Little Boats of La Rochelle

Fly to Nantes and transfer to La Rochelle, a journey of 140 kilometres, taking approximately two hours.

Stay six nights at the locally rated 4-star Novotel La Rochelle Centre (3Q+). Enjoy a welcome drink and dinner tonight. D

Depart from the historical quarter on a cruise around the renowned harbour, to view the picturesque Atlantic coastline of La Rochelle, the imposing U-Boat pens dating back to WWII and the iconic Fort Boyard, the symbol of the city. Built under the reign of Napoleon, Fort Boyard protected the estuary of the Charente river and the naval construction yards in Rochefort.

The afternoon is at leisure to explore the cobbled streets and narrow alleyways of the old quarter of La Rochelle. B, D

This morning, tour the nature park of Marais Poitevin. Covering over 100,000 hectares of marshland, this remnant of the former Gulf of Poitou is filled with little canals and picturesque villages, earning it the epithet of ‘Green Venice’. One of the highlights will be a guided tour by traditional canoe to discover the flora and fauna of the region.

After the boat trip, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant followed by the rest of the day at leisure in La Rochelle. B, L, D

Explore the city of Saintes, which has some excellent Roman and Gothic architecture. Here you’ll have the chance to sample some of the best wines of the area in a tasting at a local producer. After lunch, embark the Palissy III for a leisurely cruise sailing the Charente river from Chaniers to Port d'Enveux.

Return to La Rochelle for dinner. B, L, D

Travel north today to visit the coastal town of Les Sables d’Olonne where you’ll take a boat trip around Marais Salants.

Protected by sand dunes from the Atlantic Ocean, the production of salt in this region can be dated to the Roman era. As you explore meet with the salt workers and taste some of the various salts. B, D

Today is free to continue exploring La Rochelle at your own pace.

Perhaps visit to the Musee Maritime de la Rochelle, which reveals the port’s history, or alternatively join an optional excursion to the Ile de Ré, a chic summer retreat for the Parisian elite. Popular with local’s due to the abundance of oysters, the island contains a wealth of natural and historical attractions including the UNESCO World Heritage site of Saint-Martin-de-Ré. B, D

After breakfast, transfer to Nantes for your return flight to the UK. B