Hôtel Le Yachtman The Originals Collection

Nestled in the hotel's courtyard, the pool at Hotel Le Yachtman, The Originals Collection provides a pleasant and refreshing relaxation spot during the warm season. Not covered but heated, it welcomes swimmers from Easter to the end of October.

Pass through the Grosse Horloge and wander through ancient streets with engraved stone signs, secret passageways, and dimly lit archways. Admire the old half-timbered houses, the opulent private mansions, and stroll under the arcades whose original mercantile purpose is still evident. Curiosities abound, right up to the Bunker, built by the Germans in utmost secrecy in 1941. Now transformed into a museum, it offers an immersive experience into the lives of the people of La Rochelle during the Occupation.

A grand vessel of glass and wood, the Aquarium of La Rochelle, facing the Old Port, houses over 12,000 marine animals from the Atlantic, Mediterranean, Caribbean, and Pacific. From the graceful dance of jellyfish to the antics of clownfish, from impressive sharks to majestic sea turtles, from tiny seahorses to silver-shimmering fish, you are immersed in the exploration of the sea and its mysteries. Two hours of travel to dream and understand the marine world.

Emblematic of the city, La Rochelle's towers are true testaments to the city's power in the Middle Ages. The tallest, the Tour de la Lanterne, is known as the oldest lighthouse on the Atlantic coast. The Tour de la Chaîne, the gateway to the port, was used to monitor shipping and collect taxes. A former defensive element, the Tour Saint-Nicolas is now empty, but you can climb to its summit (as with the other 2) and enjoy an incomparable view of the city.

As a quintessential maritime city, La Rochelle offers the opportunity to escape by the ocean, providing numerous activities centered around the sea. The city serves as the starting point for various islands located off its coast. There's Île de Ré with its Baleines lighthouse, Île d'Oléron with its Salines port, peaceful Île d'Aix with the iconic Fort Boyard (note that Fort Boyard is not open to visitors), and lastly, Île Madame, a designated natural site known for its aquaculture farm.

In the face of La Rochelle's rich cultural and heritage treasures, it's easy to forget that the city is also a seaside resort with three beaches. The largest of them all, Plage des Minimes, is located near the marina and is surrounded by numerous shops. Plage de la Concurrence, at the foot of the Old Port, offers facilities for people with reduced mobility. Somewhat distant from the city center, Plage de Chef de Baie also boasts several advantages, including fine sand and the shelter of the breakwater.