Starting from La Rochelle

La Rochelle, the Atlantic city, boasts an abundance of culture and heritage, with the sea and nature as its backdrop. There are unrivalled opportunities for sports, leisure and gastronomy. From La Rochelle, full- or half-day excursions can be made to the islands of Aix or Oléron, or inland to Rochefort, Cognac or Niort - Marais Poitevin.

DAY 1 - La Rochelle 

• 
  Morning: stroll along the old port and visit the famous towers. After a coffee break on a café terrace, head down the cobbled streets of the town centre on foot or by bike, to the central market to sample some of the local produce. Lunch on the terrace on the quays.
• Afternoon: visit the Maritime Museum, the old bunker, and the aquarium, one of the largest in Europe.
• Evening: boat cruise at sunset to the legendary Fort Boyard, a majestic stone fortification in the middle of the sea.

EXCURSION 1 (full day) : Île de Ré 

The Île de Ré is linked to La Rochelle by a 2.9 km long bridge. The island is an 85-sq-km haven for nature, and a cycling paradise, with 100km of bike paths.

• Don’t miss: the island’s charming small villages • the salt marshes • the Vauban fortifications at Saint-Martin-de-Ré, which are classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site • the magnificent bell tower of Ars-en-Ré.
• Unique experiences: climbing the whale lighthouse • tasting oysters in an oyster farmer’s cabin or one of the 77 flavours of the famous ice cream maker “La Martinière” at Saint-Martin-de-Ré.

EXCURSION 2 (half-day) : Rochefort

An essential stopover, Rochefort has preserved its special maritime heritage.

• Don’t miss: the Royal Cordery • the Navy Museum • the frigate L’Hermione • the discovery in 3D of the Pierre Loti house at the Hèbre Museum.
• Unique experiences: venturing into the ropes of the Accro-mâts.

EXCURSION 3 (full day) : Niort - Marais Poitevin

Known as a “Green Venice”, this protected natural area in the Poitou Marsh has been classified as a Grand Site de France and a regional nature park since 2014. It’s a place to get closer to nature, observe the fauna and flora, and relax in the
countryside.

• Don’t miss: boat trip or a bike ride along the paths and canals • visit the Ornithological Park “Les Oiseaux du Marais Poitevin” and take a tour of the Maison du Marais Poitevin •  the ecomuseum of the Marais Poitevin regional park. Also worth a visit are the Halles and the Niort Dungeon.
• Unique experiences: Take a canoe trip into the heart of the Marais, where a guide can show you the secret of fire on the water.

EXCURSION 4 (full day) : Cognac and its famous houses

In Cognac, city and brandy are one. This excursion immerses the visitor in the unique world of Cognac, caught between history and modernity.

• Don’t miss: a visit of the old town of Cognac • a visit of the Cognac Arts Museum • a guided tour and tasting in the great Cognac houses (Courvoisier, Hennessy, Martell, and Meukow).
• Unique experiences: a cognac and chocolate workshop offered by the Maison Rémy Martin • a visit to a cooper’s workshop and a tasting course at the Maison Martell • a relaxing boat trip on the Charente river.