La Rochelle Airport is situated 8 Km outside of La Rochelle city. There is a bus connection to the city centre operated by RTC; the journey time is 20 minutes and tickets cost €1.20.

FORT BOYARD

To protect the natural harbour of Aix where the vessels going out of the great arsenal of Rochefort were fitted out, and further to the storming of Aix by English in 1757, Napoléon Bonaparte launches in 1804 the construction of Fort Boyard. Built on a sandbank at the expense of numerous difficulties, it is finished in 1857, whilst the greater performances of embarked artillery make it obsolete. Property of the Conseil Général, it is today fitted out for the shooting of broadcast games. One can approach it freely.

ZOO DE LA PALMYRE

By dint of long, hard work and passion, the Zoo de La Palmyre became a reference point that welcomes more than 800 000 visitors a year. Between Bordeaux and La Rochelle there is an oasis of encounters and discoveries to be made of animals from around the world. An area where the imagination of one man has transformed a pine-forest into a jungle book. Sea lions and parrot's shows every day from April to October. Located at 15 kms north of Royan.

AQUARIUM DE LA ROCHELLE

Experience your visit like a voyage... A two and a half hour voyage of initiation or simply enjoyement. The 65 basins bring you on a tour of the planet's seas and oceans. Dive into the generous waters of the Atlantic, glide along the delicate Mediterranean seabed and marvel at the myriad colours of the tropical life. More than 10 000 speciemens in 3 million litres. What a beautiful journey in one of the largest Aquariums in Europe. 365 days a year. Listen to the story of the deep sea's inhabitants with the audioguide system (available in french, English and Spanish).

CORDERIE ROYALE - LE CHANTIER DE RECONSTRUCTION DE L'HERMIONE

In 1778, in the maritime arsenal of Rochefort, the building of the Hermione, a twelve pounder frigate, is launched. A few months later, the young marquis de La Fayette takes place on board. After 38 days at sea, he lands in Boston and joins the General Washington to announce the arrival of french troops sent to help the americans to fight for their independance. Nowadays in Rochefort and since the 4th july 1997, the exact replica of this 65 meter long and 3 masts fregate is being rebuilt in the original dry-deck. By the year 2007, the Hermione once achieved will sail across the Atlantic and retrace the path of Lafayette's 1780 voyage to Boston.

CORDERIE ROYALE

ILE DE RÉ

Ile de Ré is one of the jewels of the Atlantic coast, to be found in the Charente Maritime area.

The official website of the island's tourist office www.iledere.com, is designed to help you discovering the Ile de Ré, its ten villages and the varied countryside that makes it so attractive.

Come and discover natural open spaces for great days out. Wildlife is present throughout the island, but you might prefer an historic approach with the Vauban fortification, or why not to indulge yourself with an impressive range of leisure activities as well as for the gourmet mouthwatering journey into the region products

There are sandy beaches, ports, forests and salt marshes, each offering a unique invitation to get away from it all.

Where to stay accommodations, with a kept up-to-date in real time website, will help you find hotels, campsites, mobile home rentals, holiday villages, guest houses and house or flat rentals quickly and easily.

Wishing you an excellent stay!

• French Atlantic Coast