anyone been to La Rochelle from a cruise
 

I will be in La Rochelle in April as a stop from a cruise and would like to know if others have been there for a short time and did they have a private driver to show them around.
Thanks

I have never been on a cruise, but we visited la Rochelle (France) last year. It's not that large. I don't know why you would need a driver.

Stu Dudley

did you just get off the ship and walk around? What do you reccommend that we not miss
Thanks for your help

The harbour.

La Rochelle is one of the most people friendly cities in France - they have had a free bicycles bicycle program for 30 years.

The harbour is beautiful and the town is interesting to wander around.

Have a look at their site - in Frnech, but lots of pictures.
http://www.larochelle-tourisme.com/

Where does your cruise dock, at Les Mnimes or elsewhere? Les Minimes is principally for Sail boats and I've never seen a cruise liner in the Old Port. You can take a taxi (les Abeilles Jaunes very reliable/inexpensive) from where you arrive to le Vieux Port where a lot of the action takes place.

There you can visit the Museum in Tour St. Nicholas (very nice gift shop-especially for children's educational toys, books and games), catch the view from Tour de la Lanterne (light hourse), walk along the quai before heading through the Porte de la Grosse Horloge into the walled Old City (Vieille Ville) to stroll through the old Arcaded streets La Rochelle is famous for...lots of fine boutiques continuing on to the Aquarium, the New World Museum or the interesting "Musée des Automates" full of wind-up inventions/toys that still run. This is the up-hill version.

If you arrive in the morning, you could have the taxi take you to the morning's market and then walk down in reverse order from the above itinerary, ending up at the old port to sit and have a meal and/or treat at one of the side-walk restaurant/cafés, rest your feet and enjoy the view and the beau monde as they pass.

We really like La Rochelle because it is a "real" citiy with a very young population so there is always a lot going on--even in February when we were there. Check out online with the tourist office what is happening while you are there.

Lastly, on the west end of the city all along the rampart there is a continuous long park, Parc Carruyer that is beautiful and nice to stroll in when you've had enough chateaux, museums, churches and just need some green space. There is a small zoo along part of it. The weather can be mild and hope it will be for you so you will be able to enjoy this city fully.

In case you need some real French cuisine...you can't beat Richard Coutanceau (2 or 3***, can't remember) right on the waterfront in the direction of the casino. My husband's alll-time favorite French dining experience. But you'll need reservations.

The commercial port for La Rochelle is at La Pallice, 6 km away, and this is where cruise ships berth. You'd need a local bus or taxi to get from La Pallice to La Rochelle.
The old town and harbour of La Rochelle is compact and should be seen on foot.

Thank you for all your help...you are great for replying is such detail!