Dating in La Rochelle, between the three towers and the open sea

The Old Harbour and the three towers

At the heart of the city, the Old Harbour is a postcard setting, framed by Saint-Nicolas Tower, Chain Tower and Lantern Tower, all listed as World Heritage. People meet here at aperitif time for a drink on a pontoon, with the masts chiming softly. Climbing Saint-Nicolas Tower to take in the harbour at a glance is a simple idea that works beautifully for a first date.

Old centre, arcades and market

Behind the quays, Rue du Palais and its arcades run between half-timbered houses and 17th-century mansions. La Rochelle’s central market, one of the finest on the Atlantic coast, offers seafood, market vegetables and Charente specialities. Shopping together, then improvising a picnic by the harbour, is a simple pleasure… and a fine test of chemistry.

Les Minimes, the beaches and Île de Ré

South of the centre, Les Minimes harbour lines up thousands of sailboats. Further on, Concurrence and Minimes beaches invite you to swim. To stretch things out, a bridge leads to Île de Ré, its salt marshes and cycle paths. On Lyad, members from La Rochelle share their favourite bike routes; it is up to you to find someone to pedal to Saint-Martin with.