Top 4 Itineraries in La Rochelle

No matter how long you plan to stay, there’s a perfect trip to La Rochelle.

If you only have a few days, La Rochelle weekend getaways are the perfect option. A 3 to 5-day stay in La Rochelle offers just enough time to soak in the highlights

For a balanced mix of sightseeing and relaxation, city breaks in La Rochelle are ideal. With a few extra days, you can dive deeper into La Rochelle’s most iconic landmarks, stroll through charming neighborhoods, and savor local cuisine at a leisurely pace.

For those who crave freedom and discovery, road trips through La Rochelle offer the perfect opportunity to explore beyond the city. With the open road ahead, you’ll uncover France's most scenic landscapes, visit charming towns, and discover hidden gems along the way.

For sun seekers, beach vacations in La Rochelle offer the perfect escape. Whether 5, 7 or 10 days, spend them unwinding on sandy shores, swimming in crystal-clear waters, and soaking up the coastal beauty.

Explore all the best trips for every travel style below and make your next trip to La Rochelle truly unforgettable!

If you’re as convinced as we are that La Rochelle belongs on your bucket list, you're in luck. The best trips to La Rochelle are just a quick search away.

Enter your dates below to discover the best travel packages in La Rochelle and start planning your next trip!

Discover the perfect La Rochelle itinerary with our handpicked list. Whether you're in La Rochelle for a short stay or a longer visit, there's an itinerary for you.

With detailed routes, top attractions, and insider tips, these 4 itineraries will help you experience the best of La Rochelle without missing a thing. Dive into our list and learn how to plan the ultimate trip to La Rochelle!

A scenic 6-day road trip through Lourdes, Lormont, Aspin-en-Lavedan, Gez, and Le Lazaret is one of the best ways to experience France. With the freedom to travel at your own pace, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to make spontaneous stops between the planned activities on your itinerary.

A 6-day itinerary means that La Rochelle can easily be combined with other top destinations in France without stress. While it’s possible to travel between Lourdes, Lormont, Aspin-en-Lavedan, Gez, and Le Lazaret by public transport, renting a car in France opens up a whole new level of freedom!

So, with 6 days to spend, all you need is a rental car, some hotel reservations, and this iconic road trip itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive in Biarritz

• Arrival city: Anglet
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Bayonne, e.g., Campanile Saint Jean De Luz
• Sightseeing: Forêt de Chiberta

Begin your road trip adventure by picking up your rental car at the airport upon arrival in Biarritz. Drive to your centrally located hotel, which offers convenient access to local attractions. Spend the day exploring nearby sights, and in the evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, sampling regional flavors and soaking up the atmosphere.

Day 2: Explore Biarritz, Saint-Jean-de-Luz, and Bayonne

• Destinations: Biarritz, Saint-Jean-de-Luz, and Bayonne
• Driving distance: 261.54 km, approx. 3 hours and 54 minutes
• Accommodation: hotel in Bordeaux, e.g., Staycity Aparthotels
• Sightseeing: Rocher de la Vierge, Le Train de La Rhune, Biarritz Aquarium, and Fort de Socoa
• Recommended tour: Saint-Emilion Day Trip from Bordeaux with Sightseeing & Wine Tastings

Set out on a day of discovery and visit Rocher de la Vierge, Le Train de La Rhune, Biarritz Aquarium, and Fort de Socoa. Take time to enjoy the scenery and local highlights of Biarritz, Saint-Jean-de-Luz, and Bayonne, with the freedom to stop at whatever sight catches your interest. By the end of the day, check-in at a new hotel, located in central Bordeaux.

Day 3: Discover Lormont, Bordeaux, and Arcachon

• Destinations: Lormont, Bordeaux, and Arcachon
• Driving distance: 149.15 km, approx. 2 hours and 54 minutes
• Accommodation: hotel in Bordeaux, e.g., Staycity Aparthotels
• Sightseeing: Dune of Pilat, Jardin Public, La Cité du Vin, Miroir d'eau, and Place de la Bourse
• Recommended tour: Small-Group Wine Tasting and Chateaux Tour in Medoc or St-Emilion from Bordeaux

Spend the day exploring Dune of Pilat, Jardin Public, La Cité du Vin, Miroir d'eau, and Place de la Bourse. Take scenic drives or walking tours to experience the area’s charm at your own pace.

