La Rochelle is a quaint coastal town known for the Aquarium La Rochelle, Musée Maritime de La Rochelle, and the Tour de la Lanterne. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation. Whether you're exploring the museums or eating the delicious cuisine, we'll help you plan the ideal trip to La Rochelle that stays within your budget.
How much does it cost to travel to La Rochelle?
You should plan to spend around $151 (€139) per day on your vacation in La Rochelle. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $65 (€60) on meals
- $19 (€17) on local transportation
- $146 (€134) on hotels
A one week trip to La Rochelle for two people costs, on average, $2,121 (€1,946). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$1,060
€973
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2 Weeks
Per person
$2,121
€1,946
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One Month
Per person
$4,544
€4,170
-
One Week
For a couple
$2,121
€1,946
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$4,241
€3,892
-
One Month
For a couple
$9,089
€8,340
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to La Rochelle cost?
A one week trip to La Rochelle usually costs around $1,060 (€973) for one person and $2,121 (€1,946) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to La Rochelle on average costs around $2,121 (€1,946) for one person and $4,241 (€3,892) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in La Rochelle will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to La Rochelle on average costs around $4,544 (€4,170) for one person and $9,089 (€8,340) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is La Rochelle expensive to visit?
La Rochelle is a smaller coastal town that attracts a broad range of travelers, encompassing various travel styles, spending practices, and budget options. You'll find a wide array of accommodation options, such as luxury hotels, mid-range places, or budget-friendly hostels.
La Rochelle can certainly rack up expenses, but there are strategies to minimize costs, including eating at less expensive restaurants and taking public transit.
On average, budget travelers spend $65 (€60) per day, mid-range travelers spend $152 (€139) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $307 (€281) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to La Rochelle.
Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, La Rochelle is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Cefalu or Valletta.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is La Rochelle Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to La Rochelle?
The average La Rochelle trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these La Rochelle travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to La Rochelle cost?
La Rochelle on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$31
(€28)
|
$73
(€67)
|
$154
(€141)
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$8
(€7.57)
|
$19
(€17)
|
$37
(€34)
|
|
Food 2
|
$28
(€26)
|
$65
(€60)
|
$127
(€116)
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$6
(€5.61)
|
$14
(€13)
|
$27
(€25)
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$4-11
(€4-11)
|
$9-26
(€8-24)
|
$17-50
(€15-46)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's important to be realistic about your budget for La Rochelle. Many assume they can visit on a shoestring, but most travelers find that to be very challenging. Think about what matters to you when traveling. Is it staying in a resort, visiting all the attractions, or dining out at nice restaurants? These factors will determine how much you spend on your trip.
Who Exactly is a Budget Traveler?
While you might think you're a budget traveler, without giving up many of your usual comforts, you'll likely need to spend more than the $65 per day that backpackers often spend.
Backpackers often work within this tight budget by staying in hostel dorms, eating fast food or street food, using public transit, and mainly visiting free attractions.
Luckily, there are plenty of hostels in La Rochelle, such as Central La Rochelle. Staying at these hostels means you can score affordable dorm lodging and a lively social vibe, but be prepared for basic amenities. Visitors to La Rochelle often find food to be a highlight, but budget travelers may only indulge in street food or cook their own meals in hostels, missing some of the area's best culinary experiences.
Is Your Travel Style Average?
Couples and families enjoying a vacation will probably want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at popular dining spots, and explore the key museums and attractions that have entry fees. When visiting La Rochelle, you'll want to see the Aquarium La Rochelle, Musée Maritime de La Rochelle, or the Tour de la Lanterne. Keep in mind that most activities cost money. Thus, it's reasonable to expect your daily budget to be around $152 per person, per day.
There's a wide selection of hotels and vacation rentals in La Rochelle. If you're traveling with others, sharing a hotel room with a partner, friend, or kids will help split costs and save money. When traveling as a family, look for hotels and restaurants that welcome children. Chambres d'Hotes Eden Ouest is a great choice for kids, and Le Champlain - Les Collectionneurs is another wonderful option. For more family and couple-friendly places to stay, check out our La Rochelle hotel costs guide.
Want to Escape the Daily Grind in Style?
