Rochefort Océan, between land and sea

Affiliated with the network since 1987, Rochefort, the chequered city, is an invitation to travel that awaits you just a few kilometers from our home. camping in Saint Palais sur Mer.

Rochefort, city of art and history

Great royal arsenal under Colbert and home port of the frigate Hermione which led La Fayette to America in 1780, Rochefort is a city of Art and History, whose heritage evokes distant voyages, maritime adventures and the prestige of royalty. A multi-faceted destination in the Charente Maritime department, Rochefort is a renowned spa, a historic city with many sites and monuments to visit, and the departure point for the treasures of the Atlantic: the Isle of Aix, the Isle of Madam, or the solitary and famous Fort Boyard. It is the place where the filming of "Les Demoiselles de Rochefort" took place.

Rochefort Ocean, a city open to the sea

The port of Rochefort is also the starting point for beautiful boat excursions: the visit of the island of Aix is a must! A real paradise for nature lovers and preserved landscapes, the small island can be discovered on foot, by bike or even by horse-drawn carriage, between the maritime pines and the paths full of hollyhocks. You can also visit the museum dedicated to Napoleon, installed in the house where the emperor lived before his departure for St. Helena. The garden island has an important heritage, including the priory Saint-Martin, the fort Liédot and the battery of Jamblet. In the heart of the village, opposite the church, you can also visit the Maison de la nacre, which honors this specialty of the island. Cruises to the island of Aix are finally an opportunity to approach the famous Fort Boyard and to be told its unusual history.

The Royal Corderie of Rochefort

Between land and sea (accessed via the Charente river), Rochefort was chosen by Colbert to house the Kingdom's largest naval arsenal. The splendid Corderie RoyaleThis rich past is reflected in the completely renovated building. Bring the whole family and discover this mythical place where the strong ropes of warships were made. Then climb aboard the exact replica of the Hermione and discover its workshops, in the heart of the naval arsenal. On the same site, the Musée National de la Marine will enlighten you on the history of Rochefort and its maritime vocation. To relax, head for the "accro-mâts", a unique climbing and aerial adventure area, between high masts, vertiginous platforms and ropes stretched skywards.

The Transbordeur Bridge

Rochefort's Pont Transbordeur, built in 1900 by Ferdinand Arnodin, is a masterpiece of metal architecture, towering 50 meters above the Charente River.

Until 1967, it was used to cross the river without hindering navigation.

Today, its suspended gondola carries pedestrians and cyclists between Rochefort and Échillais. Classified as a historic monument, the bridge is the last of its kind in France, and is aiming for UNESCO World Heritage status. The Maison du Transbordeur, located in Échillais, offers a guided tour of its history.

Les Jardins de la Marine

Rochefort's Jardins de la Marine, located close to the Corderie Royale, offer relaxation and leisure activities for the whole family.

The park features a play area for children, surrounded by greenery and shady areas ideal for picnics. The gardens, set in historic surroundings, are ideal for strolling while enjoying views over the Charente river. Sports facilities and footpaths are also part of the Jardins de la Marine infrastructure. It's a place dedicated to conviviality and relaxation.

The Museum of the Former Naval Medical School

The Musée de l'Ancienne École de Médecine Navale in Rochefort is a unique museum dedicated to the history of maritime medicine. Founded in 1722, the school was the first of its kind in the world.

The museum features an impressive collection of medical instruments, anatomical specimens and historical documents. As you tour the museum, you'll discover the medical advances made to treat sailors, and explore period classrooms and laboratories.

This must-see museum in Charente-Maritime offers a fascinating insight into the evolution of naval medicine and Rochefort's maritime history.

The Théâtre de la Coupe d'Or

The Théâtre de la Coupe d'Or is an architectural gem from the 19th century. Designed by Pierre-Adolphe Amouroux, this Italian-style theater is remarkable for its elegance and exceptional acoustics.

Restored in 2006, it offers a varied program ranging from music to theater and dance. During your visit to Rochefort, you can admire its sumptuous interior , with its wrought-iron balconies and delicate paintings.

The National Maritime Museum

The Musée National de la Marine in Rochefort, located in the Hôtel de Cheusses, is an emblematic museum dedicated to the history of the French navy. It traces the development of the Rochefort arsenal, founded in 1666, and features a rich collection of ship models, navigation instruments and weapons.

One of Charente-Maritime's not-to-be-missed museums, it invites you to immerse yourself in the maritime past, with exhibits on shipbuilding, life on board and technical innovations. During your visit, you'll also discover themed rooms highlighting various aspects of maritime history.

Other visits to Rochefort sur Mer

You can also discover a rich cultural heritage during your stay in camping Rochefort through these 3 other must-see tours:

• The Museum of Art and History, in the former Hôtel Hèbre de Saint-Clément, is the memory of the city and of its privileged relations with the Overseas Territories.
• The House of Pierre Loti, writer and naval officer, invites to exoticism and fantasy.
• The Museum of Ancient Trade, housed in a 1900s building, brings to life the city's rich trading traditions.

You also know the Hermione, which you can visit in Rochefort, in the Arsenal des mers. You can also enjoy a spa treatment, as Rochefort is also a popular spa destination on the Atlantic coast. Nearby, La Rochelle and Châtelaillon Plage await you, as well as many other places to visit in the Poitou Charentes region.