Day 4: Experience Lourdes, Aspin-en-Lavedan, and Gez

• Destinations: Lourdes, Aspin-en-Lavedan, and Gez
• Driving distance: 318.75 km, approx. 4 hours and 2 minutes
• Accommodation: hotel in Carcassonne, e.g., La Maison Vintage
• Sightseeing: Animal Park of the Pyrenees, Funiculaire du Pic du Jer, and Château Fort Musée Pyrénéen
• Recommended tour: Private guided tour of the city of Carcassonne

Continue your journey through Lourdes, Aspin-en-Lavedan, and Gez, where you can explore Animal Park of the Pyrenees, Funiculaire du Pic du Jer, and Château Fort Musée Pyrénéen. Make time for a break at a cozy café or scenic picnic spot. Wrap up the day by checking in at a hotel in the heart of Carcassonne.

Day 5: Enjoy Sightseeing in Lourdes and Argelès-Gazost

• Destinations: Lourdes and Argelès-Gazost
• Driving distance: 278.93 km, approx. 4 hours and 22 minutes
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Bayonne, e.g., Campanile Saint Jean De Luz
• Sightseeing: Grottes de Bétharram, Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, Pont d'Espagne, and Basilica of St. Pius X
• Recommended tour: Unusual and ecological ride on a Segway and electric bike in Bayonne

Drive through Lourdes and Argelès-Gazost, stopping to visit Grottes de Bétharram, Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, Pont d'Espagne, and Basilica of St. Pius X. Don't forget to embrace the opportunity to explore smaller towns and hidden gems along the way. Conclude your day by settling into a centrally located hotel in Bayonne.

Day 6: Bid Farewell to Biarritz

• Departure city: Le Lazaret
• Driving distance: 19.76 km, approx. 44 minutes
• Sightseeing: Forêt du Pignada

Savor an hour or two for souvenir shopping or revisiting a favorite spot before it’s time to say goodbye to Biarritz. Drop off your rental car at the airport a couple of hours before departure for a seamless end to your trip.

The estimated cost for a rental car and accommodations for each night along this route is around 666 EUR, providing a value-for-money way to experience what's beyond La Rochelle.

Looking for something different? Explore more road trips with a stop in La Rochelle for alternative itineraries, routes, and durations.

Enjoy a 3-day city break in La Rochelle with the perfect itinerary, designed to showcase the city’s top sights, local flavors, and hidden corners.

No need to stress over the details – we’ve curated the perfect 3-day itinerary to give you a seamless outline for your trip. Use this itinerary to capture the best of La Rochelle without the hassle of planning.

Day 1: Begin Your Journey in La Rochelle

Arrive in La Rochelle and start your trip with a relaxing walk through town, discovering highlights like Grosse Horloge.

Take in the local charm as you wander the streets, and as evening approaches, indulge in a delicious dinner at a local restaurant. La Côte Rôtie is a top-rated recommendation. Say 'cheers' and set the tone for an amazing vacation ahead!

Day 2: Discover La Rochelle's Most Iconic Attractions

Enjoy your first full day in La Rochelle by heading out for some must-see sightseeing. Explore around town and visit popular attractions like the iconic Musée des Automates, Musée Maritime de La Rochelle, Bunker La Rochelle (Museum), and Muséum d'Histoire naturelle de La Rochelle.

Choose a walking tour to embrace a relaxed exploration. Alternatively, go for a tour by bus or bike to cover a larger part of La Rochelle in the same amount of time.

In the evening, head out for another lovely dinner and raise a glass to a fantastic day of exploring!

Day 3: Savor Your Final Moments in La Rochelle

Spend your last few hours in La Rochelle soaking up the charm of the city at your own pace. Stroll through favorite spots or revisit local markets before bidding farewell to the city.

For more inspiration, explore the complete selection of city breaks in La Rochelle, all including pre-planned itineraries you can customize to suit your style. Start with a ready-to-go La Rochelle travel plan and make it your own by selecting tours, accommodations, and more.

A 4-day beach vacation in La Rochelle offers the perfect mix of sun, sand, and relaxation.

Highlights of the best beach vacation itinerary in La Rochelle:

• Beaches: Spend your days at Plage Chef de Baie, La Plage De Concurrence, and Plages des Minimes.
• Accommodation: Enjoy a relaxing stay close to the beach at places like Jolysable for easy access to nearby dining and activities.
• Beach activities: Dive into beachside fun with options like kayaking, and more.
• Dining experiences: Savor the flavors of the coast at JANINE, Restaurant Paul Bocuse, and LE TOUT DU CRU - ILE DE RE, and other nearby dining spots.
• Nightlife: Enjoy live music and late-night entertainment at bars like L' Antiquaire, Café Brun, and Les BerThoM, and more.
• Cultural experiences: Explore Charruyer Park of La Rochelle, Musée Maritime de La Rochelle, Bunker La Rochelle (Museum), Musée des Automates, and Grosse Horloge, local markets, and souvenir shops.

