Discover La Rochelle, Cognac & Fort Boyard

Let’s travel to La Rochelle to start our holiday on the Atlantic Coast of France. At the airport let’s meet our friendly local representative, before travelling onwards to our hotel on the Old Port of La Rochelle. 

Today our guide takes us on a 2-hour walking tour of the city. Let’s discover the historic harbour, La Rochelle's Vieux Port (Old Port), the heart of the town, bustling with activity and framed by picturesque, centuries-old towers – the Tour Saint-Nicolas and Tour de la Chaîne. We will wander through the Old Town's cobbled streets with its beautifully preserved medieval architecture.

Our afternoon & evening will be at leisure to relax at our hotel to relax or explore more of the city at our own pace. Why not take a stroll along the waterfront, enjoying fresh seafood at a lively quayside restaurant and soaking up the maritime atmosphere?

Today is a free day, for relaxing or independent sightseeing. Take this opportunity to explore La Rochelle's rich cultural heritage at one of the city's numerous museums, including the Maritime Museum and the Natural History Museum. The Musée des Beaux-Arts showcases an impressive collection of European paintings. 

This morning, we meet our guide at the hotel and walk to the pier to embark on an unforgettable boat trip (shared excursion) along the stunning Atlantic coastline from La Rochelle, a journey that combines scenic beauty, maritime history, and iconic landmarks. We set sail from the picturesque Vieux Port of La Rochelle, where centuries-old towers stand guard at the harbour entrance. We feel the sea breeze as we leave the bustling port behind and head out into the sparkling waters of the Atlantic Ocean. 
The highlight of the trip is the approach to Fort Boyard, an imposing 19th-century fortress rising from the sea. Originally built to protect the coast from invaders, this iconic structure has gained fame as the set of the popular TV game show "Fort Boyard." We will marvel at its impressive architecture from the outside and learn about its fascinating history from our knowledgeable guide, before sailing back to La Rochelle.
 

You can enjoy some free time this afternoon. Unwind beside the hotel’s swimming pool or keep exploring the city’s charming boutiques and vibrant markets waiting for you. Don't miss the impressive Hôtel de Ville (Town Hall) and the stunning arcaded streets.

Today is another day free to relax and take in some further sightseeing. Our expert local guide will be happy to suggest activities and advise on must-see highlights. For example, you can dive into the wonders of the sea at one of Europe's largest aquariums. The Aquarium La Rochelle features an extensive array of marine life, from tropical fish to majestic sharks, offering an educational and entertaining experience for visitors of all ages.

Today we’ll experience more, we meet up with our guide at the hotel and walk to the pier to embark on a boat toward the island of Oléron (shared excursion). Upon reaching Oléron Island, the largest island on the French Atlantic coast, we will embark on the Little Town Train to discover the island. We will visit the Citadelle Vauban, one of the many fortresses protecting the borders of the former realm of France, and the oyster harbour. We will have lunch in a local restaurant and visit one of the oyster farms learning more about the traditional methods used to cultivate these prized delicacies and witnessing the intricate process from seed to table. Finally, we will have a wine tasting in the Pineau vineyards, to sample the aromatic and sweet flavours of Pineau, a regional specialty of Charentes, before sailing back to La Rochelle. 

Today we embark on a coach trip to Cognac with our guide where we will have a 2-hour visit of the Hennessy distillery, one of the most revered names in cognac. We will cross the Charente River at a slow and easy pace on one of Hennessy’s solar-powered boats, as a tribute to the old barges that once crossed the river to take the barrels to sea. This is also an opportunity to enjoy superb panoramic views of the old town of Cognac and Saint Jacques Gate near the castle of Cognac – the birthplace of François 1st, emblematic king of the French Renaissance. During the visit of the distillery, we will learn about the intricate process of crafting this exquisite spirit. Finally, we will have a proper cognac tasting, under the guidance of an expert, we will savour the complex aromas and flavours that characterise each blend.

Time has come to say good-bye to La Rochelle and fly back home as we travel with guide assistance to the airport.