La Rochelle Ocean Pass is the city pass that guides you through the discovery of La Rochelle and its surrounding at your own pace and at a lower cost. Once you have downloaded the application, your pass gives you access to 40 activities and unlimited access to public transport in the La Rochelle conurbation.
You can also organise your stay by theme: boat trips, historical sites, museums, guided tours, leisure, and transport.
USEFUL TIPS FOR VISITING LA ROCHELLE IN 2 DAYS!
DAY 1: LA ROCHELLE OCEAN PASS TO VISIT "LA ROCHELLE'S HISTORICAL SITES".
To start your day, climb to the top of the iconic and magnificent towers of La Rochelle: the Saint-Nicolas Tower, the Chaîne Tower and the Lanterne Tower. Enjoy a 360-degree view of the sea and the flagship city of Charente-Maritime. Real defensive force for centuries, these 3 fortifications are classified as Historic Monuments and will offer you an unforgettable historical journey. Inside, discover the remains of the former prisons as well as graffiti made by the prisoners.
Then, depending on availability, choose your La Rochelle Tourist Office* guided tour to discover the history and secrets of La Rochelle's must-sees! Walk or cycle around to learn more about the maritime city, its cobbled streets, its historic city centre and its symbolic heritage.
After a guided tour of the city, go back in time to the Second World War with the Buker of La Rochelle. Right in the heart of the city, immerse yourself in the atmosphere of this blockhouse, which has remained intact since 1945. Adults, as well as children, will enjoy the reconstructed scenes, the interesting testimonies and the objects from this period. An atypical place full of history to explore during your stay in La Rochelle!
❤️ Our favourite nautical activity: Benefit from a 20% discount at Tex Canoë La Rochelle to rent a paddle or a kayak on the sea!
*booking is required for some places
DAY 2: SEA TRIP, HISTORICAL SITES, CASTLES, MUSEUMS, SWIMMING POLLS IN LA ROCHELLE AND THE SURROUNDING AREA.
La Rochelle can also be visited by the sea: sail away with an enchanting sea excursion. La Rochelle Ocean Pass offers you a choice of three cruises: a morning discovery catamaran trip with Kapalouest*, the commented cruise to the famous Fort Boyard with Inter-Iles* or the cruise from La Rochelle to the Isle of Ré with Inter-Iles*.
On the one hand, the morning outing on a catamaran is a good opportunity to start the day gently following the rhythm of the waves and to see in the distance: the Isle of Ré, the Isle of Oleron, the Isle of Aix and the Vendée...
On the other hand, the guided cruise is a chance to get as close as possible to Fort Boyard. This fortress located between the Isle of Oleron and the Isle of Aix, formerly called the "Useless Fort", has become famous thanks to its numerous appearances on television.
Also, you can enjoy a day wandering on the Isle of Ré on the cruise proposed by Inter-Iles. That way you can walk around the charming city of Saint-Martin-de-Ré.
A royal choice between these three must-do excursions in La Rochelle!
La Rochelle Océan Pass, La Rochelle's city pass, also offers you activities in the surroundings of the city. With unlimited access to the Yélo Bus included, we offer you various possibilities in the La Rochelle area:
- Take a trip to the village of Esnandes to find out about the Maison de la Baie du Marais Poitevin and its two activities: a visit to the amazing fortified church of Saint Martin and its ramparts with its walkway offering a panoramic view of the marshes and its surroundings. Or visit the mussel museum to know all the secrets about mussel production and the Bay of Aiguillon.
- Visit the famous Castle of Buzay and its magnificent gardens. Situated 9km from La Rochelle, this splendid 18th-century family home is a testament to its extremely meticulous architecture. Its antique furniture and interior rooms are guaranteed to take you back in time.
- Enjoy a relaxing moment in the aquatic centres of Périgny (Palmilud) or Châtelaillon-Plage. Between the relaxation area, the aquatic area and the outdoor area, there is a choice for everyone.
On your way back from your epic journey in La Rochelle, visit the Maritime Museum for an unusual visit. From there, embark on the former meteorological frigate France 1 to discover life on board this impressive ship and the history of the port of La Rochelle. From the bunks to the kitchens, from the decks to the engine room or the officers' quarters, this museum offers you an experience like no other on a formidable ship.
In La Rochelle and the surrounding area :
Also included with the pass: Museum of Natural History, New World Museum, Museum of Automata and Scale Models, Lucien Maylin swimming pool.
