La Rochelle, France 🇫🇷
#1340
46.159112, -1.152043
Nomad Score:
65%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | La Rochelle is a coastal city located on the southwestern Atlantic coast of France, known for its maritime history and magnificent harbors. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 80,000. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed of 100 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 EUR ≈ 1.07 USD, widely accepted local banks including Crédit Agricole and BNP Paribas. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/E sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Mobile providers include Free, Bouygues Telecom, and Orange. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International banks such as HSBC and local options like LCL are available, with online banking services. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include local Airbnb listings, student residences, and hostels in the city center. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards accepted widely in most locations. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and Booking.com are popular platforms for short-term rentals. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel La Rochelle offers dormitory-style accommodation starting from €20 per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | La Rochelle Coworking located at 12 Rue Saint-Jean. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe de l'Espace provides a quiet atmosphere with Wi-Fi suitable for remote work. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Meetups organized by La Rochelle Innovation at various tech hubs. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | La Rochelle Expats Group on Facebook organizes monthly meetups. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Bolt operates in the city. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Vélo'Lib offers bike rentals with stations throughout the city. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Plage de la Concurrence is the closest beach, located 15 minutes by bicycle. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air France operates flights from La Rochelle to Paris. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Ryanair offers flights to various European destinations. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | A837 and A10 highways provide connections to Bordeaux and Nantes. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | La Rochelle railway station serves as a primary transportation center. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Bus services offered by La Rochelle Transport with day and monthly passes available. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Train services connect La Rochelle to nearby cities like Rochefort and Niort. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Centre Hospitalier de La Rochelle offers comprehensive healthcare services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga La Rochelle offers various classes throughout the week. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness Park La Rochelle provides gym facilities and group classes. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laverie automatique à La Rochelle offers self-service laundry facilities. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Deliveroo and UberEats operate within the city. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try 'Les Huîtres de Marennes', local oysters known for their unique taste. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Restaurant La Boulangerie offers vegan-friendly options. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | La Chocolaterie de La Rochelle, known for exquisite chocolates and pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Marché de La Rochelle offers fresh produce and local products at reasonable prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon.fr and local e-commerce platforms serve the region. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Azimo and Carrefour offer grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Vieux Port district is popular for nightlife and dining. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Brasserie de La Rochelle offers tours and tastings of locally crafted beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | La Cité des Vins serves a variety of local and national wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Les Halles offers a variety of street food options from global cuisines. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants such as Le Pizzaiolo offer popular Italian dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The historic Old Port and the Towers of La Rochelle are must-visit sites. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Musée des Automates showcases mechanical toys and automata. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The 14th-century St. Nicolas Tower. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Église Saint-Sauveur is a notable gothic church. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Les Francofolies music festival held annually in July. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Le Vieux Port, known for its historic atmosphere and vibrant street life. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | L'espace Encan hosts various performances throughout the year. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Fruit and vegetable markets at Place du Marché provide local produce. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local bands perform regularly at pubs across the city. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Graffiti murals can be found scattered throughout the city. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Les ateliers de cuisine provide hands-on French cooking experiences. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galerie d'Art offers a platform for local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The ornate Hôtel de Ville (Town Hall) is a fine example of Renaissance architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The city has a rich maritime heritage reflected in its architecture and museums. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Île de Ré offers beautiful landscapes and cycling paths. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Marais Poitevin, known as 'Green Venice,' is a short drive away. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The coastal path along the cliffs provides stunning views. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Viewpoints near Les Minimes marina offer picturesque harbor views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The marshes near the city are excellent for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain public parks allow for bonfires with prior permission. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Chronopost and La Poste provide reliable parcel delivery. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Fix it! at Rue des Merciers offers device repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers have table tennis tables available. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Langue et Échanges offers French language courses for expats. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Mediathèque Michel Crépeau provides study spaces and resources. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Centre Social et Culturel serves as a hub for various community activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Nerd Factory offers gaming nights and a place to play tabletop games. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino de La Rochelle hosts various gaming options and entertainment. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €3,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €120,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €88,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €2,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €168,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €120,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €2,600 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €208,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €1,800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €144,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 30%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Worldwide income basis for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 45%. |
| 🧾 VAT | 20%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, strict rules. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, based on rental value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 5% for resale properties. |