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The city of La Rochelle has developed around its historical centre into a relatively large town by French standards. With its 100,000 inhabitants, it is without question the city of the Charente Maritime area. There are four distinct neighbourhoods in La Rochelle: the historical city centre; the "new town" of Les Minimes, resolutely turned towards the future; the residential and industrial inner suburbs; and finally the east of Ré Island, an area renowned for its relaxing atmosphere, where many of the wealthiest Rochelais have chosen to live.
City Centre
A triangle between Place de Verdun, the Porte Royale and the Tour de la Lanterne makes up the historical heart of the city, with narrow streets and a complex layout. Head for the tourist information board, close by you will find the Tour Saint-Nicolas, from which you will have a beautiful view of the vieux port, the true core of La Rochelle. From the cathedral onwards, there are museums such as le Musée du Nouveau Monde and le Musée des Beaux-Arts , culture is definitely not forgotten.
You won't have any trouble finding a restaurant in this part of the city, the sheer number of places to stop for a meal being most impressive.
Les Minimes
This is the first neighbourhood you will see if you arrive in La Rochelle by train, since the station is very nearby. If the city centre neighbourhood is somewhat turned towards the past and the history of La Rochelle. It has become famous thanks to its marina, one of the largest in Europe, with more than 3,500 moorings. The sea is never far away, a must see being the musée maritime Neptunéa and the fantastic beach that makes a great day out.
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