The Old Port - FDHPA17

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2 September 2025

The Old Port Iconic location highlighted by its two towers


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A Must-Do Stroll in the Heart of La Rochelle’s Old Town

Located in the historic heart, the Old Port is, without a doubt, the liveliest spot in La Rochelle. The two towers guarding its entrance are the most iconic monuments of the Protestant city.

Quai Duperré

Treat yourself to a relaxing moment by strolling along Quai Duperré. Comfortably settled on one of the cafe terraces bordering the marina, let yourself dream… The Old Port district is only accessible to pedestrians and cyclists, which makes the walk along the quays even more enjoyable.

Fancy an ice cream? Head to Ernest the ice cream maker, the favorite spot for locals. You’ll surely be tempted to try one of his artisanal sorbet and ice cream specialties!

Cours Des Dames

You will then walk along the Cours des Dames, where artisans display their creations during the summer months. From here, you can board a boat for a sea cruise to Fort Boyard or Île d’Aix. Other shipping companies await you a little further behind the Chain Tower.

You can also enjoy a passage between the two towers with le Passeur, a solar-electric bus boat. For the modest price of a bus ticket, treat yourself to a five-minute boat trip to reach the Médiathèque district.

From here, you can easily access the Aquarium or the Maritime Museum by taking the elegant footbridge located in the middle of the Grand Yachts Basin.

La Rochelle port at night

The Wall Walk

If you continue your stroll to the end of Cours des Dames, you will arrive at the foot of the Chain Tower. Take the stairs on your right to reach the wall walk that connects the round tower to the Lantern Tower, with its pointed summit.

The view from the top of La Rochelle’s ancient ramparts is magical. You overlook the Saint-Jean-d’Acre esplanade, the outer marina, and in the background, you can see the many masts of the Minimes port.

And if you wish to further dominate La Rochelle’s harbor, treat yourself to a visit to the Lantern Tower, a remarkable 15th-century structure. Standing 60 meters tall, the Lantern Tower is the highest of La Rochelle’s three towers. Its 30-meter-high octagonal spire served as a landmark for navigation. Halfway up, a balcony offers a breathtaking panoramic view of La Rochelle’s port and the rooftops of the old town.

Saint-Nicolas Tower

If you suffer from vertigo, visit the Saint-Nicolas Tower instead. It is the smallest of La Rochelle’s towers. The 14th-century edifice is a true fortress resembling a medieval keep. The octagonal Governors’ Room is covered by a very elegant ribbed vault. From between the battlements of the upper platform, you can contemplate the view of the harbor entrance. To reach the Saint-Nicolas Tower, take the Passeur boat from the Cours des Dames and walk along the Gabut district.

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