Want to leave the island for a day? Rochefort, located on the mainland in Charente-Maritime, is easy to visit from your campsite on Île de Ré. A former military town founded by Louis XIV, it boasts a unique maritime heritage: the Corderie Royale, the arsenal, the Martrou transporter bridge, and Pierre Loti’s house. We’ll tell you what to see, how much time to set aside, and how to get there, so you can add it to your itinerary when you set out to explore Île de Ré.
Key points to remember
- Distance from La Couarde-sur-Mer: about 60 km, or a 55-minute to 1-hour drive via the Île de Ré Bridge.
- Must-sees: the Corderie Royale and the Arsenal, the Martrou Transporter Bridge, Pierre Loti’s house, and the Jardin des Retours.
- Recommended duration: a full day to visit two or three sites at a leisurely pace.
- Good to know: Pierre Loti’s house and the Hermione shipyard are open to visitors by booking only.
What to See and Do in Rochefort
Rochefort was founded in 1666 as a royal naval arsenal, following a decision by Colbert. The city has retained its regular layout and maritime heritage, which today are the hallmarks of its reputation. Here are the sites you won’t want to miss.
The Corderie Royale and the Arsenal
This is the historic heart of the city. The Corderie Royale, which is 374 meters long, was once used to manufacture ropes for warships. The building, managed by the International Maritime Center, is open to visitors and hosts exhibitions on maritime history. Nearby, the old arsenal can be explored on foot: the Porte du Soleil, a monumental entrance decorated with maritime motifs, and the Jardin des Retours, which slopes down in terraces toward the Charente River.
The Frigate Hermione
The Hermione is a replica of the frigate that carried La Fayette to America in 1780. It was rebuilt in Rochefort between 1997 and 2014, then crossed the Atlantic in 2015. Good to know: The ship isn’t always docked in Rochefort. In 2026, it will be in Bayonne for repairs. It’s best to check whether it’s there before you visit. The historic shipyard and the exhibitions at the Corderie still trace the entire epic journey.
The Martrou Transshipment Bridge
Listed as a historic monument, it is the last transporter bridge still in operation in France. Instead of a fixed deck, a suspended gondola crosses the Charente River in 4 minutes and 30 seconds, whether on foot or by bike. It operates from late March to early November, with a crossing every 10 to 15 minutes. A guided tour allows visitors to explore the Maison du Transbordeur and learn about the history of its inventor, Ferdinand Arnodin.
Pierre Loti’s House
Once the residence of a writer and naval officer, this house-museum surprises visitors with its interior decor: a Japanese pagoda, a Chinese room, and a Turkish parlor. Closed to the public for more than ten years, it reopened in June 2025 after a five-year restoration. Visits are by guided group only, by reservation, and demand is high: be sure to book well in advance, as time slots often fill up several months ahead of time.
Nature, Hot Springs, and the Banks of the Charente River
To unwind, you can explore the Jardin des Retours at your own pace, on foot or by bike, along the waterfront. Rochefort is also a renowned spa town—one of France’s leading spa destinations—specializing in rheumatology, dermatology, and phlebology. Finally, the town serves as a convenient starting point for exploring the estuary: you can combine your day with a boat trip to Île d’Aix, departing from nearby Fouras.
| Website | What You’ll See There | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Royal Rope Factory & Arsenal | 374-meter rope factory and maritime exhibitions | The heart of the arsenal; combined tickets available |
| Martrou Transporter Bridge | Crossing the Charente River in a suspended gondola | Open from late March through early November; accessible on foot or by bike |
| Pierre Loti House | A residence-museum with oriental décor | Guided tours that can be booked; often fully booked |
| The Hermione Frigate | Replica of an 18th-century ship | In Bayonne for repairs in 2026—please check before visiting |
| Garden of Returns | A terraced garden along the Charente River | Free admission; pleasant to explore on foot or by bike |
How to get there from Île de Ré
From La Couarde-sur-Mer, it’s about 60 km and a 55-minute to 1-hour drive, depending on traffic. First, take the Île de Ré Bridge (toll for cars is about €16 round-trip during peak season), then drive around La Rochelle before taking the N11 and then the A837 toward Rochefort. In the summer, it’s best to leave early to avoid traffic delays at the bridge. Once there, parking is available in the city center and near the arsenal. Driving is still the easiest way to get there, but you can also reach Rochefort by train from La Rochelle.
The best way to explore Rochefort is on foot, from the arsenal to the banks of the Charente: set aside a full day so you don’t miss a thing.
Pierre Schmitz
Located in La Couarde-sur-Mer, our family-friendly campsite is an ideal base for exploring the island and venturing out to the mainland. Open from April through the end of September, it lets you enjoy a mix of beaches, island villages, and day trips to places like Rochefort. Then come back to explore Île de Ré and its other treasures.
