Plage de la Concurrence

Description

If you ever wandered through the city center of La Rochelle, France, you know the surprise and delight when you stumble upon Plage de la Concurrence. Seriously, here you are, wandering charming streets, glancing at the iconic Vieux Port, and suddenly there’s this sandy beach drawing you in with a salty breeze and a view of boats bobbing in the harbor. I’ve sat with a takeaway espresso on the promenade, shoes off, toes in the sand, people-watching and just soaking up how this corner of France manages to blend maritime history, everyday city life, and a genuine beach refuge.

The beach is, by city standards, a decent stretch of soft sand with tidal rhythms unveiling more or less space throughout the day. What sets Plage de la Concurrence apart isn’t sweeping wild dunes or massive waves. It’s the location! You’re at the heartbeat of La Rochelle. Look one way, and you’ll spot the historic Tour de la Lanterne. Look the other, and the leafy Parc Charruyer beckons, complete with an animal park that gives the place an almost village-like charm smack-dab in a bustling port city.

Families, couples, locals, and yes—tourists, all dot the sands here. It’s not some secluded haven; the ambiance is more relaxed, friendly, easygoing. You’ll see people meeting up after work, neighbors chatting while their kids build sandcastles, and travelers flopping down to enjoy the light on the water. You might even spot a local artist sketching the horizon, and, on weekends, the scene gets livelier with groups picnicking or dabbling their feet at the water’s edge.

If someone asks, “Is it the best beach in France?”—no, it’s not Cannes or Biarritz with sprawling surf and high-end bars. But for accessibility, genuine city vibes, and that easy link to local daily life, it really delivers. However, don’t expect absolute serenity during high summer or school holidays. It can be bustling, especially on sunny days. Some reviews note that the water isn’t always crystal-clear (tides and city proximity, right?), but for a spontaneous dip or an impromptu afternoon with a book and a bakery treat, it really hits the spot.

To me, the real magic is how organically the beach feels woven into city life. You wander here, not just to “do the beach,” but to live a piece of La Rochelle, to feel part of its weird, wonderful patchwork. And for accessibility, amenities, and that view of the old port, it’s hard to beat.

Key Features

• Central city location – Walkable from the Vieux Port and the main downtown attractions, you don’t need a car or elaborate planning to get here.
• Sandy beach area – Actual sand, not those pebbly patches you sometimes find in city beaches. Good for sandcastles and sunbathers alike.
• Gorgeous views – Watch boats glide into the port, admire the city skyline, and catch the changing tide patterns—all without leaving the beach towel.
• Nearby historical sites – The ancient Tour de la Lanterne sits right by the beach. Perfect for those who want to blend history and beach in one visit.
• Adjacent to Parc Charruyer – If the kids need to run off steam or you fancy some shade and a stroll, the park is basically next door, and yes, there’s even a small animal enclosure.
• Accessibility – Wheelchair accessible entrance and parking make it possible for nearly anyone to join in (I really love seeing families out together, no barriers).
• Convenient amenities – Restrooms, including gender-neutral facilities, provided right on site. So practical, especially with a crowd.
• Kid-friendly – The shallow waters and gentle tides (most of the time, check the tide charts, honestly!) make it a go-to for families.
• LGBTQ+ friendly vibe – There’s a feeling of inclusivity here, never stuffy or unwelcoming. It’s just authentically open; everyone’s part of the scene.
• Food and refreshments close by – Plenty of cafes, creperies, and snack bars within walking distance. You won’t go hungry for local cuisine, believe me.
• Card payments accepted – Helpful if you’re out and about without much cash on hand (which seems to happen to me way too often on vacation).
• Popular meeting spot for locals – It’s not just a tourist beach, you’ll notice lots of people from La Rochelle simply hanging out after work or before dinner.
• Tidal landscape – Plan for tides! Sometimes you’ll have more sand for volleyball or frisbee, and at other times, the sea comes up close to the promenade.

