Title
Central France (La Rochelle Airport)
Image
Le port de la Meule sur l'île d'Yeu (Vendée, France)
Text
Less busy than northern or southern France, the central region of the country will reel you in with its untouched countryside, featuring everything from rows of vines to volcanic landscapes. You’ll fly into La Rochelle Airport, sitting off the coast of Biscay Bay, and from there, central France is your oyster. Speaking of which, this coastal area is known for its excellent seafood, so oysters and a glass of local wine will be an easy-to-spot pairing! The region has plenty to shout about when it comes to the drinks menu too – with Cognac and Bordeaux, both famous for their namesake tipples, at the heart of local culture and cuisine. If you’re after a more traditional kind of holiday, the coast delivers long, sandy stretches aplenty. Water sports, snack shacks and winding sea-facing trails are all here too! And as far as day trips go, you couldn’t be better placed to explore the French countryside. Hike the Chaîne des Puys, an impressive row of centuries-old dormant volcano craters, or head to Périgord-Limousin Natural Regional Park to uncover the fairytale-like castles. Why not make a beeline for Ile-de-Ré? That’s just the beginning of what this area has to offer...
Reveal Button
Hide Button
Title
Popular Central France (La Rochelle Airport) holiday resorts
Links
Image
Style
mobile-full-width
Layout
Columns 75%/25%
Layout
Columns 25%/75%
Title
Hotels in Central France (La Rochelle Airport)
Hotel ID
92015
Hotel ID
92044
Hotel ID
92018
Hotel ID
Hotel ID
Hotel ID
Destination Page
https://main--holidays--jet2-plc.aem.live/destinations/france/central-france-la-rochelle-airport
Heading

Information

Icon

Language

France

Icon

Currency

Euro

Icon

Time difference

+1hr

Icon

Local beer

£6.10

Icon

Meal for two

£52

Icon

Average flight time

1.5 hrs

Wine and dine

Synonymous with fine dining and sumptuous cuisine, a French holiday is all about sensational food and even better grape-grown goods. When it comes to Central France, Bordeaux steals the spotlight with its world-renowned wines, while the coastal area serves net-fresh seafood by the bucketload.

Spectacular scenery

One minute you’re driving down a winding road with rocky cliffs and the Atlantic ahead. The next, shades of green appear in front of you. Yep, the diverse landscape of Central France is simply stunning. It also means day trips to the seaside or across the gorgeously green inland hills are firmly on the cards here.

Slow down and enjoy

Away from the crowds and city lights, this part of France feels like a breath of fresh air. Break away to the nature, popping into small villages along the way, and get to know the authentic side of the country. Long lunches, quiet walks, untouched nature... it’s the ultimate escape-from-it-all destination.

Style
background-grey, centered
Title
Central France (La Rochelle Airport) resorts
Button Text
Show all
Button Link
https://main--holidays--jet2-plc.aem.live/destinations/france/central-france-la-rochelle-airport#tabs%7Cmain:resorts
Destination Page
https://main--holidays--jet2-plc.aem.live/destinations/france/central-france-la-rochelle-airport
Resorts

Beaches

While Central France is better known for its mesmerising countryside, the nearby Atlantic offers wide sandy beaches and go-slow towns within easy reach. You can spend the day swimming or simply stretching out near the dramatic dunes, but it’s primed for water sports like surfing in particular. Feeling peckish? Nearby oyster bars and little beach cafés serve up tastiest post-swim treats.
3

Activities

Make your days as active or laidback as you prefer – the region’s famous for its varied landscape, ideal for cyclists and hikers. There are plenty of family-friendly routes on the map too. Closer to the coast, everyone’s eyes turn to the Atlantic waters and the surfers taming the waves. That could be you...
3

Eating and drinking (beaches)

Food is a big part of any French region, naturally, and the central area is no exception. As the wine capital of the world, Bordeaux comes with a promise of top-tier tipples, while the waterfronts offers a serving of straight-from-the-sea shellfish. If you wander more inland, traditional French gastronomy’s always on the menu, not to mention there are those idyllic, hidden boulangeries and cafés...
3

Shopping

At the heart of France, it’s less about high-end boutiques synonymous with the Parisian attire, and more about local market stalls selling fresh produce and pastries. You’ll find them in most dinky, cobblestone towns – and what’s a French getaway without some fresh baguettes and still-warm pastries?
3

Nightlife

Forget late nights in the clubs and wave hello to long dinners, live music and free-flowing wine! The evening atmosphere is something out of a film in these parts, with dimly lit wine bars spilling onto the streets. If cocktails and rooftop terraces are calling your name, the bigger cities are sure to have some options too.
3
Title
FAQs
Sub Text
Accordion

Central France and the surrounding Atlantic near La Rochelle Airport are popular with travellers looking for a relaxing French holiday filled with historic towns, beautiful countryside and coastal charm. Visitors can enjoy vineyards, sandy beaches and authentic French cuisine while swerving the crowds. The region is ideal for couples, families and travellers seeking a slow-paced European escape.

Accordion

What destinations can you visit from La Rochelle Airport?

La Rochelle Airport provides easy access to several fabulous destinations across the west and Central France. Travellers can explore La Rochelle itself, Île de Ré island, Cognac, Poitiers and the Dordogne region. The airport is also convenient for countryside retreats, coastal breaks and French road trips through picturesque villages, vineyards and historic market towns.

Accordion

When is the best time to visit Central France and La Rochelle?

The best time to visit Central France and La Rochelle is between May and September when the weather is warm and ideal for sightseeing, al fresco dining and beach visits. July and August are the busiest, while June and September offer pleasant temperatures with fewer tourists, making them perfect months for a more peaceful holiday experience.

Accordion

What food is Central France and La Rochelle famous for?

The Central France region near La Rochelle is famous for fresh seafood including oysters, mussels and prawns, as well as traditional French pastries and regional wines. Visitors can enjoy authentic French cuisine in waterfront restaurants and countryside bistros. Local produce, artisan cheeses and Cognac from nearby vineyards make the region a fantastic destination for foodies.

Accordion

What makes Central France different from southern France?

Central France offers a quieter and more traditional holiday experience compared to the Mediterranean resorts of southern France. Visitors can get stuck into scenic countryside, charming villages and authentic French culture without the crowds. The region is ideal for travellers wanting relaxation, local food and a slower pace of travel.