13 Tours in La Rochelle to Build a Day Around

1.2-Hour Sunset Sailing Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 652 reviews · 2 hours · from $40Our pick

Meet the Kapalouest crew beside La Rochelle’s historic towers for a two-hour sunset sail on a 16-meter maxi-catamaran. Cruise past the Richelieu Tower and Les Minimes, then cut the engine and let the sails carry you across the water. Bring a picnic, ask the French-speaking crew about local history, and watch the old harbor glow after dark.

“pretty nice Guys, Professional and we Had a really welcoming good time. real sailing time without engines, would do again and thinking since that, how to get a own catamaran, real freedom. Not too crowded.”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.Sailing Cruise to Fort Boyard

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 623 reviews · 4 hours · from $53

You’ll sail from La Rochelle’s old harbor aboard a 16-meter catamaran with a captain and French-speaking crew. Cross the bay, pass Richelieu Tower and Les Minimes, then circle Fort Boyard for photos before relaxing on the trampolines. Bring food and drinks, and expect a four-hour trip in changing weather.

“We had booked earlier trip at midday on previous day but this was deferred due to weather. Our trip left dock at 19.30. Conditions were choppy and seating on catamaran is meagre. Do not recall any info called out re islands we passed. Crew handled navigation with skill and good humour, keenness to say a little in English not huge though.”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.Planet Exotica entrance ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 310 reviews · 2 to 3 hours (approx.) · from $22

Spend two to three hours or more at Planet Exotica Royan, a 7.6-hectare family park with tropical and desert greenhouses, live reptiles, a Japanese Garden, dinosaur models, farm animals, go-karts, trampolines, and seasonal shows. The mobile ticket costs $22.93 per person and allows entry throughout the day.

“Very impressed. The reptiles are so well cared for, all enclosures very well kept and clean. The grounds are beautiful. We went out of season so there weren't any shows or talks about the animals but there was still plenty to do. There are free go karts and trampolines, however we visited on a very hot day with two young children so we didn't use them. There are plenty of trees around so you can find shade whenever needed. The Sunset restaurant was lovely and shaded. The farm animals were very cute, and again very well looked after. There is so much to see and learn. The dinosaur part was…”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.Catamaran Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 252 reviews · 2h 30m · from $40

Meet Marielle, Nathan, or another French-speaking crew member by La Rochelle’s two historic towers. Sail past the Richelieu Tower and Les Minimes, then stop the engine and open the sails offshore. Bring food and drinks for a relaxed apéritif at sea, with 150 minutes for coastline views and local stories.

“L’équipe était très accueillante. Ballade agréable et détendue, agrémentée de quelques anecdotes locales et historiques. Merci!”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.Coastline Sailing Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 240 reviews · 2 hours · from $33

Meet the French-speaking crew at La Rochelle’s old harbor for a two-hour cruise on a 16-meter maxi-catamaran. After passing the harbor towers, Richelieu Tower, Les Minimes, and the End of the World lighthouse, the crew shuts off the engines and unfurls the sails. You can stretch out on the trampolines, enjoy the breeze, and ask about local sailing and history.

“vent et soleil et bonne ambiance. tout ce qu'il fallait pour se sentir bien.😃”

Check availability →Read our full review

6.Discover La Rochelle: Discovery Walking Tour of La Rochelle

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 228 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $48Top rated

Join John McGuiggan for an English-language walk through La Rochelle’s old port, medieval towers, market, cathedral quarter, surviving walls, and Saint-Sauveur Church. In two hours, you’ll get local history, food and restaurant tips, maritime stories, and a clear sense of what to see next. Tower entry is not included.

“John is knowledge and fun. La Rochelle is beautiful and this tour is informative of its history. Must try.”

Check availability →Read our full review

7.The Océâmes Treasure in La Rochelle

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 193 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.)

Follow a Templar-themed treasure hunt through central La Rochelle with a private group of up to six. Martial from Les Océâmes provides a pirate bag, logbook, mysterious grid, and odd objects. You solve observation-based puzzles at your own pace, avoid clever traps, and return to Quai Valin for a final debrief and small surprise.

“Très belle façon de visiter La Rochelle. Permet de voir des recoins à côté desquels on passerait autrement. Sympa à faire en famille.”

Check availability →Read our full review

8.Sailing Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 192 reviews · 3 hours · from $45

Set sail from La Rochelle’s old port aboard Columbus, an 18-meter former Vendée Globe racer turned marine conservation vessel. In three hours, you’ll pass the Richelieu Tower, Bout du Monde lighthouse, and Pertuis sites, then drift under sail while the French crew shares local history and life at sea.

“équipe très sympa, très belle activité même si le soleil n etait pas au rendez vous.”

Check availability →Read our full review

9.1-Hour Boat Tour of the Bay

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 130 reviews · from $20Best value

Spend 75 minutes on a small wooden motorboat touring La Rochelle’s harbor and bay. Your French-speaking captain points out the old port, Les Minimes marina, and the red-and-black Richelieu Tower lighthouse, with some English possible. Bring sun protection, water, and a warm layer because the boat has no shelter or toilet.

“We really enjoyed this trip. There was a nice small group, a very friendly and informative guide and a perfect duration. I'd recommend the trip to anyone.”

Check availability →Read our full review

10.Boat trip to Fort Boyard (2h00)

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 88 reviews · 2 hours · from $27

Set out from La Rochelle’s Old Port for a two-hour guided cruise past the city’s famous towers, Île de Ré, Île d’Oléron, and the coast of Île d’Aix. You’ll view Fort Boyard from the sea aboard a spacious, heated boat. Commentary is in French with English translation. Meet at the ticket office beside the pier.

“Un très bon service , courtoisie , amabilité , gentillesse de l'équipage , je recommande”

Check availability →Read our full review

11.Discovery Walking Tour of La Rochelle

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 72 reviews · 2 hours · from $47

Meet John beside the anchor at Place de la Chaîne for a relaxed, English-language walk through La Rochelle. In two hours, you’ll see the three towers, Fort des Dames, the clock tower, and Hotel de Ville while learning how the city’s rebellious past shaped its culture. Expect food tips and, if timing allows, a Pineau de Charentes tasting.

“John knew how much information to give and how to make it interesting. He was so easy to understand. Honestly this was the best tour we have had on our trip so far.”

Check availability →Read our full review

12.Royan: Planet Exotica Entry Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 37 reviews · 1 day · from $22

Spend a full day at Planet Exotica in Royan exploring recreated tropical and desert habitats, meeting lions, monkeys, and tropical birds, and joining animal presentations. The $22 ticket covers entry only. Food, drinks, and shopping cost extra, while cancellation is free up to 24 hours before your visit.

“A peine aimable à l’accueil quand on arrive avec un billet de votre site Heureusement le lieu est riche et le personnel en charge des animaux Charmants et compétents”

Check availability →Read our full review

13.Private Custom Walking Tour With a Local Guide

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 36 reviews · 2 - 3 hours · from $55

Explore La Rochelle privately with a local guide for 2 to 3 hours. Meet at your city hotel or another agreed point, then walk from the Old Port to the Grosse Horloge, harbor towers, central market, cathedral, Allée du Mail, and Plage de la Concurrence. English, French, and Spanish tours are available, with museum visits possible by prior request.

“Belle découverte de La Rochelle avec notre guide Jean-Baptiste.”

Check availability →Read our full review