Fly from Nice to La Rochelle

La Rochelle and the surrounding region is a paradise for a family holiday or a romantic getaway. As a couple, you can give yourselves over to the easy living you’ll find in this port city. Take a break on a sunny terrace on the Old Port, an indulgent stroll through the market, and then steal a kiss as the sun goes down and head out for a fun-filled night of culture at a classical music or rock concert. The next morning, take an excursion to the Cognac vineyards and check out the major estates.
Going as a family? The program is rich and fun-filled: visit breathtakingly beautiful islands; ride bikes together along the cycle paths that run parallel to the sea; build sand castles on the endless beaches; learn about marine animals at one of the largest private aquariums in Europe; or else put on your wellies and go fishing for shellfish at low tide for crabs, clams, and snails.

• Linger in the Old Port, the epicentre of summer life in La Rochelle. Climb up La Chaîne and Saint Nicolas, the two towers that protect the port, for a great view over the city, the ocean, and the Tour de la Lantern - the oldest lighthouse on the Atlantic coast.
• Discover the rich heritage of the city by strolling through its beautiful porticoed streets. Don’t miss the Saint-Louis Cathedral and its unforgettable stained glass windows, the St. Bartholomew bell tower, the Great Clock Tower, City Hall, the Maison Henri II - a jewel of the Renaissance, and more.
• Climb aboard a trawler or tugboat at the Maritime Museum. Go back in time to the Nazi occupation and their horrid U-Boats at the Bunker of La Rochelle. Take in the wonders at the Automata (and Miniature Model) Museum.
• Discover the secrets hidden at the bottom of the ocean at the La Rochelle Aquarium. It was established in the Old Port 20 years ago and is one of Europe's largest. More than 12,000 different marine species can be found here, including a number of extraordinary sharks.
• Get some fresh air by walking or cycling along the trails in Charruyer Park. Located in the heart of the city with a canal running through it, this 40-hectare oasis of green has play areas as well as a small animal park.
• Lie on the beach and breathe in the ocean air as you bask in the sun! La Rochelle has some amazing beaches: Chef-en-Baie, the closest to city centre; Concurrence, which is great for kids; and Minimes, which you can get to on the “sea bus”.
• Wander around the Halles de La Rochelle, a building of glass, forged iron and bricks that’s nearly 200 years old. It still plays home to the best food stalls in the city. All the best Charentes has to offer!
• By bus or boat, head out to the Île de Ré, an island that neighbours La Rochelle and the 4th largest island in France by surface area. This gorgeous setting has views and history to keep you entertained for a whole day - or a whole holiday.
• Set sail for less than an hour and head to the Île d’Oléron, La Rochelle's other large neighbouring island. Why? For its charming villages, fortifications (including the famous Fort Boyard), and its equally famous Marennes oysters you can sample fresh from the farm.
• Paddle out to the heart of the Poitevin marshlands, the Green Venice, with its thousands of canals and channels bordered by hundred-year-old trees. A wonderful meeting of Man and Nature. An Eden you can see by boat, as well as on foot or by bike along the many marked trails.