With a well-planned 4-day beach vacation itinerary in La Rochelle, you can fully unwind, knowing your time is optimized for some of the best local beaches and daily activities.

Day 1: Begin Your Beach Escape in La Rochelle

Arrive in Nantes, settle into your hotel, and take in the sea breeze as you prepare for 4 days of relaxation and adventure. Enjoy a refreshing swim at Plage Chef de Baie or explore the attractions near your accommodation as you settle in La Rochelle.

Day 2: Relax at a Top Local Beach

Enjoy a day under the sun at La Plage De Concurrence, a top beach in La Rochelle. In the afternoon, make sure to visit Musée des Automates, Musée Maritime de La Rochelle, and Bunker La Rochelle (Museum) for an exploration of local attractions. As evening approaches, head to one of the best restaurants in the area to taste the freshest local dishes.

Day 4: Say Farewell to La Rochelle

Wrap up your trip with a leisurely morning exploring any missed highlights in La Rochelle. Pick up last-minute souvenirs, grab a coffee at a beachfront café, and savor one last view of the sea before you say goodbye.

For more beach vacation ideas, explore all beach vacations in La Rochelle. Whether you're seeking a brief escape or an extended stay by the sea, these trips offer pre-planned, customizable itineraries, making it simple to enjoy the best of La Rochelle's coastline.

A 5-day weekend getaway in La Rochelle offers the perfect break from the hustle of daily life.

However, with a well-planned La Rochelle itinerary, you can effortlessly experience the best of the city in just a few days. Picture yourself exploring iconic landmarks, savoring local cuisine, and wandering charming neighborhoods—it's all within reach as long as you know how to plan your trip properly.

With 5 days to spend, this is the perfect La Rochelle weekend itinerary for your trip:

Day 1 - Arrive in La Rochelle

Arrive in La Rochelle around noon and head to your hotel for an early check-in.

• Morning: Take some time to relax and refresh after your journey, or get a head start by visiting a nearby landmark.
• Afternoon: Ease into your trip with some sightseeing, for example, visiting La Grande Roue, and soak in the surroundings.
• Evening: Dine at a popular restaurant and celebrate the start of the vacation with some drinks.

Day 2 - Discover La Rochelle’s Famous Sights

Maximize your first full day in La Rochelle with sightseeing, food, and drinks.

• Morning: Visit Musée Maritime de La Rochelle early to avoid crowds and enjoy the views.
• Afternoon: Continue to Charruyer Park of La Rochelle, stopping by Parc Alcide d'Orbigny for a break and some photos.
• Evening: Dine at a popular restaurant and cap off the day at a local bar.

Day 3 - Immerse in the Local Culture of La Rochelle

No itinerary in La Rochelle is complete without trying the city's top local delicacies and experiencing the culture.

• Morning: Start with a traditional breakfast to fuel up for the day and then head to Musée des Automates.
• Afternoon: Explore Parc des Pères and Escape Yourself La Rochelle, stopping at markets, boutiques, museums, or exhibitions along the way.
• Evening: Enjoy a dinner featuring regional specialties and finish with a night tour of the city’s illuminated landmarks.

Day 5 - Depart from La Rochelle

Make the most of your last few hours in La Rochelle before your departure.

• Morning: Grab a light breakfast at a local bakery or café and take a final stroll nearby.
• Afternoon: If you have time, do some last-minute sightseeing.

For more ideas, explore our complete selection of weekend trips to La Rochelle. Whether you’re looking for a quick getaway or want to extend the weekend, these trips all come with pre-planned but customizable La Rochelle itineraries, ensuring an effortless travel experience.

As you explore La Rochelle, you’ll find countless layers of history, art, and local charm waiting to be uncovered.

Finding the right place to stay is essential for a comfortable trip. This is why we've also gathered our top recommendations for the best places to stay in La Rochelle for you.

Wherever your journey takes you, we’re here to make every step memorable. From expert tips to local insights, count on us to help you experience La Rochelle in a way that feels truly unforgettable!