Also at a discount with the pass: Aquarium, bike rental Cycling Tour, segway rental with Mobilboard, a guided tour and tasting with "The Secrets of Normandin-Mercier Cognac" (Dompierre) et Tree Climbing at Vertigo Parc (La Jarne).
*booking is required for some places
LOOKING FOR ACTIVITIES NEAR LA ROCHELLE?
If you have already been on holiday in La Rochelle on several occasions, we recommend that you discover the surrounding towns with the city pass and its 27 activities included and its 6 with discounts. It applies to Rochefort, the Isle of Aix, the Isle of Ré, Marennes, the Southern Vendée or Saintes.
And also, if you came by green transport or public transport and you want to move around La Rochelle by car, Yélo Transports are offering you 1 hour of free Yélomobile rental!
Activities heading south from La Rochelle :
In the city of Rochefort, we invite you to live an unusual and very rare experience: the crossing of the Transporter Bridge. It is impossible to miss, as it overlooks the Charente at a height of almost 50m in an idyllic setting. Also, discover the superb Hèbre Museum in the centre of Rochefort to unveil all the secrets of Rochefort's history and contemplate the different works of art or even come to the Royal Ropery to learn how the ropes were made for the French Royal Navy.
In Fouras, you will be pleased to discover Fort Vauban. This fortress of the 15th and 17th centuries was built on the site of a medieval castle. The view waiting for you is exceptional, you can see from afar the Island of Aix, Madame, Oléron, Ré and also the Fort Boyard and Enet.
Then continue your journey to the Isle of Aix and admire the impressive architectural design of Fort Liédot*. A pleasant and remarkable site to visit for history fans, architecture enthusiasts or simply anyone who is curious!
Before going to Marennes, stop off at Brouage for a guided tour* like no other! Learn about the history of this charming citadel from a guide. She will be delighted to show you the ramparts, the breathtaking view of the marshes, the spectacular ice house and the underground ports.
Once in the Isle of Oléron, stop at the Bird's Marsh. You will learn about the local species and the Oléron's marsh as it is a wildlife recue centre and a discovery park dedicated to the animal species of the Isle of Oléron.
Finally, continue your journey to the impressive Fort Louvois. This fortress, from the 17th century, classified as a historical monument, will fascinate you with its spectacular design. The "little brother" of Fort Boyard, will reveal to you a very beautiful view of the viaduct, the Isle of Oléron and the estuary of the Charente.
Discounts with the city pass : Castle of La Roche Courbon(Saint Porchaire), The "Cité de l’Huître" (Marennes)
*booking is required for some places
Activities heading north from La Rochelle :
Start your expedition in the Poitevin marshes in the Deux-Sèvres region, with a 1.5-hour group boat trip from the Cardinaud* jetty or the Bazoin* jetty. Accompanied by a boatman guide, let yourself be transported by the water for a magical and relaxing discovery in the heart of the marshes. The fauna and flora will offer you a real moment of connection with nature. A unique trip!
Also, discover the mysteries of the Marais Poitevin and its Green Venice by visiting the "Maison du Marais Poitevin". All your questions about the marsh will be answered there!
Continuing in Niort, you will have the possibility to visit the Bernard d'Agesci Museum and the Donjon Museum. These two museums are a place of a permanent dialogue between the past and the present, places of learning and discovery!
Then, the city pass of La Rochelle gives you access to the South Vendée department for 4 activities to do :
First of all, the "Maison de la Meunerie" and its scenography reveal the secrets of the miller's trade. From the functioning of the mill to the production of flour, not forgetting the house and its furniture from the early 20th century, the visit is both entertaining and highly instructive on the life of the miller.
Continue your journey to the sublime Tour Mélusine of Vouvant dating from the 12th century. After collecting the key to this majestic tower, climb a hundred steps or so to contemplate a magnificent panorama of the valley and the village of Vouvant.
Then visit the "Maison du maître des digues" to learn all about life and work in the Poitevin marshes. An essential eco-museum for the curious who want to have a complete view of the wet and dry marsh.
Finally, come take a look at the House and gardens of George Clemenceau in Saint-Vincent-sur-Jard. You can admire there a garden full of colourfull touches with the help of his great friend Claude Monet.
Discounts with the city pass : Castle of Terre Neuve (Fontenay-le-comte)
With the La Rochelle city pass customise your holiday program in New Aquitaine!
Whether you are a resident, a regular visitor or a new visitor to the destination, the La Rochelle city pass offers you an interesting range of activities to do in La Rochelle and its surroundings: Rochefort, Brouage, the Isle of Aix, the Isle of Ré, Marennes, the Marais Poitevin, Saintes or even the South Vendée.