La Rochelle, a Winner

We are wrapping up our first full day in La Rochelle and I have to say that I love this seaside city.  I think that Linda agrees.  After we arrived yesterday and settled into our apartment we went exploring.  Since we hadn't eaten since breakfast we decided the first stop should be the ice cream place (Ernest Le Glacier) that a couple of people recommended.  While it was good we didn't think that it measured up to some of the gelato we've had elsewhere.

 It did give us the energy we needed to rest up before dinner.  Being in a French groove we went to dinner at about 9:00 pm.  Our apartment host recommended that we eat along a street just a block off the waterfront and we found a bistro there that fit the bill.  Sunday night in La Rochelle was hopping, even after leaving the restaurant at 10:30.

After sleeping late we grabbed some quiche and fresh fruit at the market just a block from our apartment (and of course stopped at a boulangerie for a pain au raisin for Linda).  We waited out a few sprinkles of rain (and Larry might have gotten in a quick nap) we went out with the intent of checking out the 3 towers that La Rochelle is known for.  Of course, by the time we got there the towers were closed for siesta so we walked along the waterfront, past the beach, and then through the park and it's mini zoo.

 After making it back to the port area the timing was perfect for a stop at Cafe Leffe for a beer (my favorite Belgian beer) and some charcuterie.

 It was a great spot in eat, drink and people watch.  The towers were now open so we climbed 2 of the 3, leaving the third for another day.

So, what do I love about La Rochelle?  It's got a beautiful and vibrant Vieux Port and Centre Ville.  It's touristy but in a different way.  There aren't a lot of tacky souvenir shops.  Most of the people seem to be French and families on holiday.  It's just an enjoyable place to be.

Tonight our plan (or at least my plan) is to get a big pot of mussels which are available everywhere.  Tomorrow the plan, weather permitting, is to take a boat to Ile d'Aix.