La Rochelle

Picturesque La Rochelle, located on the Atlantic coast of western France, is known as the "White City" thanks to its luminous limestone facades. This historic port and popular resort attracts travellers with its rich history and maritime atmosphere, and you can get here in various ways: by direct flight, by train, or by car. Regardless of the chosen route, a trip to La Rochelle promises to be the start of an exciting adventure.

The fastest way to reach the coast is to fly directly to the local La Rochelle Airport (LRH), which receives flights from a number of European cities and is excellently connected to the centre. This compact aviation hub allows tourists to start their holiday almost immediately after landing, bypassing long transfers.

If there are no direct tickets, airports in neighbouring major cities will be a convenient alternative. Travellers most often choose to fly via Nantes (NTE), located approximately 122 km away, or via Poitiers (PIS), situated at a similar distance. From these cities, you can easily continue your journey to the ocean by ground transport.

Although direct rail service to the very centre may be limited, travellers often choose combined routes via the region's major transport hubs. It is convenient to take a train to the city of Nantes, which is about 122 km away and receives many high-speed trains from across the country.

Another popular option is a trip via Poitiers or the port city of Saint-Nazaire. From these stations, you can continue your journey on regional transport, enjoying the scenic views of western France on the way to the coast.

Travelling by bus is a budget-friendly and sufficiently comfortable way to get to the coast. Regular services connect La Rochelle with neighbouring major cities. One of the most popular routes runs from the city of Nantes: the journey will take about 2.9 hours, covering a distance of 152 km.

It is also convenient to travel from the historic city of Poitiers, from where the bus takes approximately 2.5 hours. This is an excellent option for those who want to save money while seeing the changing landscapes of the New Aquitaine region.

Travelling by car offers freedom of movement and the opportunity to plan stops independently. The quickest drive is from the city of Poitiers: a journey of about 146 km will take just 1.7 hours on high-quality French roads.

The road from the city of Nantes will also not tire the driver, taking approximately 1.8 hours (136 km). If you are driving from the direction of Saint-Nazaire, expect to spend about 2.5 hours on the road, covering a distance of slightly over 200 km.

To ensure your journey to La Rochelle is as comfortable as possible and leaves only pleasant memories, it is worth considering a few local features in advance. Here is a list of practical recommendations for preparing for your trip:

1. Clothing and Essentials: Due to the proximity of the Atlantic, the weather can be changeable. Even in summer, be sure to bring a windbreaker or light raincoat, as well as comfortable shoes for walking on cobblestones.
2. Transport: The city is famous for its bicycle rental system (the famous yellow bicycles). This is the best way to move around the centre and the waterfronts.
3. Finance: Currency — Euro (EUR). Bank cards are accepted almost everywhere, but it is better to carry some cash for paying for small souvenirs or at markets.
4. Health and Safety: The city is very calm and safe. Pharmacies are easily recognised by the green neon cross, and the single emergency number is 112.
5. Communication: The official language is French. In tourist places, staff often speak English, but by learning a couple of phrases in the local language, you will earn the respect of the residents.
6. Local Etiquette: When entering a shop or cafe, be sure to say "Bonjour" (Good day) — this is not just a formality, but an important part of the culture.
7. What to Avoid: Do not plan lunch after 14:00. Many restaurants close their kitchens between lunch and dinner (approximately from 14:00 to 19:00).
8. Additional Tip: Be sure to try the local seafood, especially oysters, which are considered some of the best in the region.

By following these simple tips, you will be able to easily settle into the rhythm of life in this charming seaside city and enjoy its unique atmosphere.