We will be in La Rochelle for one day off a cruise, what should we be sure to see and do, and what about shopping? Thank you for your help.

Hi, Richard-- <BR>We spent a day in La Rochelle last fall, wandering around the Old Port area, eating mussels beside the waterfront, window shopping under the covered arcades, and generally soaking up the atmosphere. The famous ship models are out of our price range, and we never did get to the museums, but we loved it anyway. The Michelin Green Guide for Poitou, Vendee, and Charentes has an exhaustive list of the Must Sees-- or you can kick back and experience La Rochelle in a more relaxed manner. Either way, enjoy. Martha

There is a superb aquarium and maritime museum beside the harbour areas - good for a rainy day, which is not unheard of here

That is one place I would like to go back to. We saw little, after an overnight stay at a B&amp;b In the town.
but we did meet an ex-pat under that arcade, of an American who invited us back to his apartment for a few drinks.
As this was only our overnight stay on to the coast beyond we saw little but we loved what little we saw(a few artists at work at their workshops)
I almost bought a bike there at a great bicycle shop after mine was demolished when I was a victum of a hit and run accident)But the shipping would have cost as much as the bike. Everyone, was very friendly in that town, I hope I can return one day.

La Rochelle has lots to offer - the two old towers flanking the ports, a museum of natural history, a museum of the New World, a museum of perfume and perfume containers, an aquarium, a beautiful H&ocirc;tel de Ville, and plenty of shopping in the arcaded cobblestone streets off the port and beyond. It's all readily accessible from the port. Some of the best seafood in France can be had in this area. Restaurants to look out for include Les Quatres Sergents, Richard Coutanceau, and Restaurant le Bistrot de l'Entracte.

Coutanceau's son has a wonderful rest by the water where I had a fabulous grilled lobster, &quot;Les Flots


&quot;topping for indy

I second the recommendations for Le Coutanceau and Les Flotts restaurants. The former is a Michelin 2 star, modern, elegant and lovely with excellent food. You probably, however, don't want to spend your day in la Rochelle eating, so the latter is probably a better bet. Run by the son of Coutanceau, it's casual but in an elegant sort of way and serves excellent, interestingly presented seafood specialties. Nice views to the harbor from the outside tables, though the interior is beautifully appointed.

topping for Robin