La Rochelle
Excursions that bring the spirit of travel to life
CHARMING OLD TOWN DISCOVERY & COASTAL VIEWS
Excursion details<-strong><-p> Begin your enriching experience in the Charente-Maritime region, as you board your coach for a picturesque 30-minute drive from the pier. Absorb the serene coastal beauty along the Corniche and admire the tranquil Allée de Mail Park, a favourite local promenade since the 18th century. The route also passes St Louis Cathedral, an elegant example of neoclassical architecture dating to the 18th century and completed in the 19th century. <-p> Arrive in La Rochelle s historic centre for a 75-minute guided walk through the old town¿s storied streets. As you traverse ancient stone slabs and wander beneath vaulted passages, arcades, and porches, your guide will reveal the city¿s fascinating mercantile and military heritage. La Rochelle once thrived as a major port during medieval times and was a focal point in the Huguenot rebellions of the 17th century. The old port¿s iconic towers, remnants of its fortified past, stand as silent witnesses to centuries of maritime activity and international trade. <-p> Following the guided walk, enjoy 45 minutes of leisure in the pedestrian centre. This vibrant district offers an array of cafés, markets, and local boutiques. Take this opportunity to indulge in regional delicacies or simply soak up the lively atmosphere. Conclude your excursion with a relaxing 30-minute coach journey back to the ship.<-p> Important Information:<-strong> limited number of guides in languages other than French. Should a tour guide for your language be unavailable, the tour will be provided in French only. On Sundays, shops are closed. Flat, comfortable shoes are recommended due to moderate walking, mostly on flat ground with some cobblestones. The tour is unsuitable for guests using a wheelchair. If travelling with infants without individual seats, a waiver must be signed for lap travel.<-p>
A visit to La Rochelle for anniversary
THE WHITE ISLAND OF RE
Please note: limited number of guides in languages other than French. Should a tour guide for your language be unavailable, the tour will be provided in French only. On Sunday, shops are closed. Due to local rules in France every guest must be properly sitting on the excursion coach. This includes also children aged from 0 up to three years old. If you travel with children in this age, please contact the Shore Excursions Desk on the ship at least 48 hours prior to your tour to have a baby chair requested and placed on the excursion coach and for any additional information. Even with this early notice, the baby seats are never guaranteed.<-p>
COULON: GREEN VENICE
Please note: limited number of guides in languages other than French. Should a tour guide for your language be unavailable, the tour will be provided in French only. The boat section of the tour is unguided. This tour may be affected by bad weather and reconfirmed directly during your cruise. This tour is not unsuitable for guests with mobility problems. The cruise can start either in the village of La Garette or in the village of Coulon. Due to local rules in France every guest must be properly sitting on the excursion coach. This includes also children aged from 0 up to three years old. If you travel with children in this age, please contact the Shore Excursions Desk on the ship at least 48 hours prior to your tour to have a baby chair requested and placed on the excursion coach and for any additional information. Even with this early notice, the baby seats are never guaranteed.<-p>
LA ROCHE COURBON CASTLE & GARDENS
Please note: Limited number of guides in languages other than French. Should a tour guide for your language be unavailable, the tour will be provided in French only. Due to local rules in France every guest must be properly sitting on the excursion coach. This includes also children aged from 0 up to three years old. If you travel with children in this age, please contact the Shore Excursions Desk on the ship at least 48 hours prior to your tour to have a baby chair requested and placed on the excursion coach and for any additional information. Even with this early notice, the baby seats are never guaranteed.<-p>
SIGHTSEEING TOUR OF LA ROCHELLE & COGNAC TASTING
Important Information: limited number of guides in languages other than French. Should a tour guide for your language be unavailable, the tour will be provided in French only. This tour is not available on Saturday and Sunday. This tour includes a moderate walk on mainly flat terrain in La Rochelle. Participants travelling with infants that do not have their own baby seat, will be asked to sign a waiver prior to having children traveling on the lap.<-p>
LA ROCHELLE BY BIKE
Excursion details<-strong><-p> Accompanied by MSC s onboard Bike leaders, you will set off directly from the ship on MSC s regular bikes or e-bikes, ensuring safety and smooth logistics throughout the journey. As you cross La Repentie, the landscape opens up to the magnificent cycle route over the Île de Ré bridge, where you can savour panoramic views of the Atlantic coastline.<-p> Pause to admire Rivedoux Beach, a striking stretch of sand that marks the gateway to the island and is known for its oyster farming traditions. Continuing your adventure, you will reach the evocative ruins of the Notre-Dame-des-Châteliers Abbey, which dates back to the 12th century and stands as a testament to the region s medieval past.<-p> Your ride then brings you to the imposing Citadel and Fortifications of Saint-Martin-de-Ré. This UNESCO World Heritage site was designed by Vauban in the 17th century and remains a remarkable example of military architecture. Explore the charming Port of Saint-Martin-de-Ré, where vibrant quaysides invite you to socialise and enjoy local life. Throughout your journey, you will have opportunities to bond with your companions, enjoy gentle fitness activity, and immerse yourself in the rich cultural and natural landscapes of the region.