Situated between the towns of La Rochelle to the north, Royan to the south and Saintes to the southeast, the town of Rochefort is ideally located for exploring the Charente-Maritime region. Labelled a Town of Art and History, this prestigious city on the banks of the Charente was created in1666 by Colbert on the initiative of Louis XIV. It owes its renown primarily to its military Arsenal, which built 550 ships over two and a half centuries!
It was here that the Hermione was born, the mythical frigate that carried the Marquis de La Fayette. Her breathtaking replica, built over 18 years using materials and techniques of the time, was completed in 2015 and is now a fascinating place to visit for all ages.
Rochefort still bears witness to its glorious maritime past: the Royal Rope Factory building is now home to the International Maritime Center; the National Maritime Museum is housed in the Hotel de Cheusses; Pierre Loti's unusual birthplace is now home to a museum dedicated to the famous writer and naval officer from Rochefort; the old-time Trades Museum, which reconstructs work-shops and stores from 1900 to 1945, is also well worth a visit, as is the Museum of Art and History, housed in the Hotel Hebre, a handsome 18th-century townhouse.
As you wander through its picturesque streets, you'll also discover Rochefort's extensive built heritage, with some of its finest monuments dating back to its construction.
A spa town, with waters exploited since the 1950s, Rochefort is also appreciated for its proximity to the beaches and most beautiful tourist sites of the Charente.
From our hotel, you can explore La Rochelle, Royan and Saintes, as well as the surrounding is-lands: Aix, Oléron, Ré islands...
Rochefort is also a well-known stopover for cyclists on the Velodysée and Flow Vélo cycle routes, the former running along the Atlantic coast from Roscoff to the Basque coast, the latter from Thiviers in the Dordogne to Aix Island. We're delighted to welcome you and provide you with a large private garage inside the hotel to secure your bikes.
As you'll see, there's no shortage of things to discover around the Ho?tel de France in Rochefort, and we'll be delighted to advise you. Don't hesitate to ask us.