If you envision a trip that covers everything with high-end amenities and top-tier service, be ready for a daily expense near $307. Enjoying nicer hotels, dining at acclaimed restaurants, participating in extravagant activities, and using taxis or private drivers to navigate the coastal town will require a premium budget. Also, higher-end tours are common with luxury travelers, such as La Rochelle: Private Walking Tour - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in La Rochelle
In La Rochelle, the price of hotels can really surprise you. Some are much more expensive, offering higher luxury and amenities. Peak season rates soar, with off-season averages around $103 and peak summer season rising to an average of $192. Prices typically range from $76 to $289, but hostels remain cheaper, especially in dorms. To save money, book during the low season or take advantage of special promotions and advance deals.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in La Rochelle for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $146 (€134). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $73 (€67) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in La Rochelle? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in La Rochelle include:
- Central Park Hotel & Spa starting at $97
- Best Western Plus Masqhotel starting at $142
- Hotel La Monnaie Art & Spa starting at $147
- Le Champlain - Les Collectionneurs starting at $150
- Hotel Les Brises starting at $109
While La Rochelle has a good public transit system, staying outside the coastal town to save on accommodation could mean higher transportation costs and less convenience if you're short on time.
If you avoid summer and go during the low or shoulder season, you'll find better hotel deals and fewer tourists.
In a small coastal town like La Rochelle, you might not find a lot of hotels, so it's smart to keep your plans flexible.
Lots of folks enjoy wandering around La Rochelle, making it ideal to book a place in the heart of the city. Be aware that this may mean spending a bit more.
The coastal town's old town is a big hit with travelers. Hotels in this part of town might be more expensive, yet they often come with plenty of character and great proximity to everything.
Transportation Budget in La Rochelle
In La Rochelle, the public transportation system covers key attractions. Public transit around town is operated by Yeló, and mostly consists of buses. If you want to save money and get around efficiently, public transit works well when it's near your stop. Taxis and rideshares are readily available across town, too.
Visitors who like to stroll and explore will truly enjoy their time here. It's filled with meandering cobblestone streets that are best explored on foot. Most places around town can be explored on foot.
Public Transit: 
(good)
Walkability: (great)
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $19 (€17) per person, per day, on local transportation in La Rochelle. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in La Rochelle is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$19
€17
If you're driving, check that your hotel has parking available.
A few of the typical hotel transfers and transportation services include:
- Private Transfer from La Rochelle Port to Nantes Airport (NTE) for $87 details
- Private Transfer from La Rochelle Cruise Port to Nantes Hotels for $87 details
How much does it cost to go to La Rochelle? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in La Rochelle will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in La Rochelle
Don't miss the chance to experience the world-class cuisine in La Rochelle. Spend some time at local dining spots to taste their renowned dishes. It may be small, but its filled with delicious cafes, bistros, and local restaurants. Seafood is the obvious choice in this coastal town and many visitors head to Vieux Port to eat, as many restaurants there offer waterfront views. If you want something a little less touristy, head to the St. Nicolas District, which was the town's former fishing district. Rue de la Fourche is also a charming road with many places to grab a bite or a drink. Or head to Rue St Jean-du-Perot, which is just off the old port.
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in La Rochelle can vary significantly, the average cost of food in La Rochelle is $65 (€60) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$65
€60
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in La Rochelle is around $65 (€60) per person, with previous travelers spending from $28 to $127. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in La Rochelle are as follows:
- Breakfast: $7 to $20
- Lunch: $10 to $26
- Dinner: $20 to $46
- Coffee: $5
- Fast Food or Street Food: $10
You can't go to La Rochelle without trying some seafood, as the city is famous for it. There are many excellent restaurants around town, particularly in the Vieux Port area. Dishes such as charantais, or mussels in a cream and wine sauce, are particularly good and popular. If you're looking for a traditional meal, head to "A Cote de Chez Fred", which has many local specialties. For an elegant atmosphere, try the Cafe de la Paix, which is located in a building that is designated a historic monument.
If you're on a tighter budget you can pick up some sandwiches or kebabs at Le Rif Restaurant, not far from "A Cote de Chez Fred". It's reasonably priced and won't break your bank, although not nearly as interesting as the seafood options.
Several hotels include breakfast with your stay, while others charge separately for it. The cost and quality can vary significantly depending on the hotel. Knowing this in advance can guide your budget decisions. It could be worth it for the tasty buffet available at the hotel, or you may wish to find a cheaper option at a local bakery or cafe.
Fill up a water bottle rather than buying drinks every chance you get. It's also kinder to the earth.
