A family day out in La Rochelle

Marie from Domaine de la Coutardiere
1 July 2026
8.00 AM
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A family day out in La Rochelle: ocean, history and discovery

Summary for those in a hurry

Around 1h15 from Saint-Vincent-sur-Jard, La Rochelle is an ideal family getaway during a stay in the Vendée. The Old Port, medieval towers, must-see aquarium and walks or bike rides make for a rich, accessible and relaxing day out, perfect for young and old alike.

La Rochelle, a different way of breathing for a day

When you stay in the Vendée, La Rochelle offers a slightly different kind of break. A different pace. A different atmosphere. You leave the calm of the villages for a lively, but never stuffy, port town.

It's a town where you walk a lot, look at the water and take your time to stroll around. It's an outing that I often recommend to families who want a change of scenery... without having to travel too far.

The Old Port: the beating heart of La Rochelle

La Rochelle's Old Port is the ideal starting point. Children love to watch the boats, the old riggings and the comings and goings of passers-by. Parents can enjoy the lively atmosphere of the terraces and the light reflected on the water.

This is where you immediately feel the maritime soul of La Rochelle.

Quay and lighthouse of Gabut seen from the Saint-Nicolas Tower of La Rochelle

The towers of La Rochelle: tracing the thread of history

It's impossible to miss La Rochelle's famous Towers: the Tour Saint-Nicolas, the Tour de la Chaîne and the Tour de la Lanterne. Built between the XIVᵉ and XVᵉ centuries, they once protected the entrance to the port.

Today, you can visit them and climb to the top for a magnificent view of the city and the ocean. It's a lively, hands-on way for children to learn about maritime history.

The La Rochelle Aquarium: a must-see for all the family

If there's one activity not to be missed, it's the Aquarium de La Rochelle. With over 12,000 marine animals, it's one of the largest aquariums in Europe. Hypnotic jellyfish, impressive sharks, turtles... there's something for everyone. It's also an ideal place to take a quiet break in the middle of the day.

A word of advice: remember to book your tickets in advance, especially during school holidays.

Walk or cycle to the rhythm of La Rochelle

If there's one activity not to be missed, it's the Aquarium de La Rochelle. With over 12,000 marine animals, it's one of the largest aquariums in Europe. Hypnotic jellyfish, impressive sharks, turtles... there's something for everyone. It's also an ideal place to take a quiet break in the middle of the day.

A word of advice: remember to book your tickets in advance, especially during school holidays.

Gourmet break: savour the moment

La Rochelle is full of family-friendly places to enjoy a simple lunch: mussels and chips, crêpes, fresh fish, homemade ice creams...

La Rochelle's Marché Central is also a great place to put together a picnic to enjoy by the ocean. It's a simple, family-friendly experience.

Shopping street with arcades in La Rochelle city centre

Tower of the Lighthouse at dusk – La Rochelle

You might be wondering?

Yes, the city is very pleasant to visit with children, thanks to its pedestrian areas, walks and cultural activities.

Yes, one day is enough to discover the must-sees. But if you want to delve deeper, two days are ideal.

Yes, especially during school holidays and in summer.

Yes, you can visit the city centre on foot or by bike.

An ideal getaway during your stay at Domaine de la Coutardière

From the Domaine de la Coutardière, our group gîte in the Vendée, La Rochelle can be reached in around 1 hour 15 minutes. It's a perfect way to combine nature, peace and quiet with urban discovery.

And in the evening, when we return to the gîte, we appreciate even more the return to peace and quiet after the hustle and bustle of the city.

DISCOVER OUR GÎTE

La Rochelle, a lasting memory

La Rochelle has a special talent for appealing to the whole family, without ever overdoing it. We leave with images of boats, towers, multicoloured fish... and the impression of having experienced a full, rich and different day.

A real interlude to include in your holiday in the Vendée.

Domaine de la Coutardière - heated indoor swimming pool Vendée

Domaine de la Coutardière exterieurs (2)

Marie and Ghyslain

About the authors of the article

We are Marie and Ghyslain, farmers in the Vendée and owners of Domaine de la Coutardière, a group gîte with indoor pool located in Saint-Vincent-sur-Jard, just a few minutes from the ocean.

We live at the heart of our family farm and have designed this place so that families and friends can get together, slow down and create real memories together.

Through this blog, we share our favourites in the Vendée, our ideas for outings and our good addresses, to make your stay here as easy as it is memorable.

CONTACT US

A family day out in La Rochelle: ocean, history and discovery

Summary for those in a hurry

The Old Port: the beating heart of La Rochelle

The towers of La Rochelle: tracing the thread of history

The La Rochelle Aquarium: a must-see for all the family

Gourmet break: savour the moment

You might be wondering?

Is La Rochelle suitable for families with children?

Is one day enough to visit La Rochelle?

Do I need to book the Aquarium in advance?

Is it easy to get around without a car?

An ideal getaway during your stay at Domaine de la Coutardière

La Rochelle, a lasting memory

Marie and Ghyslain