Best Time to Visit

This really depends on your vibe. Here’s my opinion, based on years popping over to La Rochelle (plus some painful experience of showing up at high tide with literally nowhere to sit):

• Late Spring (May–June): The city wakes up, but it’s not yet crazy busy. Comfortably warm, lush green in the Jardins and park. More space to breathe, more room for your beach towel. This is my favorite window.
• Summer (July–August): Definitely the most popular. The weather is at its best for sunbathing and swimming, but the beach can fill up quickly. Lots of energy—just don’t expect total solitude! If you’re coming for the true French summer spirit (let’s be honest, half the fun is people-watching), this is it.
• Early Autumn (September): Absolute hidden gem time! Water is still warm, crowds thin out, restaurants go back to local pace, and sunsets over the port turn the whole scene golden. Highly recommend scheduling a stop on a September city trip—less bustle, just as lovely.
• Winter: You won’t be sunbathing, but if you love brisk sea air, stormy moods, and quiet contemplation, the beach gets a whole new atmosphere. Think long, solitary walks followed by a hot chocolate in a nearby café. Not touristy at all—just you and the sea.

If you care about tides (and you probably should), check local tide charts. There are times when there isn’t much visible beach at all! I’ve been that person, arriving with picnic in hand, then watching the high tide lap at the promenade. Learn from my adventures—pick mid to low tide for the classic sandy beach.

How to Get There

Hands down, one thing that makes Plage de la Concurrence so special is how easy it is to reach. No epic drives, no shuttles, no piles of gear necessary. You’re a stone’s throw from La Rochelle’s city center, the Vieux Port, and major bus stops. Here’s a breakdown:

• On foot: From the Vieux Port, it’s about a 5–7 minute stroll along the elegant Promenade de la Concurrence. Just keep following that ocean smell past the towers—you can’t miss the sandy expanse opening up ahead.
• By bike: La Rochelle is ultra bike-friendly, with paths straight to the beach. There’s bicycle parking at the entrance. I’m a fan of grabbing one of the city’s Yélo bikes (if you haven’t tried them, do!) and cycling over from anywhere in the center-ville.
• By car: There’s a small parking lot right by the beach, plus more spaces a bit further back. It can fill up quickly in summer, though. And yes, there’s accessible (handicap) parking available right at the entrance.
• Public transport: City buses from all over La Rochelle stop within walking distance. Check current routes or ask at any hotel desk—they usually have up-to-date bus info.
• From the train station: Arriving by train? The Gare de La Rochelle is less than 20 minutes away on foot or a quick taxi ride. It’s all pretty manageable for luggage-draggers (I speak from experience).

Tips for Visiting

Just a few things I’ve learned from countless afternoons and spontaneous beach detours at Plage de la Concurrence—some a little quirky, all totally practical:

• Check the tides! No, really. This isn’t a “set your towel down and forget about it” kind of place at high tide. Google a tide table before you pack up for a beach day.
• Pack lightly. You don’t need a tent, deck chair, and parasol. The space is good but not sprawling, and you’ll appreciate being nimble among the crowds on busy days. A towel, water bottle, and good book are ideal.
• Watch for city events. Sometimes there are pop-up concerts, festivals, or evening markets near the Vieux Port that spill onto the promenade. It totally changes the mood (in a good way—once caught a jazz quartet playing just as the sun set).
• Bring snacks, but don’t skip the local cuisine. Sure, you can eat a sandwich on the sand, but you’re steps from classic French seafood, crepes, or an outrageous pastry at any number of nearby places. For real, treat yourself to a long lunch before you hit the beach.
• Respect the environment. Sadly, city beaches sometimes get a bit littered. I make a habit of carrying out my trash—join the unofficial “let’s keep La Rochelle gorgeous” team, won’t you?
• Dress for mixed crowds and weather. Sunhat and sandals are great, but maybe grab a light jacket for the evening sea breeze. This city’s weather changes quickly.
• Don’t be shy about accessibility. Everything’s open for all abilities—from paved paths to adapted restrooms. The vibe is down-to-earth and inclusive.
• Photographers, come at dawn or dusk. The morning light off the water is gentle and paints the whole port city in soft pinks and golds. Sunset is peak “put your phone down and enjoy the moment” time, but, hey, snap away if you want to make your friends jealous.
• Try a walking loop. Start at the Tour de la Lanterne, stroll the beach, loop through the Parc Charruyer, then circle back for ice cream at the port. It’s the perfect city-meets-seaside circuit (and you’ll want to do it twice).

So in the end, what you get at Plage de la Concurrence isn’t just sand and sea—it’s a slice of daily life in La Rochelle, France, seen from the city’s most relaxed shoreline. You’ll leave with salty toes, full of local treats, and maybe a great story or two.

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