Town: La Rochelle

Town: La Rochelle

Looking at the climate of France as a whole, in order to give you a general notion of this town’s climate factors (sun,rain,heat, cold,wind, snow) we use three categories (most, mid, least) . So, the label above is telling you what this factor is (most, mid-range, least) considering the whole of France.  For a much more in-depth understanding of the weather, go to the site  weatherspark.com.  Be sure to use the feature they offer to compare towns.  

Looking at the climate of France as a whole, in order to give you a general notion of this town’s climate factors (sun,rain,heat, cold,wind, snow) we use three categories (most, mid, least) . So, the label above is telling you what this factor is (most, mid-range, least) considering the whole of France.  For a much more in-depth understanding of the weather, go to the site  weatherspark.com.  Be sure to use the feature they offer to compare towns.  

Looking at the climate of France as a whole, in order to give you a general notion of this town’s climate factors (sun,rain,heat, cold,wind, snow) we use three categories (most, mid, least) . So, the label above is telling you what this factor is (most, mid-range, least) considering the whole of France.  For a much more in-depth understanding of the weather, go to the site  weatherspark.com.  Be sure to use the feature they offer to compare towns.  

Looking at the climate of France as a whole, in order to give you a general notion of this town’s climate factors (sun,rain,heat, cold,wind, snow) we use three categories (most, mid, least) . So, the label above is telling you what this factor is (most, mid-range, least) considering the whole of France.  For a much more in-depth understanding of the weather, go to the site  weatherspark.com.  Be sure to use the feature they offer to compare towns.  

Looking at the climate of France as a whole, in order to give you a general notion of this town’s climate factors (sun,rain,heat, cold,wind, snow) we use three categories (most, mid, least) . So, the label above is telling you what this factor is,  considering the whole of France.  For a much more in-depth understanding of the weather, go to the site  weatherspark.com.  Be sure to use the feature they offer to compare towns.  

Looking at the climate of France as a whole, in order to give you a general notion of this town’s climate factors (sun,rain,heat, cold,wind, snow) we use three categories (most, mid, least) . So, the label above is telling you what this factor is (most, mid-range, least) considering the whole of France.  For a much more in-depth understanding of the weather, go to the site  weatherspark.com.  Be sure to use the feature they offer to compare towns.  

Looking at the climate of France as a whole, in order to give you a general notion of this town’s climate factors (sun,rain,heat, cold,wind, snow) we use three categories (most, mid, least) . So, the label above is telling you what this factor is (most, mid-range, least) considering the whole of France.  For a much more in-depth understanding of the weather, go to the site  weatherspark.com.  Be sure to use the feature they offer to compare towns.  

 

Rating is 1 – 4 (1 being most friendly)

  1. Known to be a favorite for internationals and/or Anglophones; English heard frequently
  2. Substantial international community; hearing English is not unusual
  3. Some expats, or other international populations, occasionally you might hear English spoken
  4. Not especially international; English rarely heard spoken”

 AVF stands for Accueils des Villes Françaises (roughly translated ‘Home of French Cities’ From their website: The national network of Accueils des Villes Françaises “offers new residents and anyone looking for social connections friendly activities that allow them to discover their new environment and make new friends.” 

They are particularly helpful as you meet newcomers, both French and English-speaking.  Most branches provide a robust range of classes (including French) and activities, for an incredibly small annual membership fee  (35 Euro?)    Here’s their national website, which will connect you to the branch in the town you are looking at https://avf.asso.fr/

 This category differs with each town.  One town might have a large international industry (Bordeaux: aerospace) or govermental HQ (Strasbourg: EU) while others are simply perennial favorites for internationals (like Nice, or any nice spa town, like Jonzac or Bagnoles-de-l’Orne) 

 We feel that a large university is a marker of a town used to newcomers and at home with a range of cultures and ideas. 

A town that attracts retirees is more likely to be safe, affordable,temperate in climate, offer good health care options  and be welcoming

*More than 30 days, less than 90. Off-peak season, prices & features vetted for this kind of stay.

