La Rochelle, Saintes, Rochefort: three day trips from Arvert

Arvert is well placed for exploring further afield: three major towns in Charente-Maritime are within an hour's drive, each with a very different character. Enough to alternate beach days with heritage outings without spending your whole week in the car.

La Rochelle (about 1 h)

The old harbour and its two medieval towers, the Tour Saint-Nicolas and the Tour de la Chaîne, remain the town's best-known image. Around them, the arcaded streets of the historic centre, the large aquarium by the marina, and the Île de Ré, reachable via the bridge, make this a destination for a full day rather than a quick stop.

Saintes (about 45 min)

Once the capital of Roman Aquitaine, Saintes holds onto a Gallo-Roman heritage that's rare in the region: the Arch of Germanicus by the river Charente and the amphitheatre, one of the oldest Roman arenas in France. The Abbaye aux Dames, with its Romanesque façade, rounds out the visit for a more cultural, less touristy outing than La Rochelle.

Rochefort (about 35 min)

A naval dockyard town founded by Colbert, Rochefort is best explored around the Corderie Royale, more than 370 metres long on the banks of the Charente, and the Hermione, a replica of Lafayette's frigate moored right next to it. The transporter bridge, one of the last still working in Europe, marks the town's entrance on the river side.

Which one to choose as a family

Rochefort works well for an outing with young children: the Hermione visit is short and hands-on, and the town centre stays manageable on foot. La Rochelle needs a full day if you want to make the most of the aquarium. Saintes suits an afternoon, especially if the day's programme already includes a beach day.

Frequently asked questions

What's the closest town to Arvert?
Rochefort, about thirty-five minutes' drive.

Can you do La Rochelle in half a day?
The old harbour and the towers can be visited in a few hours, but plan a full day if the aquarium is on the itinerary.

What should you see first in Saintes?
The Arch of Germanicus and the Gallo-Roman amphitheatre, the town's two most striking ancient remains.