The Top 10 things to do in Roquefort

Rochefort is a city of art and history that is pleasant to visit. Located in Charente-Maritime, between Saintes and La Rochelle, it is bordered by the Charente, offering landscapes between ports, green spaces and small cobbled streets. Escape for a weekend in Rochefort, a lively and cultural town with a renowned relaxed lifestyle.

Opening photo of the article: Marc / AdobeStock

1 The Museum of Former Trades in Rochefort

Discover a fascinating and unusual route in a building from 1900. During a 3-hour visit, over nearly 1,000 m2 and 3 floors, immerse yourself in the atmosphere of yesteryear through the public schools, the bistros of yesteryear or the hat shop. Hidden like a treasure, admire a private collection of old objects unearthed by an enthusiast, Jean-François Bourbigot.

2 The Corderie Royale in Rochefort

It offers a magnificent glimpse of the power and pride of the French navy during the reign of Louis 14. With its 374 meters in length, this exceptional building constitutes the incredible heritage of the Arsenal maritime de Rochefort, and remains the longest manufacture in Europe. Immerse yourself in a marine history of ropes and sails, which at the time were manufactured by the Corderie Royale for warships.

3 The Arsenal of the Seas in Rochefort

This is an adventure not to be missed. For a day, become a gabier, engineer, captain or shipwright and take the helm for an extraordinary expedition along the banks of the Charente. A must-see place in Rochefort, live unforgettable experiences at the top of the accro-mâts, or during an evening full of emotions in summer with the night show. You will never have enjoyed sailing so much.

4 The Naval Aeronautical Museum of Rochefort

It is the only one in France solely dedicated to this theme. Free visits on Tuesday and Saturday afternoons allow you to observe collections of aircraft, engines and equipment, made available by the French Navy and the Air and Space Museum. With 1500 models, museum pieces and a rich library of a thousand volumes, it is on 4000 m2 of space that the volunteers of ANAMAN preserve and restore the material of the time.

5 The Transporter Bridge in Rochefort

Live a unique experience above the Charente. A real architectural feat, it constitutes an improbable path built between two banks in 1900, after 27 months of work. With an incomparable aesthetic, it can be called the exceptional " iron lady of Charente-Maritime ", like the Eiffel Tower.

6 Rochefort town center

On a course of almost 5 km, crisscross the alleys and walk the streets in checkerboard to discover many treasures. Arsenal , mansions and stone buildings , the one and a half hour walk is quickly swallowed up. Stop under the halls to take advantage of the market, a building built in 1672 by Colbert to supply the population.

7 The theatrical guided tour in Rochefort

Organized in summer by the tourist office, it is a fun and educational way to discover Rochefort through a period character, Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette. Heroes of both worlds, he tells you about the city in the Enlightenment, during the Monarchy, the Empire, and finally its restoration. Street theater and guided tour, there is a desire for freedom in listening to it.

8 The marina in Rochefort

It is a peaceful place and very pleasant for a walk in the evening in the cool of summer. A pretty little sheltered port, it welcomes many boats all year round which you can observe while listening to the incredible and melodious sounds of the wind against the masts. Sit on a bench for a quiet break, or take a walk.

9 Nautical activities in Rochefort

The city offers accessible leisure activities that are highly appreciated by Rochefortais and holidaymakers. Canoeing, paddle, optimist, dinghy, canoe trip or sailboat cruise, you are spoiled for choice to have fun. With your paddles and your sails, let's go for an iodized escape.

10 The Begonia Conservatory of Rochefort

It is open to visits up to a maximum of 9 people in the greenhouses. With the largest collection in the world, more than 1,500 botanical and hybrid begonias are preserved as an exceptional historical treasure. Low creeping plants from Mexico, tuberose from Chile or colorful foliage from New Guinea, experience a unique and fragrant plant journey in the heart of begonias, a herbaceous plant discovered by Charles Plumier and offered to Michel Bégon who gives it its name.

The town of Rochefort has well-hidden secrets. You are now the confidants of the Rochefortais who have told you their story. Continue your excursion in Charente-Maritime to Saint-Nazaire sur Charente and visit Fort Lupin, built to protect boats, or set off to explore Île Madame by bike.

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