My 2 days in…Rochefort

A must-do stopover on the Atlantic Coast situated 35km southeast of La Rochelle, Rochefort has a rich maritime heritage. Let me take you on a visit to the Corderie Royale, the Maritime Museum or the Hermione, where everywhere you turn the world of the sea is present.

Musée de la Marine

Day 1

The National Maritime Museum

If you really want to understand the Maritime Arsenal in Rochefort your first stop should be the National Maritime Museum. Located in the “Hôtel de Cheusses” - former residence of Royal Navy Commanders - it exhibits old models of ships, machines, tools, paintings and countless testimonies and documents.

Full rate: €6,50, reduced rate: €5,50. Tel.: +33 (0)5 46 99 86 57. www.musee-marine.fr

La Corderie Royale

The Corderie Royale

In the heart of the Arsenal, the Corderie Royale is a magnificent building that stretches over 374 metres. Push the doors of this manufactory, where the ropes for the big Royal Navy ships were made, and you'll be instantly plunged into the atmosphere, probably due to the distinct odour of the vegetal fibres. In the workshops you'll discover the crafts of spinners, stranders, knot and rope tiers...

Pass Arsenal des Mers

L’Hermione et l’Accrô-mats

The Hermione and Accro-masts

The Hermione: a famous frigate used by the Marquis de La Fayette to support the American independents in 1780. Result of over seventeen years work, today the Hermione is the biggest replica of an ancient vessel ever rebuilt in France. Inspired by the experience, find out what is was like to be a deckhand at the neighbouring Accro-masts adventure park in the shape of a frigate. Acrobatic thrills and a taste of life at sea guaranteed on the ship's deck. Welcome aboard sailor!

To recover from your emotions, take a stroll through the Jardin des Retours garden that runs the length of the Corderie Royale. Designed by the landscaper Bernard Lassus it has plenty of relaxing views over the Charente river. Then why not stop for lunch in the harbour.

In the evening, take in a show at La Coupe d’Or, a superb 17th century Italian-style theatre.
Check out the programme at www.theatre-coupedor.com*

Rochefort - place Colbert

Day 2

The Bird “Sanctuary”

On the banks of the Charente, the lagoon station treats the sewage and water waste from Rochefort in an economically and environmentally-friendly way. It is also a great spot for sea birds. Take a silent walk around this 70-hectare site to discover this out-of-the-ordinary ornithological spot. Don't forget your binoculars!

Nature Space. Tel.: +33 (0)5 46 82 12 44. Full rate: €6; reduced rate : €5. Free for the under 10.

A walk around town

Built around a checkerboard plan, Rochefort took on its finished appearance thanks to Michel Bégon (Navy Intendent 1688-1710) when he organised the rebuilding of the town in cut stone. Make the most of a stroll through the streets and squares to get a full picture of the architecture and layout. Don't miss the Place Colbert, famous as the setting for cult French film “Les Demoiselles de Rochefort” by Jacques Demy, with Catherine Deneuve and Françoise Dorléac.

Enjoy a refreshing drink or a bite to eat on one of the many terraces.

In the evening, treat yourself to a night visit of local history with the Noctambulations: an entertaining and out-of-the-ordinary experience that I would highly recommend!

Noctambulations, every Tuesday in July (9.30pm) and August (9.00pm). www.rochefort-ocean.com

Rochefort 

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Plage océane du Grand Crohot

The beach of the surfers! On the ocean beach of Grand Crohot in Lège, one treads barefoot the wooden boards of the gratings all the year. A true small paradise for the amateurs of surfing! At the bottom of the beach, you will find restaurants, snacks as well as a surf school.

There is a call point to alert the emergency services. For people with reduced mobility, a tiralo is available in season.

Our beaches are fragile, the use of bicycles, one-wheels, fat-bikes, scooters, is authorized on the wet sand from 15/06 to 15/09 only, from sunrise to 11am. The use is forbidden on the whole dune and foot of the dune.

Wild camping, dogs (on the loose or on a leash), the use of sound devices and instruments, garbage dumping, and the use of fire during the day and at night are prohibited.

Grand Crohot Lège-Océan 33950 LEGE-CAP-FERRET
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ESGC - Ecole de Surf du Grand Crohot

On the Grand Crohot beach, facing the spot, the surf school team, certified by the French Surfing Federation, offers many formulas to get into the adventure of surfing. Discovery sessions, more or less long courses, it's up to each one's desires.

Plage du Grand Crohot Lège 33950 LEGE-CAP-FERRET
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ESGC - Ecole de Surf du Grand Grohot

On the beach of Grand Crohot, in front of the spot, the surf school team proposes the rental of surfing equipment.

Plage du Grand Crohot Lège 33950 LEGE-CAP-FERRET
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Surf Club de la Presqu'île

In the beach of Grand Crohot in Lège, the House of the Glide and its team of the Surf Club make you share their passion of the sports of glide. Surf, bodyboard, stand-up paddle, longboard, all the year you have the possibility of following here sessions of discovery, courses and training courses of improvement, individual or collective trainings. There are also formulas for the youngest from 6 years old

If you don't have your own equipment, the club puts some at your disposal. Supervision : First and second degree state diplomas.

Maison de la Glisse Le Grand Crohot 33950 LEGE-CAP-FERRET
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Camping Brémontier

At the foot of the ocean beaches of Grand Crohot in Lège, the Brémontier campsite is in perfect harmony with its natural surroundings. It has resisted the trend of solid accommodations and exclusively offers pitches for tents, caravans, and tent rentals, with electricity and nearby sanitary facilities, all under the shade of pine trees. The vast, supervised beach is only 400 meters away, and the seaside holiday activities are not far: restaurants and snack bars in Grand Crohot that host evening events, surf schools, bike rentals, and the villages of the peninsula or the basin beaches! These can be quickly reached by car or, better yet, by bike, using the cycle path located at the campsite's entrance.

Le Grand Crohot Océan Lège 33950 LEGE-CAP-FERRET
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Plage naturiste de La Jenny

The beach of La Jenny is exclusively naturist. Here, no bathing suit, we take advantage of this protected space to perfect its integral tanning. The large expanse of sand allows everyone to find their place of relaxation.

For sports lovers, various activities are offered: surfing, body-boarding ... If you like thrills, to the north of the beach, surfers and kitesurfers slide. You can take surfing lessons if you feel like taming the waves!

In the south, swimming is supervised from June to September for the safety of children and adults.

La Jenny 33680 LE PORGE
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