The call of the open sea in the heart of the city
La Rochelle’s three ports
In La Rochelle, the sea is part of everyday life. Wherever you look, there are boats: cargo ships loaded with grain, trawlers, sailing school boats, yachts, motorboats, and racing catamarans. Since its beginnings, the city has looked toward the ocean. Today, three major ports define its maritime identity: yachting, commerce, and fishing.
The pleasures of yachting
From the Old Port to Les Minimes, from Port-Neuf to the yacht basin
Created in 1972, La Rochelle’s marina is one of the largest in Europe. Spread across several sites, it is both a tourist stopover and a recognized technical hub.
- The Old Port, the Chalutiers Basin and the Yacht Basin: In the very heart of the city, they host everything from small sailing boats and old rigs to prestigious yachts. The iconic towers, the Aquarium, and the Encan convention center provide a unique backdrop. The Maritime Museum, located on the Bassin des Chalutiers, tells the long history of the port.
- The Port des Minimes: With its four basins (Lazaret, Marillac, Bout-Blanc, and Tamaris), its harbor master’s office, and its artisan marketplace, it is a true city on the water. Its services and facilities make it the center of sailing and water sports in La Rochelle.
- Port-Neuf: Smaller and more discreet, this 65-berth harbor has a boat ramp. It offers a charming stop along the promenade linking the Old Port to Chef de Baie.
Every day, the comings and goings of boats create a living spectacle, marked by the opening of the Scherzer bridge and the pedestrian drawbridge. Ships line up with the two lighthouses of the Old Port to safely return.
An international showcase for sailing
The Grand Pavois
Each September, the Port des Minimes hosts the Grand Pavois La Rochelle, one of the world’s largest in-water boat shows. Created in 1973 by local enthusiasts, it brings together over 700 boats and exhibitors from about thirty countries. Sea trials, themed areas, and sustainable innovations make this event a must for sailing lovers.
Deep-water trade port
Port Atlantique La Rochelle
The deep-water port of La Pallice is one of France’s leading maritime ports. Each year, around 9 million tons of goods pass through it: oil, grain, timber, pulp, and wind turbines.
- France’s leading port for exotic timber imports,
- The second largest grain export port,
- Capable of handling very large vessels, including cruise ships
Around the port, a whole economy thrives: shipyards, repair and refit companies, and a variety of maritime trades (dockworkers, pilots, tug crews, divers). Since its creation in 1890, the port has continually evolved. Occupied by the German navy in 1940, it is no longer open to the public today for security reasons.
The sea as a provider
Fishing port
La Rochelle was long among France’s leading fishing ports. Since 1994, the fishing port has been located at Chef de Baie, home to about 200 boats.
Each week, from Monday to Friday, its modernized fish market sells freshly landed fish, shellfish, and crustaceans. The auctions are reserved for accredited professionals.
The site can be admired from the beach at Chef de Baie, offering fine views of Ré Island and the colorful warehouses of the port.
A commitment to sustainability
Each of La Rochelle’s ports, yachting, trade, and fishing, takes part in environmental initiatives. Maritime stakeholders work to reduce their impact on the ocean and contribute to the Carbon-Neutral Challenge led by the La Rochelle urban area.
Go further
Discover more
The major ports are only part of La Rochelle’s maritime heritage. To extend your visit, you can meet mussel producers, chat with the managers of small harbors, and explore the many stopovers scattered across the area.
Set off on an adventure
Experience the port!
Check out our activity suggestions to make the most of your exploration of La Rochelle’s ports. In summer, we offer those who are interested a chance to dive behind the scenes at the La Rochelle fish auction. From the arrival of the fish to their sale at auction, experience the buzz of the fishing port alongside maritime professionals!
Written by
Nathalie Maynadier