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What if a thousand years of history, the Atlantic Ocean and unspoiled nature became your children’s playground? La Rochelle, the flagship city of Nouvelle-Aquitaine, stands out as THE family camping destination par excellence. Set up camp at one of the many campsites in La Rochelle and make the most of this port city.
| Activity | The big plus for kids |
|---|---|
| 1. The La Rochelle Aquarium | See 12,000 fish, sharks and marine animals. |
| 2. Climbing the towers | Climb old towers for a giant’s-eye view. |
| 3. The Natural History Museum | Search for the famous giraffe Zarafa and play puzzle games. |
| 4. Parc Charruyer | See fallow deer and peacocks and picnic outdoors. |
| 5. Minimes Beach | Build sandcastles and go kayaking. |
| 6. Fort Boyard cruise | See the famous fort from the TV show, by boat. |
| 7. The Maritime Museum | Climb aboard real historic ships. |
| 8. The Old Town | Stroll beneath the arcades and eat an ice cream. |
| 9. The La Rochelle Bunker | Discover a secret place and striking history (for teens). |
| 10. Mail Mini-Golf | Play mini-golf and enjoy the bumper cars. |
Head straight for the city’s star attraction! The La Rochelle Aquarium lets you discover the biodiversity of the Atlantic. Your children will love this underwater journey where they’ll discover 12,000 animals across spectacular galleries. The educational approach captivates young and old alike through a remarkably well-designed trail.
Address: Quai Louis Prunier – CS50004 – 17000 La Rochelle.
Open all year round.
Prices (indicative): €18.50 for adults and €12.50 for children (ages 3-12).
Visit duration: 1h30.
The towers of La Rochelle tell a thousand years of maritime history! These three sentinels – the Tour Saint-Nicolas, the Tour de la Chaîne and the Tour de la Lanterne – proudly guard the Vieux Port. Climbing these stone giants turns your visit into a real journey back to medieval times. Even though the Tour Saint-Nicolas occasionally closes for maintenance, the other two towers reveal beautiful panoramic views over the city and the ocean. Your children will love climbing these spiral staircases while soaking up the city’s rich past.
Address: Vieux Port, place de la Chaîne, 17000 La Rochelle
A combined ticket gives access to the Tour de la Chaîne and the Tour de la Lanterne. For the Tour Saint-Nicolas, check the opening times before your visit.
Housed in an 18th-century building, the Natural History Museum holds a major surprise: Zarafa, the very first giraffe to ever arrive in France! The ethnology and natural science collections are presented in a fun way, notably thanks to puzzle booklets that turn the visit into an educational treasure hunt. And the icing on the cake: entry is free for children, and free for everyone on the first Sunday of the month outside high season!
Address: 28 rue Albert 1er, 17 000, La Rochelle.
Prices (indicative): the adult rate is €8.
What to do with the family in La Rochelle during your camping holiday? Parc Charruyer is also a great answer. This park stretches over 40 hectares along the historic ramparts. This green corridor is perfect for a family picnic or a bike ride. The highlight? Its free animal park where fallow deer, peacocks and ostriches roam freely, before your children’s wide eyes.
Address: Parc Charruyer, chem. des Remparts, 17000 La Rochelle, France.
Free access.
A sandy beach perfect for families, suited to both swimming and water sports such as kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, sailing or shore fishing. In summer, a beach volleyball court is set up here.
Facing the famous “Phare du Bout du Monde” lighthouse — a faithful replica of the one in the Azores — Minimes Beach offers an exceptional view of Fort Boyard as well as the islands of Ré and Oléron. It also borders the large Parc des Pères, an ideal starting point for a pleasant walk along the cliffs.
Address: Plage des Minimes, avenue du Lazaret, 17000 La Rochelle.
Impossible to visit La Rochelle without catching a glimpse of the legendary Fort Boyard! Cruises depart regularly from the Vieux Port, near the Tour de la Chaîne. This maritime adventure delights young and old alike (especially fans of the cult TV show!). Choose between a simple tour of the fort (1h15 to 2h10) or an enriched excursion with a stop at Île d’Aix. Observing the Nouvelle-Aquitaine coastline from the ocean lets you discover the beauty of the Charente-Maritime.
Departure from the Vieux Port, near the Tour de la Chaîne.
Duration: about 2h10 without a stop. Children’s rates available.
This floating museum lets your children climb aboard ships classified as historic monuments, including the weather frigate “France 1”. Discovering the machinery and life on board makes maritime history tangible and concrete. The exhibitions on land, housed in the former Encan, trace the deep bond between La Rochelle and the Atlantic Ocean across the centuries.
Address: Musée maritime de La Rochelle, pl. Bernard Moitessier, 17000 La Rochelle, France.
Prices (indicative): the adult rate is €8. Access is free for under-18s.
Average visit duration: 2h.
Strolling through the old town is a free must-do if you’re wondering what to do with the family in La Rochelle! The pedestrian streets lined with medieval arcades shelter you from sun and rain while revealing the authentic soul of La Rochelle. Discover artisan shops, settle onto a terrace at one of the many cafés and restaurants around the Vieux Port. The preserved architecture bears witness to the city’s rich history. Bonus: the town hall runs free shuttles in summer to make getting around easier with the family!
Historic centre around the Vieux Port, free access.
For families with teenagers, this museum offers a striking, educational visit about the Second World War. This former German anti-aircraft shelter right in the city centre immerses visitors in the history of the Occupation. A fully indoor activity, it’s the perfect cultural option for a rainy day in La Rochelle.
Address: Le Bunker de La Rochelle, 8, rue des Dames, 17000 La Rochelle.
Visit duration: 1h.
Dive into the action at Mail Mini-Golf! Located just 300 metres from the Vieux Port, it’s a perfect entertainment option for children of all ages. Beyond mini-golf, the site also offers other activities such as bumper cars and inflatable structures. This leisure cluster is ideal for a lively break.
Address: Mini golf du Mail, Parcs-Plage, av. de la Monnaie, 17000 La Rochelle, France.
La Rochelle brilliantly combines culture, nature and maritime heritage. This lively city in Nouvelle-Aquitaine promises you a balanced, unforgettable holiday from one of our family-friendly campsites.
