La Rochelle was our first stop on the road trip to Spain. We’d driven almost 950 kilometers from The Hague, and to be honest, we were all a bit tired. My husband had visited La Rochelle many years ago and always talked about how beautiful it was. He really wanted the kids and me to see it—and maybe feel what he felt back then.
At first, I wasn’t impressed. The area where our hotel was didn’t have much charm, and I was already thinking, “Why did we stop here?” But we decided to go for a walk, just to get a feel of the town. That little walk turned into something much more—and showed us some of the highlights of La Rochelle.
The Walk That Changed My Mind
As we made our way toward the Old Port, we passed the maritime museum right by the harbor. To our surprise, one of the old boats had even been turned into a restaurant. Walking further, everything started to reveal itself—yachts and sailboats arriving through the narrow port entrance, and just behind, the town unfolding like a postcard.
It was such a beautiful scene and already one of my favorite memories of visiting La Rochelle.
The Old Port at Sunset
We arrived just in time for sunset at the Old Port of La Rochelle. The golden light touched the water, the boats, the limestone houses. People were out having dinner, music in the background, the harbor alive with energy. There were even street performers and jugglers entertaining the crowds, which made the atmosphere even more joyful and fun for the kids.
It’s one of the most beautiful places I’ve seen—not just in France, but anywhere. Suddenly, I understood why my husband had carried this memory for more than 30 years.
A Short but Sweet Stay
We didn’t have much time—another 700 kilometers were waiting for us the next day until Burgos. But before leaving, we did what we always do in France: skipped the hotel breakfast and went to a small boulangerie instead. Nothing beats a fresh baguette in the morning. Simple, delicious, and very French.
And here’s a funny little family ritual: my son insists that we always buy medicines from France. He’s convinced they are better—and even taste better—than the ones we get at home!
Why La Rochelle Belongs on Your Bucket List
So, what makes La Rochelle worth visiting? For us, it was the mix of romance, laid-back charm, fresh seafood, and a harbor that feels alive. Whether you’re traveling as a couple or with kids, there are so many options in La Rochelle—from riding the sea bus across the harbor to simply watching the yachts sail in at sunset.
How to Get to La Rochelle
✈️ By Plane
La Rochelle has its own airport (La Rochelle – Île de Ré Airport), with direct flights from London, Dublin, Brussels, Geneva, and several French cities like Lyon and Paris (seasonal routes too).
From the airport, it’s just a short 15-minute drive into the city center.
🚗 By Road
From Paris: about 4.5–5 hours by car (470 km).
From Bordeaux: about 2 hours (190 km).
From Nantes: about 2 hours (150 km).
From Spain (Bilbao/Burgos region): around 5–6 hours depending on the route.
It’s very well connected by motorways, making it an easy stop on a longer road trip—just like ours.
to Spain
If you’re planning a road trip from Northern Europe to Spain, La Rochelle is the perfect stop to break up the journey.
From The Hague or Belgium, it’s a manageable first day of driving.
After La Rochelle, you can continue south toward Burgos, Santander, or Bilbao.
It’s also a nice detour if you’re heading toward Portugal—you get the French seaside charm before crossing into Spain.
For families like ours, it worked out perfectly: the kids had fun with the sea bus, the street performers, and the evening stroll, and we felt refreshed before tackling the next long drive.
✨ To sum it up: La Rochelle may have just been a stop on our way to Spain, but it turned into something unforgettable. Romantic, laid-back, and beautiful—it’s one of those places that deserves to be on your travel bucket list.
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