Rochefort Travel Guide

Trek Zone

Locality

Facts and practical information

Located in the New Aquitaine region of France, Rochefort is a charming commune that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Nestled along the Charente River, this hidden gem is often overlooked by tourists, making it the perfect destination for those seeking an authentic French experience.

One of Rochefort's main attractions is the stunning Corderie Royale, a former rope factory that has been transformed into a museum. Visitors can explore the impressive building and learn about the city's rich maritime past. The nearby Musée de la Marine showcases a vast collection of ship models and artifacts, providing a fascinating insight into Rochefort's naval heritage.

For nature enthusiasts, Rochefort is a gateway to the breathtaking Île d'Aix. Accessible by boat, this small island is a haven of tranquility, with pristine beaches and picturesque landscapes. Explore the island on foot or by bike, immersing yourself in its natural beauty and enjoying the stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Back in the heart of Rochefort, history buffs will be delighted by the majestic Hermione. This replica of the 18th-century ship that carried the Marquis de Lafayette to America during the American Revolution is a testament to Rochefort's shipbuilding prowess. Visitors can take a guided tour of the ship and even participate in its navigation.

Food lovers will find Rochefort to be a culinary paradise. The city's vibrant market, held twice a week, offers a wide variety of fresh local produce, from succulent oysters to flavorful cheeses. Indulge in the regional delicacies and savor the authentic taste of the New Aquitaine region.

Rochefort also boasts a lively cultural scene, with festivals and events taking place throughout the year. From music festivals to art exhibitions, there is always something happening in this vibrant city. Take a stroll through the charming streets, lined with colorful houses and quaint cafes, and soak up the lively atmosphere that Rochefort has to offer.

Alternative names: Population: 29.4 thous. (2019)Area: 8.47 mi²Elevation: 46 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 45°56'14"N, 0°57'42"W

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New AquitaineFrance

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Rochefort Top Attractions

Rochefort Attractions - What to See and Explore

Rochefort offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Corderie Royale, Musée national de la Marine, Conservatoire du Bégonia, Maison de Pierre Loti. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Museum
Corderie Royale
The Corderie Royale is a historic rope-making factory and a notable landmark nestled in the heart of Rochefort, France. Constructed between 1666 and 1669 under the orders of Louis XIV, this impressive structure was a vital part of the naval infrastructure, supplying...
Museum • History museum • Military museum
Musée national de la Marine
The Musée national de la Marine in Rochefort is one of the main naval museums of France. Rochefort Naval museum is part of the Musée national de la Marine, which is organised around its main location in Paris, and it antennas in Rochefort, Toulon, Brest and Port-Louis.
Nature and wildlife • Park • Botanical garden
Conservatoire du Bégonia
The Conservatoire du Bégonia is a botanical garden specializing in begonias. It is located at 1 rue Charles Plumier, Rochefort, Charente-Maritime, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France, and open for guided tours several days per week in early spring and late fall; an admission fee is charged.

Museum • Historical place
Maison de Pierre Loti
The house of Pierre Loti is a municipal museum located in the historic heart of Rochefort.
45°56'7"N • 0°57'24"W
La frégate Hermione Lafayette
Museum • Specialty museum
Architecture • Church
St. Louis Church
The Saint-Louis church is one of the main parish churches of the city of Rochefort, in the department of Charente-Maritime. Counting among the rare testimonies of the neo-classical architecture of the department, its construction was carried out...
45°56'9"N • 0°57'26"W
L’Accro-Mâts
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45°55'58"N • 0°57'58"W
Espace Jeune
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Day trips

Rochefort – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Rochefort, it's worth seeing attractions such as: La Palmyre Zoo (Les Mathes), Aquarium de La Rochelle (La Rochelle), Saintes Cathedral (Saintes).

20 milesSW
Zoo
La Palmyre Zoo, Les Mathes
Nestled in the heart of the picturesque town of Les Mathes, France, La Palmyre Zoo stands as a testament to the country's dedication to wildlife conservation and education. This sprawling zoological park, which attracts visitors from all over the world, is home to over...
17 milesNW
Aquarium, Zoo, Park
Aquarium de La Rochelle, La Rochelle
The Aquarium de La Rochelle is a captivating marine life sanctuary nestled in the heart of La Rochelle, France. This extensive aquarium is one of Europe's largest private aquariums and provides an immersive experience into the underwater world.
21 milesSE
Architecture, Church, Sacred and religious sites
Saintes Cathedral, Saintes
Saintes Cathedral, formally known as Cathédrale Saint-Pierre de Saintes, is a historic monument that stands as a testament to the religious and architectural heritage of Saintes, a city in the Charente-Maritime department of France.
26 milesSE
Amusement, Amusement park, Historical place
Paléosite de Saint-Césaire
The Paleosite is a museographic space and an interpretation center of the Prehistory located in the commune of Saint-Césaire, 10 km east of Saintes and 15 km west of Cognac, in Charente-Maritime, and is near the archaeological site of the Roche à...
21 milesSW
Lighthouse, Vernacular architecture
Lighthouse of La Coubre, La Tremblade
The La Coubre Lighthouse is a historic lighthouse that is still in service in La Tremblade, in Charente-Maritime, in France. La Coubre is 64 metres high and is the highest in the department.