Soft Mobility Solutions
Getting around without a car
Why leave your car behind in La Rochelle? With its pedestrian streets, numerous public transport options, and its commitment to a more sustainable city, La Rochelle is an ideal destination for getting around without a car. And let's be honest: with fewer (and more expensive) parking spaces, we hardly have a choice anymore! Rather than searching for a parking spot for hours, and draining your wallet, why not embrace sustainable mobility? It’s more economical and more practical. Here are all the ways to get around like a local.
Practical and accessible
Yélo, the public transport network
The Yélo network offers buses, sea‑buses, self‑service bikes (and electric or hybrid cars) for unconstrained travel.
- Buses serve the entire metropolitan area, with increased frequency in high season.
- The sea bus links the Old Port to the Minimes district in just a few minutes : ideal for avoiding traffic jams.
- The "passeur" shuttle connects the Old Port (at the foot of the Chain Tower) to the Media Library (avenue Michel Crépeau).
- A free electric shuttle circulates through the city centre to ease your inner‑city trips.
- Citiz self‑service cars : a great option for occasional trips or if you only need a car for a few hours.
🎫 Tip: buses and sea‑buses are included with the La Rochelle Océan Pass! More info below.
daily train
TER Nouvelle‑Aquitaine
To reach or leave the metro area without a car, the TER Nouvelle‑Aquitaine is an eco‑friendly and comfortable solution :
- Direct trips from La Rochelle to Surgères, Niort, Rochefort, Saintes, Royan, Bordeaux, Poitiers, Nantes.
- Stations served within the urban area with your Yélo ticket (Yélo terminals are available at stations : validate your Yélo card, virtual ticket, or QR code there before boarding) : Aytré‑Plage, Angoulins‑sur‑Mer, Châtelaillon‑Plage, La Jarrie.
🎫 Tip : some TER lines are included in the La Rochelle Océan Pass ! More info below.
Getting to the islands :
Regional buses
Want to escape to the Ré Island or Oléron Island without a car? Get on the bus!
- Île de Ré: regional connections from La Rochelle train station to Saint‑Martin‑de‑Ré, La Flotte, Ars, etc.
- Île d’Oléron: accessible via Rochefort or Marennes, with connections from La Rochelle.
- 🚲 Bikes are allowed on some lines under certain conditions.
🎫 Tip: regional buses are included in the La Rochelle Océan Pass! More info below.
La Rochelle’s star
The Bicycle
A pioneer of sustainable mobility, La Rochelle was the first city in France to offer self‑service bikes as early as 1976 !
- 452 km of cycle paths for safe and pleasant rides.
- 760 Yélo bikes : rent standard or electric bikes by the day, either self‑service or for longer periods.
- The Vélodyssée and Vélo Francette : routes to explore the coastline and marshes.
The best way to explore La Rochelle
On foot
La Rochelle provides five free park‑and‑ride car parks linked to bus lines or cycle paths:
- Beaulieu: 130 spaces (including 5 accessible spaces)
- Les Greffières: 300 spaces (8 accessible spaces)
- Vieljeux: 60 spaces (2 accessible spaces)
- Saint‑Rogatien: 20 spaces (1 accessible space)
- Simone Veil: 130 spaces (4 accessible spaces)
Park for free!
Park‑and‑ride sites
With its compact city centre, cobbled streets, and lively quays, La Rochelle is also perfect to discover on foot.
- Short distances: from the Old Port to the Minimes, it’s about a 30‑minute walk.
- Walking circuits: available on the Tourist Office website or the Loopi app.
- Car‑free beaches: Plage de la Concurrence is a 10‑minute walk from the city centre!
A great deal
La Rochelle Océan Pass
📅 La Rochelle Océan Pass is a unique pass to enjoy the city without a car:
- Access to Yélo transport (buses, ferries, sea bus, )
- Admission included for many cultural and leisure sites
- TER trains and regional coaches
🗨️ Getting around La Rochelle without a car is easy, economical and eco-friendly! Whether you’re a local or a visitor, choose sustainable mobility and enjoy a human-sized city. 🌿