{"id":7440,"date":"2022-08-22T12:11:00","date_gmt":"2022-08-22T11:11:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/visit-rochefort-our-favorites-plages-et-carte\/"},"modified":"2026-05-22T15:46:32","modified_gmt":"2026-05-22T13:46:32","slug":"visit-rochefort","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/en\/visit-rochefort\/","title":{"rendered":"Rochefort: our favorites"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Rochefort is ideally located, just a few kilometers from theocean<\/strong> and close to many points of interest, including Ile d’Ol\u00e9ron, Ile d’Aix, Ile Madame, La Rochelle…<\/p>\n\n

It’s a town steeped in history, once an important maritime Arsenal<\/strong> and home to theHermione<\/strong>. Today, with the label ” Ville d’Art et d’Histoire” (City of Art and<\/strong> History), its adorable city center will immediately seduce you. <\/p>\n\n

So you’re probably wondering what to see<\/strong> and do<\/strong> in Rochefort? Don’t worry, it’s a city we love to explore<\/strong> and can easily be visited in a day on foot<\/strong>. Below we give you the route<\/strong> we followed as well as all our advice<\/strong> to facilitate your visit on our map.<\/p>\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n

A one-day walking tour of the city center<\/h2>\n\n

Our route from downtown to the Arsenal :<\/h3>\n\n

1. Pierre Loti House<\/h3>\n\n

This house, dating from 1829, belonged to writer and traveler Pierre Loti<\/strong>. We had the opportunity to visit it a few years ago, and both in his house and in his books, the author has tried to recreate the various landscapes he has visited.<\/p>\n\n

2. Place Colbert, the city hall<\/h3>\n\n

This pretty square<\/strong> in the center of Rochefort, is surrounded by two restaurants with two pleasant and large terraces as well as many stores. This is the heart of the town<\/strong>, the place to be in Rochefort.<\/p>\n\n

Since 2022, the town has installed 2 statues of Les Demoiselles de Rochefort<\/strong>, in homage to the famous film shot in Rochefort in 1966.<\/p>\n\n

\n

🛎️ Our recommendation for sleeping in the center of Rochefort: R\u00e9sidence de l’Arsenal Royal<\/a>,<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n
\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n

3. Museum of old-time shops<\/h3>\n\n

This large museum, retraces on 4 floors the history of the trades<\/strong> and commercial professions of the past<\/strong>. It has an important collection of posters, posters, maps… Old businesses have been entirely reconstituted, life size, hairdresser, bistro, photographer, ironmonger…<\/p>\n\n

It’s a place that’s sure to please young and old alike! Reservations on the official website<\/a> 6\u20ac90 per adult.<\/em><\/p>\n\n

4. Signal tower<\/h3>\n\n

During your visit to downtown Rochefort, you won’t want to miss this 26-meter-high tower<\/strong>, once used as a maritime communications tool.<\/p>\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n
\n
\n

5. The halls<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This handsome building, built in 1672, now houses a pleasant market<\/strong> on the first floor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Days and hours of operation: Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday mornings from 7am to 12:30pm<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

6. Mus\u00e9e National de la Marine Rochefort<\/h3>\n\n

Another informative museum on the navy and the history of the many ships<\/strong> built in the famous Arsenal. You will observe models, maritime objects, paintings…<\/p>\n\n

Reservation online, on the official website<\/a>, 6\u20ac per adult or pass see below.<\/em><\/p>\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n

7. The Hermione workshops in Rochefort<\/h3>\n\n

A must-see on your visit to Rochefort, a small museum traces the history of this legendary ship<\/strong>, and you can also watch the volunteers at work. <\/p>\n\n

L’Hermione<\/strong> is being refitted in the port of Bayonne until 2024. In the meantime, we advise you to visit the small museum, free of charge, with lots of explanations on the history of the boat. The NOE, a former whaler<\/strong>, is moored in the harbor right next to the workshops.<\/p>\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n

8. Naval Labyrinth and Periscope<\/h3>\n\n

This little labyrinth between theHermione<\/strong> and the Corderie Royale<\/strong> is a free activity for the whole family. Right next door is a giant Periscope<\/strong> (fee: \u20ac6 per adult)<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n

9. Corderie Royale (International Maritime Center)<\/h3>\n\n

This is the museum to do in Rochefort<\/strong>, if you only do one. The visit begins with the projection of a film relating the history of the rope factory, then several manipulations are proposed (pulleys, knots…) finally you will attend a demonstration of creation of a rope.<\/p>\n\n

Pass to Corderie Royale, Mus\u00e9e National de la Marine, Giant Periscope and El Galeon Andalucia, \u20ac26 per adult<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n

10. Marine Gardens<\/h3>\n\n

To finish your visit, you will cross this beautiful garden<\/strong>, then you can reach the free parking in 10 minutes on foot.<\/p>\n\n

To do with children<\/h2>\n\n

In addition to the various museums that the city offers, do not miss :<\/p>\n\n