<-p> As you take in the salt marshes and unique island ambiance, you will be making memories as an MSC Bike Adventurer, connecting with both the environment and your fellow travellers. The itinerary returns you to the ship, leaving you enriched by the history and beauty of France¿s Atlantic coast.<-p> Important Information:<-strong> This tour is available in two options: BK1 (regular bike) and BK2 (e-bike). Regardless of the bike chosen, all participants follow the same route, enjoy the same highlights, and ride together at a shared pace. Minimum age to participate: 8 years, and children must be at least 155 cm tall with written parental or guardian consent. The tour covers approximately 38 km with an elevation gain of around 100 metres, suitable for guests with a moderate level of fitness. All participants must complete and sign a safety waiver before the tour. Comfortable sports clothing, closed-toe shoes, sun protection, and a reusable water bottle are recommended. Please help protect the local environment by minimising waste and avoiding single use plastics. The itinerary may be adjusted depending on traffic and weather conditions.<-p>
LA ROCHELLE BY E-BIKE
Excursion details<-strong><-p> Accompanied by MSC s onboard Bike leaders, you will set off directly from the ship on MSC s regular bikes or e-bikes, ensuring safety and smooth logistics throughout the journey. As you cross La Repentie, the landscape opens up to the magnificent cycle route over the Île de Ré bridge, where you can savour panoramic views of the Atlantic coastline.<-p> Pause to admire Rivedoux Beach, a striking stretch of sand that marks the gateway to the island and is known for its oyster farming traditions. Continuing your adventure, you will reach the evocative ruins of the Notre-Dame-des-Châteliers Abbey, which dates back to the 12th century and stands as a testament to the region s medieval past.<-p> Your ride then brings you to the imposing Citadel and Fortifications of Saint-Martin-de-Ré. This UNESCO World Heritage site was designed by Vauban in the 17th century and remains a remarkable example of military architecture. Explore the charming Port of Saint-Martin-de-Ré, where vibrant quaysides invite you to socialise and enjoy local life. Throughout your journey, you will have opportunities to bond with your companions, enjoy gentle fitness activity, and immerse yourself in the rich cultural and natural landscapes of the region.<-p> As you take in the salt marshes and unique island ambiance, you will be making memories as an MSC Bike Adventurer, connecting with both the environment and your fellow travellers. The itinerary returns you to the ship, leaving you enriched by the history and beauty of France¿s Atlantic coast.<-p> Important Information:<-strong> This tour is available in two options: BK1 (regular bike) and BK2 (e-bike). Regardless of the bike chosen, all participants follow the same route, enjoy the same highlights, and ride together at a shared pace. Minimum age to participate: 8 years, and children must be at least 155 cm tall with written parental or guardian consent. The tour covers approximately 38 km with an elevation gain of around 100 metres, suitable for guests with a moderate level of fitness. All participants must complete and sign a safety waiver before the tour. Comfortable sports clothing, closed-toe shoes, sun protection, and a reusable water bottle are recommended. Please help protect the local environment by minimising waste and avoiding single use plastics. The itinerary may be adjusted depending on traffic and weather conditions.<-p>
CHARMING OLD TOWN DISCOVERY & COASTAL VIEWS
Excursion details<-strong><-p> Begin your enriching experience in the Charente-Maritime region, as you board your coach for a picturesque 30-minute drive from the pier. Absorb the serene coastal beauty along the Corniche and admire the tranquil Allée de Mail Park, a favourite local promenade since the 18th century. The route also passes St Louis Cathedral, an elegant example of neoclassical architecture completed in the 19th century.<-p> Arrive in La Rochelle s historic centre for a 75-minute guided walk through the old town¿s storied streets. As you traverse ancient stone slabs and wander beneath vaulted passages, arcades, and porches, your guide will reveal the city¿s fascinating mercantile and military heritage. La Rochelle once thrived as a major port during medieval times and was a focal point in the Huguenot rebellions of the 17th century. The old port¿s iconic towers, remnants of its fortified past, stand as silent witnesses to centuries of maritime activity and international trade.<-p> Following the guided walk, enjoy 45 minutes of leisure in the pedestrian centre. This vibrant district offers an array of cafés, markets, and local boutiques. Take this opportunity to indulge in regional delicacies or simply soak up the lively atmosphere. Conclude your excursion with a relaxing 30-minute coach journey back to the ship.<-p> Important Information:<-strong> this excursion is available for MSC Yacht Club Guests only. Limited number of guides in languages other than French. Should a tour guide for your language be unavailable, the tour will be provided in French only. On Sundays, shops are closed. Flat, comfortable shoes are recommended due to moderate walking, mostly on flat ground with some cobblestones. The tour is unsuitable for guests using a wheelchair. If travelling with infants without individual seats, a waiver must be signed for lap travel.<-p>
Ajaccio (Corsica)
Brest
Bastia
Bordeaux
Bonifacio
Calais
Cherbourg (Mt St Michel)
Honfleur
Cannes
Le Havre (Paris)
Nice
Porto Vecchio
Rouen
Sète
St Malo
La Seyne-sur-Mer (Toulon)
Villefranche
DUNKERKE (France)
Le Verdon sur Mer
Propriano
LORIENT (FRANCE)
Villefranche sur Mer (Montecarlo)
Calais
St Nazaire
Saint Raphael
St Tropez
Port Frejus
St Pierre
Porto Vecchio
Pauillac
St Jean de Luz