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    La Rochelle, France

    Your New Life In La Rochelle, France

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        Two medieval towers at La Rochelle harbor in France
        Adobe Stock/SGR Photography

        Your New Life In La Rochelle, France

        La Rochelle, France boasts the third highest quality of life in France.

        La Rochelle is the capital of the Charente-Maritime department on France’s west coast, bordered to the west by the Bay of Biscay, part of the Atlantic Ocean shared with Spain.

        Its port, La Pallice, is the only deep-water port on the French Atlantic coast, protected by Île de Ré to the north and Île d’Oléron to the south.

        This “doorway to the ocean” is the reason for the city’s longstanding commercial seafaring tradition, and it’s still ranked the sixth most important port in France today.

        Certainly, the old port (Vieux-Port) is the heart of contemporary La Rochelle, and it owes its architecture to this period of affluence.

        To come into the small protected harbor by sea, you pass two 14th-century towers, the larger, Saint-Nicolas Tower, acted as a fortress, and the smaller, Chain Tower, allowed a massive chain to be drawn up between the two to keep out unwanted visitors.

        The third tower that dominates the skyline from the water is Lantern Tower, the former lighthouse.

        Lief Simon, Director of Overseas Property Alert, Founde of Simon Letter, and Founder, of Global Property Advisor

        Reviewed By Lief Simon

        Lief Simon is the managing editor of Global Property Advisor, Simon Letter, and Offshore Living Letter. He has purchased more than 45 properties, investing in 23 different countries around the world.

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          Cost Of Living In La Rochelle, France

          Today, you can enjoy a meal or cocktail on top of Chain Tower, with breathtaking views of the waterfront in all directions. Indeed, the options in La Rochelle for eating out or cooking in are fantastic…

          Above all, the market is the main source of shopping for people living in the center of town, so fresh produce, dairy, eggs, seafood, and meat is available by the truckload.

          Open every day from 6 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., the market is busier on Wednesdays and Saturdays. The square doubles in size as vendors set up shop on the surrounding streets.

          Once the initial flood of folks in the market abates (around lunchtime), the market square is a great place to stop for a few quick, casual oysters and a sip of crisp wine before the last of the vendors close up shop.

          However, it’s not a fancy snack—you eat them standing up and your wine comes in a paper cup.

          The seafood is fresh, delicious, and ubiquitous. In La Rochelle you’ll enjoy regular seafood—and much of it raw. Many menus are all from the sea, but even those that offer alternatives don’t have many from land.

          Everyday Expenses

          Rent for a one-bedroom or two-bedroom apartment in the center of town will run you about 1,500 euros a month.

          Want to live on a budget and you’re happy with a small studio? Certainly, you can find a place in La Rochelle for as little as 500 euros a month.

          For basic monthly groceries, budget around 300 to 500 euros. Electricity will be 90 euros, cell phone around 15 euros, Wi-Fi, 35 euros—all monthly.

          Apartment Or House Ownership Budget (For A Couple)

           
          Expense Monthly Costs Notes
          Mortgage HOA fees are not typical in apartments in Paris.
          HOA Fees €83 to €208 Annual charges range from about €900 to €2,500 euros for an apartment.
          Property Taxes
          Transportation €31 Unlimited bus use for the month is €29.16; add another €1.60 euros per month for unlimited bike usage.
          Gas
          Electricity €90 Including reasonable air conditioning use.
          Water
          Cell Phone €15 With Free Mobile; unlimited calls and texts, 5G, no roaming charges in Europe.
          Internet €23 to €35 Fiberoptic cable, 140 channels, Ultra HD4K. Also comes with home phone line.
          Cable TV Included in internet fee.
          Household Help €120 to €216 For two hours per week; €15 per hour paying cash, €27 per hour paying through a professional service.
          Entertainment €690 Monthly cost for eating out twice a week: €560 (€70 per meal for two).
          Monthly cost for drinks twice a week: €96 (€6 for glass of wine).
          Movie theatre trip twice a month: €34 (€8.50 per ticket).
          Groceries €500 Basic items for a couple; meat from butcher, seafood fresh from the fishmonger, and local produce.
          Gym Membership €42.50
          Medical Appointment €25 Consultation with general practitioner.
          TOTAL €1,619.50 to €1,852.50

          Apartment Or House Rental Budget (For A Couple) In La Rochelle

           
          Expense Monthly Costs Notes
          Rent €1,500 In the center of town or nearby; for a one- or two-bedroom apartment of at least 75 square meters.
          Transportation €31 Unlimited bus use for the month is €29.16; add another €1.60 euros per month for unlimited bike usage.
          Gas
          Electricity €90 Including reasonable air conditioning use.
          Water
          Cell Phone €15 With Free Mobile; unlimited calls and texts, 5G, no roaming charges in Europe.
          Internet €23 to €35 Fiberoptic cable, 140 channels, Ultra HD4K. Also comes with home phone line.
          Cable TV Included in internet fee.
          Household Help €120 to €216 For two hours per week; €15 per hour paying cash, €27 per hour paying through a professional service.
          Entertainment €690 Monthly cost for eating out twice a week: €560 (€70 per meal for two).
          Monthly cost for drinks twice a week: €96 (€6 for glass of wine).
          Movie theatre trip twice a month: €34 (€8.50 per ticket).
          Groceries €500 Basic items for a couple; meat from butcher, seafood fresh from the fishmonger, and local produce.
          Gym Membership €42.50
          Medical Appointment €25 Consultation with general practitioner.
          TOTAL €3,036.50 to €3,144.50

