Art,
architecture, museums, parks, gastronomy and all the romance and
exhilaration of an historic Atlantic harbour - la Rochelle has all this plus an annual
jazz festival. Every September there's the Grand Pavois, one of the world's
greatest maritime exhibitions.
What's more, with direct flights from no less than seven UK and two
Irish airports, la Rochelle is an excellent short break destination.
On
arrival, hop onto the local bus or jump in a taxi straight to the
Champlain, a Best Western hotel which has stylish, elegant and
spacious public rooms, a grand staircase and a delightful welcome from
the charming, smiling personnel. The rooms are all of a good size but
the superior prestige category is preferred with vast comfy beds and
'hymn book' bathrooms (Ancient & Modern in perfect harmony).
The
location is fine too: less than ten minutes' walk from the harbour
with a wide choice of restaurants en route plus, just opposite the
hotel, the vast Parc Charruyer - a botanical garden that's perfect for a
restorative stroll away from the bustle of the centre. So if you are
travelling by road, dump your car for the duration in the hotel's
private parking (best to reserve in advance) and benefit from all that
exercise.