If you're considering a tour, double-check which meals are included in the package. There may be instances where you'll have to pay for your own meals, potentially stretching your budget.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in La Rochelle
It's evident that La Rochelle is a hotspot for tourists, largely due to its food, historical sights, romance, and museums and attractions.
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in La Rochelle typically cost an average of $14 (€13) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$14
€13
Some of the most popular sights include:
- The Aquarium La Rochelle for €18
- Musée Maritime de La Rochelle for €8
- The Tour de la Lanterne for €11
- The Towers of La Rochelle for €11
- Vieux Port (Free)
- The Marche du Centre Ville (Free)
- The Natural History Museum for €8
- Le Bunker de La Rochelle for €9.50
- The New World Museum for €8
The most interesting and scenic part of La Rochelle is the Old Port area, called Vieux Port. The area has a very Mediterranean atmosphere and the historic buildings have been constructed with pale stones and the streets are narrow and cobblestone. In the Old Port area make sure you visit the three towers, Tour Saint Nicolas, Tour de la Chaine and Tour de la Lanterne. These three towers guard the harbor area as they have since medieval times. It is possible to climb to the top and they offer a good view of the area.
The city also has a lovely aquarium that you can easily reach from the harbor. It's a great activity if it's raining outside and you can easily spend several hours exploring the facility. Port des Minimes is also an interesting place to see some exotic and impressive boats.
It's enjoyable to wander around the Old Harbor, or Old Port area in the early evening when everybody is out and about. Also make sure you take at least one boat ride to the nearby islands as the ride itself is quite enjoyable and the islands are nice to explore. If you have time, a trip through the nearby countryside is beautiful and interesting. There are several places outside of town worth visiting. These include the town of Lucon and the area of Marais Poitevin, or Venise Verte.
Museums and Attractions:
La Rochelle is celebrated for its prestigious museums and historical landmarks. Filled with history, the town itself is like a living museum. Within town there are many sights such as the Vieux Port, La Rochelle Aquarium, Musée d'Histoire Naturelle, and Musée du Nouveau Monde de La Rochelle.
Historical Sights:
The historic old town welcomes many guests each year. The old town is filled with wandering cobblestone streets, charming squares, and cafes that spill into the street.
A nice way to explore destinations in La Rochelle is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- 3 Hour La Rochelle Private Tour for $103 details
- Discover Discovery Walking Tour of La Rochelle for $43 details
- 1.5 Hour Guided Tour in Poitiers for $81 details
Nightlife Budget in La Rochelle
For nightlife seekers, La Rochelle has some activities, but it lacks the vibrancy of other more favored destinations. While it's known as a peaceful, seaside town, you'll still find wine bars, pubs, and even a club or two around town.
Calculated from travelers like you
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The average person spends about $17 (€16) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in La Rochelle per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$17
€16
While nightlife can be a blast, skipping a few rounds can significantly lower your travel expenses.
Nighttime outings can be fun, but make sure to stay aware of your environment, especially if you've been drinking. Pickpockets or worse could take advantage, so stick to trusted company.
Traveling in La Rochelle
La Rochelle, France
La Rochelle is a lovely French city in the province of Charente-Maritime. It's located in western France and is a seaport on the Bay of Biscay. Most people who visit the city enjoy exploring the "Vieux Port" or Old Harbour area. This area is the heart of the city and it is a beautiful neighborhood that has many seafood restaurants and nice architecture. It's particularly enjoyable to walk around during the evening hours. Ile de Re is connected to the city by a bridge and is also a nice place to visit. If you head out of town, the surrounding countryside is very rural. North of the city is Venise Verte, which is very marshy and has many small canals. It's a popular area for inland boating.
La Rochelle has an Oceanic climate that is relatively mild due to the effects of the Gulf Stream waters. Temperatures are usually moderate and it is rarely extremely cold or extremely hot. Summers are usually dry and sunny while winters are mild and wet.
Neighborhoods & Around
Most tourists spend their time in the Old Harbour, or Vieux Port area. This is a pedestrian only neighborhood that has many of the city's best restaurants and nightlife options. Much of the city's history has been preserved in this area as well, including the old city walls and fort.
It's also worth visiting Ile de Re, which is just off the shore and connected to La Rochelle by a bridge. This interesting little island has some nice beaches and good cuisine.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.