LA ROCHELLE
Gateway to Cognac 
La Rochelle, the deep sea port on the atlantic coast | 
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| In the most sunbathed coastline of the Atlantic West, the port of La Rochelle-Pallice is easily accessible from the open sea.Cruise ships, of any kind or size can berth at any time, in entire safety. Situated in a picturesque bay, the port is naturally sheltered by the Islands of Ré an Oléron.
La Rochelle offers a perfect location to spend a leisurely day in a beautiful French Town.
The medieval city of La Rochelle.
Offers a very attractive mix of architecture from the Middle Ages to the present day,as well as wide range of exiting shops, from department stores like Galeries Lafayettes to fashion boutiques and fine food shops. It is a real pleasure to wander around and taste exquisite brands of Cognac or discover the different flavours of « Pineau des Charentes ». One can also enjoy an unforgettable lunch in one of the numerous restaurants bordering the old medieval port, famous for its 14th century towers : the crenellated fortress Saint Nicolas and on the opposite side of the harbour entrance, the Tour de la Chaîne (Chain Tower), named after the chain drawn at night between the two towers to keep intruders out in ancient times.
On the way to Cognac.
La Rochelle is the main port of call for the town of Cognac approximately 80 km by motorway, or by charming country roads, which afford a progressive discovery of the region right to the heart of the Cognac cellars.
Small villages with Romaniesque churches are scattered along the old pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostella as well as ancient towns such as Saintes with its Roman arenas and triumphal arch, and Rochefort, a 17th century « new town » built by King Louis XIV, with its breathtaking rope factory and the rebuilding of the Hermione, the ship which sailed the Marquis De Lafayette to the Americas. In Cognac, passengers can enjoy a visit of the world famous cellars of Courvoisier, Hennessy, Rémy Martin or Martell…
Other venues are proposed such as : the native village of Samuel Champlain,
« Brouage », close to Marennes for a gastronomic stop, the castle of La Roche-Courbon, the Green Venice. |   
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