rochelle Océan Pass, which gives you unlimited access to Yélo buses, ferry boats, TER trains to Rochefort, Niort, and Saintes, as well as regional buses to Île de Ré, Oléron, Royan, Surgères, and Marans.
Rosalie, our Head of Partnerships, went to test out a two-day micro-adventure in La Rochelle herself. She rented a bike with Cycling Tour (where you get a 30% discount with the La Rochelle Océan Pass!), dropped her bag at the Best Western Premier Le Masq Hôtel near the station, and let herself be carried away by the ocean, the boats… and the local flavors. Follow the guide.
The adventure begins as soon as you step off the train, right in the city center at La Rochelle station.
After dropping off your bag at the Best Western Premier Le Masq Hôtel, head to the Old Port: panoramic views of the three iconic towers, cobbled streets, arcades, and the Grosse Horloge clock tower. With your La Rochelle Ocean Pass, continue with a 45-minute guided tour, “La Rochelle, the essentials,” perfect for capturing the soul of the city. Then head to the Tour de la Lanterne (admission included in the Pass) to admire the view of the channel and La Rochelle from the top of the tower.
© Rosalie Borde - The view of the city from the tower
A view that is well worth the detour, as Rosalie confirms: “The view from the top of the Tour de la Lanterne tower is amazing! But what really struck us were the graffiti drawings made by imprisoned sailors: true works of art!”
Rosalie at the top of the tower
Just a stone's throw away, we highly recommend lunch at Bagout, in the heart of the Saint-Nicolas district, renowned for its designer boutiques and the street art that adorns the walls of its cobbled streets. A great place to enjoy home-cooked food, with vegetarian options available.
Rosalie is ready to ride!
In the afternoon, you can rent a bike from Cycling Tour,, where you can get a 30% discount with your pass, and ride to the village of Esnandes (which we discuss in detail in this this article). And of course, if you don't feel like cycling, you can also take the bus there.
© Rosalie Borde - The kind of landscapes you can discover along your walk
In Esnandes, your Océan Pass opens the doors to the Maison de la Baie du Marais Poitevin. On the agenda: mussel farming museum, exhibition space, shop selling regional products, as well as a visit to the nearby fortified church with panoramic views of Aiguillon Bay.
© LRTE - The imposing fortified church opposite the Maison de la Baie in the Marais Poitevin
A little further away (6 minutes by bike), at Pointe Saint-Clément, you can also watch birds in the company of ornithologists from the LPO (League for the Protection of Birds). We recommend you climb up high and admire the view from the fortified church, but also lower down from Pointe St Clément!
© Rosalie Borde - The view from Pointe St Clément: doesn't it make you want to go there?
And to end the afternoon on a high note, set sail! Head to L'Houmeau to rent a self-service sea kayak with Kayakomat. How does it work? Before you arrive, you reserve an individual kayak, a tandem kayak, or a paddleboard online (rentals start from one hour - two hours for paddleboarding - minimum). On the day of your reservation, you will receive a code by email and text message, and you can pick up your equipment. Once unlocked, you will find everything you need inside (life jacket and paddles).
© Rosalie Borde - Kayaking + sea = the ultimate combo
Rosalie's feedback: “Self-service rental is super convenient! However, be sure to check the weather forecast so you don't go out when the winds are too strong :).”
After all that effort, it's time to relax: for dinner, we recommend Port Lauzières, a charming restaurant with Accueil Vélo and Destination d'Excellence certification, open from spring until the last weekend in October. A warm, family atmosphere, a unique setting (with a covered terrace overlooking the ocean, an exceptional view of the Pertuis Breton, the Île de Ré and its bridge, and a peaceful little garden), commitment (Tourisme & Handicap label, short supply chains, local, high-quality products)... This restaurant ticks all the boxes! Tested and approved by Rosalie: “The perfect place to enjoy delicious seafood in an idyllic setting, with a genuine commitment to quality!”
© Rosalie Borde - If you enjoy seafood, this is the place to go.
And if you still have some energy left, you can grab a last drink at Uini’s Bar (notice to rugby fans: the bar has been created by Uini Anonia, a player from the La Rochelle stadium) before heading back to the hotel for a well-deserved rest at Best Western Premier Le Masq Hôtel (which we discuss in more detail in this this article).
© Rosalie Borde - The kind of buffet that makes you want to have breakfast at a hotel
What's more, with the promo code “HOURRAIL25,” you can enjoy a 20% discount on any stay between September 16 and December 30, 2025, inclusive, booked via the official website of Masq Hôtel!
On this second day, don't miss La Rochelle's Central Market. Start the day by strolling through this iconic market and its 19th-century halls.
© Rosalie Borde - The colorful market
Continue on to the Maritime Museum of La Rochelle, located in the former trawler basin of the Old Port. Here you will discover nine ships steeped in history, eight of which are classified as historic monuments!
© Rosalie Borde - A trawler steeped in history at the Maritime Museum
Take a gourmet break at Palem Café, a delightful spot where everything is homemade. On the menu: bowls, avocado toast, smoothies, and more. Treat yourself just steps away from the market!
© Rosalie Borde - Relaxed atmosphere on the terrace of the Palem Café
Tested and approved by Rosalie: “It's fresh, it's good, with lots of vegetarian and gluten-free options, and the atmosphere is really nice: a great way to start the day!”
Then, thanks to your La Rochelle Océan Pass, you can take the TER train to reach Angoulins-sur-Mer, a small coastal village south of La Rochelle, in just a few minutes. Here, everything exudes Atlantic tranquility: the carrelets (fishing huts on stilts typical of the region), the salt marshes that reflect the sky, and the port of Loiron, a former oyster port. A small, timeless haven, ideal for a break between the sea and nature.
© Rosalie Borde - The charm of the seaside in Angoulins-sur-Mer
Back in La Rochelle (also by TER train), if you have the time and inclination, take the electric solar ferry (included in the Pass) which will drop you off a stone's throw from the Kapalouest catamaran. Set sail for the Phare du Bout du Monde lighthouse, the famous Fort Boyard, or even the island of Aix and its little lighthouse at the end of the world!
© Rosalie Borde - On board the Kapalouest catamaran
If you're not leaving until the next day, head to Rue Saint-Jean du Pérot (full of restaurants and terraces). We recommend dining at Eïla, a chic and welcoming Mediterranean restaurant that also offers excellent vegetarian options. It's the perfect place to enjoy dinner on the terrace in a lively atmosphere before saying goodbye to the city.
© Rosalie Borde - Chez Eïla
And before ending your stay, take the time to stroll around the Old Port and its surroundings once again. It's impossible to tire of this iconic setting: the three medieval towers guarding the entrance, the pretty cobbled streets, and the Grosse Horloge clock tower marking the passage to the shopping arcades.
© Les Conteurs - La Rochelle
We'll leave the last word to Rosalie: “We had a wonderful stay in La Rochelle. The La Rochelle Ocean Pass allowed us to discover the city and its surroundings in a different way, to do activities that we wouldn't necessarily have thought of. Two days rich in discoveries, combining heritage, outdoor activities, sailing, and history!”
And that’s it, you’re ready to head home with salt in your hair, sea air in your lungs, and memories to last a lifetime! So, tempted to try this adventure?
This article was written in partnership with the La Rochelle Tourist Office. To find out more, visit larochelle-tourisme.com!
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.
