La Rochelle and Mallorca shorex

[cruisedudes]

Has anyone had positive or negative experiences with Azamara shore excursions in La Rochelle or Palma de Mallorca?

Thanks

[Trouvailless]

Hi Cruisedudes. No experience of La Rochelle shore excursions as such, but we had a holiday home very near for over 15 years and were always in and around the area. As the ship only docks 11 a.m. it could be worthwhile just spending the whole day in the Town itself, as there is so much to see. It is a very very lively port with several small harbours, towers, churches and excellent shopping, and the restaurants are excellent. Everything in easy walking distance from everywhere else. However, as I said, we know it backwards and were tempted to just chill, but think we will instead go to the Marais Poitevoin/ Coulon, which is again one of our stomping grounds, but can never be visited too often. Absolutely charming, calm, green and unique. The excursion is a bit pricey, but given that there is the return drive down to Coulon through interesting countryside, plus the boat trip of one hour in and out of the little green islets, amongst the overhanging trees, (this is a costly trip even if done independently - been there, done that) it is unlikely that it could cost less done individually, and the roads will be very very crowded so getting back in time for the ship might be a problem. The Venise Verte is particularly popular with US visitors and the 3 main hotels (all little ones) are always fully booked throughout the Summer. Forget the shopping idea there, however, as there is only one little everything holiday shop and a small grocery store, so apart from postcards or similar this is only a short stop. Royan is excellent but as the trip is to the Botanical Gardens mainly, and as this is to be in September in the great heat of that area, I would feel this is going to be a very tiring day , although a beautiful visit. The Ile de Re. Haven't been there, although always planned to, but you might get an idea of what there is and isn't to see by entering Ile de Re in your search engine to judge whether the trip is worth the effort, as if going no further than just on the outskirts of La Rochelle there is much more to see of a similar nature in the Town itself. Rochefort etc. Well, lovely area, again, and excellent town, but yet more castles. Feel this is a long ride just to see another lot of antique furniture - but that's just my personal take on it. We will go to Coulon ourselves as it is so different from the rest of the area we can always be persuaded to spend time there. Hope this helps. I do see by the way that the ship is going to anchor off, and wonder why, as on Emerald Princess last year we docked at the western docks past the naval dockyard and that ship is enormous compared with this one. It might work out better however as the launch will probably take you right into La Rochelle rather than be disembarked on the long dock outskirts of the other location. Enjoy.

[cruisedudes]

Thank you for your very detailed and informative discussion. You make a great case for staying in La Rochelle proper. If we are to spend the day in La Rochelle, as you recommend, might you have some specific suggestions as to restaurants, shops or sights?

[Trouvailless]

Glad you found it useful Cruisedudes. I attach a link to an English version of the tourism site http://www.larochellefrance.com/la-rochelle.html and this will show you the layout. The Towers (Tours) are both worth visiting, particularly La Tour de la Chaine. There are 3 harbours immediately walkable, but all different. A yachtsman's and photographer's dream one, in the main picture; a fishing port behind the Tour de la Chaine, and a commercial port behind the yacht harbour. There is a water bus from one side of the harbourside to the far side, near the casino. It also stops at the other end of the yacht pier. The casino isn't worth going to in the daytime as it is a bit out of the way. There are many old and extremely beautiful houses all around the quayside, some of them have been turned into hotels and restaurants. We favour the restaurant immediately on the quay beside the Tour, but don't stop at this choice as they are all reliable, shellfish menus abound, and the ripoff isn't as obvious as in some other major tourist areas. We always feel we have had a good deal. It will be horrendously crowded, so if you are intending eating ashore reserve as soon as you have chosen your restaurant, and then go walkabout. Eating is always 12 - 2, and the shops of course will be closed then anyway. Because of the stormy weather the west coast of France experiences (and we have had some of the very worst storms there on times) the Rochellais sensibly arcaded their shopping areas, so even if you do get bad weather you can still stroll under the archways throughout the town. There is a park leading from the Town westwards behind the Tour de la Chaine, but apart from a place to sit and general greenery not really worth the effort. There is an extremely comprehensive aquarium, but you do need time to go through it fully. The waxworks, Musee Grevin, the copy of the famous Parisian one, the Mairie building where there are usually good art exhibitions, and of course the street buskers are normally milling about between the artists and the various stalls which clutter around the quaysides. In all the years we have been in and around France (over 50 years in my case) we have been to La Rochelle on dozens of occasions and it has never failed to please; it is in fact our favourite location in France so we are biased. Hope if you do decide to spend the day you enjoy it as much.

[ikelmay]

I'd second Trouvailless - we spent a day walking around La Rochelle and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves, despite the weather not cooperating. A beautiful, interesting fishing village full of life. We liked the place partly because most of the tourists were french, so no ghastly tourist tat on display.

 

Unbelievable number of seafood restaurants, almost quayside.