Small towns population: 15,00 – 7,500 Big towns population: 7,500 – 50,000  City: 50,000 – 250,000 Big City: 250,000 +

Small towns population: 15,00 – 7,500 Big towns population: 7,500 – 50,000  City: 50,000 – 250,000 Big City: 250,000 +

 (On a scale of 1 – 5, 1 easiest)

 (On a scale of 1 – 5, 1 easiest)

 A robust train station is in or nearby this town

  • Dedicated Cycle Paths: La Rochelle boasts over 230 kilometers of dedicated cycle paths, making it easy and safe to navigate the city on two wheels. These paths cover everything from beachfront promenades to quiet canals, connecting major attractions and neighborhoods.
  • “La Rochelle, on the French Atlantic coast had a legendary mayor back in the 1970’s. Michel Crepeau. He was quite the urban planning revolutionary and the rest of France thought he was quite mad. At that time progress was built in concrete and asphalt.
  • La Littorale Way: This coastal path hugs the Atlantic shoreline, offering panoramic views of the ocean, beaches, and the iconic Fort Boyard. It’s a must-do for any cyclist in La Rochelle!

  • Canal de Marans: This picturesque canal trail takes you through a peaceful landscape of marshes, meadows, and charming villages. It’s a perfect escape from the city bustle.

  • Copenhagenize.com: “Inspired by Copenhagen, he created pedestrian streets in the city centre and, in 1974, he started a bike share programme. Both Amsterdam and Copenhagen flirted with bike share programmes back in the 60’s, but they didn’t last. La Rochelle was the first city to make it stick. Until Copenhagen, in 1995, started their City Bike (Bycyklen) system and the idea started to spread”
  • Out Chasing Stars:  “Definitely the highlight of La Rochelle is the Vieux Port, or Old Port.  Guarded by three towers, Vieux Port has an incredible medieval atmosphere.  In fact, La Rochelle is very well preserved, even though it was heavily occupied by German forces during WWII.  Walk along the promenade as a day or nighttime to enjoy the towers of La Rochelle all lit up.”
  • The Travel.com: “From sailing, hoverboarding, kiteboarding, jet skiing, and just plain old boating, La Rochelle is one of the best places for water sports in France. La Rochelle is actually so famous for its water activities that this coastal hub has even earned the moniker ‘the city of sailing’.”

Weather is changeable and it is somewhat windy from October through April

Out Chasing Stars: “We have found that being in La Rochelle during the offseason has its advantages and disadvantages – one advantage is that La Rochelle is not very busy, but a disadvantage is that public transportation isn’t at full throttle.”

Who recommends it?

Out Chasing Stars:  "Definitely the highlight of La Rochelle is the Vieux Port, or Old Port.  Guarded by three towers, Vieux Port has an incredible medieval atmosphere.  In fact, La Rochelle is very well preserved, even though it was heavily occupied by German forces during WWII.  Walk along the promenade as duck or nighttime to enjoy the towers of La Rochelle all lit up."

The Travel.com: "From sailing, hoverboarding, kiteboarding, jet skiing, and just plain old boating, La Rochelle is one of the best places for water sports in France. La Rochelle is actually so famous for its water activities that this coastal hub has even earned the moniker 'the city of sailing'."

Living and Investing Overseas: "No matter the time of year, the beaches are always in use. They’re packed end to end at the height of tourist season (July and August) but, otherwise, it’s just locals enjoying the surf. If it’s too cold for a dip, the coast is the perfect spot for a stroll.  The best seasons to visit la Rochelle are spring and autumn. For instance, there’s a noticeable lull during autumn and winter, which locals relish. The beaches are empty, the perfect venues for long walks, and the streets and bike lanes are much less crowded. During winter, it won’t be freezing cold, but dress appropriately—that means layers and waterproofs...When it comes to getting around, most of La Rochelle is accessible by foot or bike, and much of the historic center is pedestrianized. Buses can take you all around town and to neighboring areas, including to the nearby islands.

Linda White: "Charente-Maritime (the department of this town)  is affordable, close to the coast, generally better weather with shorter winters (windows open today) Lots of lovely towns and cities like Bordeaux, and plenty of history

 

Hi!  We noticed you’re not registered with our site yet.   Please register using the form below; it just takes a minute.  If you’ve registered already, please login here (so you don’t see this popup anymore)

Register/Free

 

E-mail *
First Name *
Username *
Last Name *

Check your email for the link that puts you back on the site, a registered user free to browse all you please.