La Rochelle
La Rochelle
La Rochelle
Esnandes
L'Houmeau
La Rochelle
La Rochelle
La Rochelle
Angoulins-sur-mer
La Rochelle
La Rochelle
La Rochelle
Our advice to bring your bike on a train🌎 Countries crossed
🕔 Travel time
💼 Journey type
Weekend in La Rochelle and its surroundings without a car
Fancy a breath of fresh sea air without the car? Head to La Rochelle! From Paris, take the TGV, bike, TER train, and bus to explore Esnandes and its bay, paddle in L'Houmeau, stroll through the old town, and pop over to Angoulins-sur-Mer. With medieval towers, oyster ports, and oceanfront walks, it's the perfect weekend to breathe in the fresh air and treat yourself to a real taste of the Atlantic. For more details, check out our article: “What to do in La Rochelle in 2 days?”
Paris, FranceLa Rochelle, France
High speed train
(≈ 2h50)
Esnandes, FranceL'Houmeau, France
Bike
(≈ 00h40)
L'Houmeau, FranceLa Rochelle, France
Bike
(≈ 00h20)
La Rochelle, FranceAngoulins-sur-mer, France
Regional train
(≈ 00h10)
Angoulins-sur-mer, FranceLa Rochelle, France
Regional train
(≈ 00h10)
La Rochelle, FranceParis, France
High speed train
(≈ 2h50)
Map
Videos
Detailed itinerary
From Paris, the high-speed train will take you directly to La Rochelle. Settle in and set off to explore the Old Port, with its three iconic towers, arcades, and the Saint-Nicolas district, a hotspot for street art and lively terraces. Then rent a bike and cycle to Esnandes, a charming village on the bay (more details in this article on the most beautiful villages around La Rochelle). Here, the Maison de la Baie du Marais Poitevin immerses you in the history of mussel farming, and the fortified church offers a unique view of the Bay of Aiguillon.
From Esnandes, take the TER train to L'Houmeau, a small oyster port where you can rent a kayak or paddleboard and enjoy a refreshing outing on your own. On your way back by bus, enjoy La Rochelle's gastronomic side: the central market, seafood cuisine, or dinner overlooking the ocean. The next day, take the TER train to Angoulins-sur-Mer, a peaceful haven perfect for a contemplative stroll.
Your trip ends back in La Rochelle before you take the TGV back to Paris. In total, allow two to three days to really enjoy the city, the surrounding excursions, and nature activities (walking, cycling, kayaking, etc.).
A good tip before you go: we strongly recommend purchasing a La Rochelle Ocean Pass (available for 48 hours, 72 hours, or 7 days), which gives you access to more than 50 sites and activities, public transportation (buses, regional trains, etc.), all made easy with the app and digital pass.
Paris - La Rochelle
La Rochelle - Esnandes
Esnandes - L'Houmeau
10 line.
L'Houmeau - La Rochelle
La Rochelle - Angoulins-sur-mer
Angoulins-sur-mer - La Rochelle
La Rochelle - Paris
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