A must-try!
Where to eat the best ice creams in La Rochelle
Fancy an ice cream, sorbet, popsicle, cone or tub? La Rochelle is full of great ice cream shops. Whether you love traditional flavours or are looking for more original creations, you’re in the right place. Here is our selection of the best ice cream shops in La Rochelle for a refreshing break at any time of day.
A true local institution
Ernest le glacier
Head to Rue du Port, facing the towers of La Rochelle, for an essential stop at Ernest Le Glacier. Since 1999, this artisanal ice cream maker has served dozens of ice cream and sorbet flavours during the warmer months. Canelé, croustille, tiramisu, mint chocolate, strawberry… Ice creams, sorbets, homemade ice cream bars and indulgent tubs: everything is made in Ernest’s workshops in La Rochelle. In 2010, the brand opened a second shop opposite La Coursive.
Recommended in many tourist guides, Ernest’s shops attract thousands of visitors every year in search of a refreshing treat.
Ernest Le Glacier
16 rue du Port et 48 cours des Dames 17000 La Rochelle
The “Frozen” creator of wildly original flavours
Roméo
In 2022, Romain Legros opened his shop on Quai Valin. If you are looking for ice creams and sorbets with truly original flavours, this is the place to be. Each year, the artisan ice cream maker offers creations such as cookies, frais’olive (strawberry and olive), mandja, black sesame, and more. In total, around 30 flavours are available every day. If you love to experience new flavours, make sure you try the limited-edition seasonal creations!
At Roméo, to the delight of both children and grown-up gourmets, you can also enjoy treats on the terrace such as a cœur tendre, an ice cream-filled biscuit, or an affogato (a scoop of vanilla ice cream served with hot espresso poured over it).
Another of Roméo strengths: this eco-responsible ice cream shop works as much as possible with local ingredients, such as fresh Charente dairy milk and Lescure cream.
Roméo Créateur Givré
21 quai Valin 17000 La Rochelle
The generous ice cream maker
Tonton Maboule
From its very first shop located just a stone’s throw from the Minimes beach, Tonton Maboule has expanded to two additional locations: one on the Old Port and another on Aytré beach, facing the ocean.
At Tonton Maboule, portions are generous and flavours indulgent. In a tub or cone, or even in larger takeaway containers if you want to bring a little Tonton Maboule home, anything is possible. Bissap, blood orange, salted butter caramel, yuzu lemon, or peanut: flavours that will make your taste buds tingle just by reading the day’s selection.
It is also the perfect spot for an afternoon snack: enjoy an ice cream brioche, add homemade whipped cream, or sip on a delicious milkshake. Near the beach or on the Old Port, it’s up to you to choose your favourite spot to indulge.
Tonton Maboule
48 avenue du Lazaret (Les Minimes), 3 quai Valin (Old Port) 17000 La Rochelle and Aytré Beach
The artisan ice cream maker devoted to nature
Philippe Faur
While strolling through the city centre of La Rochelle, take a moment to stop at Philippe Faur’s shop. Originally from the Ariège region, this master ice cream maker has been crafting ice cream flavours since 1998. Behind every flavour lies a blend of creativity, French ingredients, and a strong commitment to the environment, and always with a generous touch of indulgence!
Located on Rue des Templiers, the shop embraces a return to nature with 100% natural ice creams and sorbets. Unlike other ice cream makers, the selection is intentionally limited, but that will not stop you from enjoying a truly delicious treat.
Philippe Faur
19 rue des Templiers 17000 La Rochelle
The bold ice cream maker
L’Angélys
To conclude our tour of the best ice cream shops in La Rochelle, we turn to an iconic regional brand: L’Angélys. At the far end of Cours des Dames, just a few metres from the Chain Tower, you’ll find this small boutique.
In 2022, L’Angélys opened its only shop in La Rochelle, much to the delight of locals who were already familiar with the brand from supermarket shelves.
If you enjoy original ice creams and sorbets, this is a must-visit address: tomato and basil sorbet, piquillo pepper and Espelette chilli sorbet, oak ice cream, or even cognac and raisin ice cream… You’re bound to be surprised by these creations, made without artificial colours, flavourings or preservatives.
L’Angélys
50 cours des Dames 17000 La Rochelle
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