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            Penny-Pincher’s Budget (Bare Minimum Costs, For A Couple)

             
            Expense Monthly Costs Notes
            Rent €500 For a studio or one-bedroom apartment of 25 square meters or less.
            Transportation €20 This would require mostly walking and biking, with sparing use of buses. For unlimited biking, you pay only 1.60 euros a month; you can get a bundle of 10 bus tickets for 11 euros (no expiration).
            Gas Gas for your car.
            Electricity €75 Lower costs due to smaller space.
            Water
            Cell Phone €15 With Free Mobile; unlimited calls and texts, 5G, no roaming charges in Europe.
            Internet
            Cable TV
            Entertainment €498 Monthly cost for eating out twice a week: €400 (€50 per meal for two).
            Monthly cost for drinks twice a week: €64 (€4 per drink during happy hour).
            Movie theatre trip twice a month: €34 (€8.50 per ticket).
            Groceries €300 Buying at local markets and in bulk when possible.
            TOTAL €1,408
            Click here for currency conversion at today’s exchange rate.

            Local Culture, Golf And Surf

            Things To Do In La Rochelle

            La Rochelle offers plenty to do outdoors and around the sea.

            Between the beaches, boating, fishing, and whatever else you like to do by the water, the only limit is your imagination. You can even surf here.

            A main draw for tourists and residents are the beaches.

            From the Vieux-Port, Plage de la Concurrence is mere minutes’ walk, Plage de Minimes about 30 minutes, and countless others are within biking or driving distance.

            Three of the beaches are supervised. Also, some are labeled for “Accessibilité PMR” or as “espace aménagé,” indicating their handicap access. This could mean that the space itself has been made accessible or there are various types of all-terrain personal vehicles available.

            No matter the time of year, the beaches are always in use. They’re packed end to end at the height of tourist season (July and August) but, otherwise, it’s just locals enjoying the surf. If it’s too cold for a dip, the coast is the perfect spot for a stroll.

            Golf isn’t a common pastime in France, yet there are several courses in the area. An 18-hole course is just 20 minutes from town, and there are several 9-hole courses, driving ranges, and academies within an hour.

            The local cultural center, Carré Amelot, offers a full calendar of events including dance, music, art exhibitions, educational programs, and more throughout the year.

            For instance, art expos and installations can be found throughout the city, both in traditional galleries but also in experimental spaces like old churches or within the ruins of the city walls.

            The surrounding countryside is full of history, vineyards, and towns worth a visit, including Cognac and Pineau, famous for their namesake wines.

            Mild Year-Round Weather

            Weather In La Rochelle

            The climate in La Rochell is oceanic with mild year-round weather due to the influence of the Gulf Stream.

            La Rochelle summers are fairly warm, but the area rarely gets extreme temperatures in either direction.

            Thanks to the temperate climate, Mediterranean-type vegetation thrives alongside more continental and oceanic types of foliage, making the area and its islands remarkably green no matter the time of year.

            On the other hand, it can get nippy here, and the area does get a winter. I was told that it can often be windy—not surprising for a seaside town—and that when the wind chill sets in, it’s not nearly as comfortable to be outside.

            When it comes to visiting, there’s really no bad time of year. The warmest months are July and August, but I’d actually recommend against coming then, as it’s the height of the tourist season.

            The best seasons to visit la Rochelle are spring and autumn. For instance, there’s a noticeable lull during autumn and winter, which locals relish.

            The beaches are empty, the perfect venues for long walks, and the streets and bike lanes are much less crowded.

            During winter, it won’t be freezing cold, but dress appropriately—that means layers and waterproofs.

            While La Rochelle only gets about 30 inches of rain per year, this is a waterfront area, so expect a sea mist and damp ground.

            Lief Simon, Director of Overseas Property Alert, Founde of Simon Letter, and Founder, of Global Property Advisor

            Reviewed By Lief Simon

            Lief Simon is the managing editor of Global Property Advisor, Simon Letter, and Offshore Living Letter. He has purchased more than 45 properties, investing in 23 different countries around the world.

            Start Your New Overseas Life Today

            A world full of fun, adventure, and profit awaits! Sign up for our free daily e-letter, Overseas Opportunity Letter, and we’ll send you a FREE report on the 10 Best Places To Retire In Style Overseas Today 2024






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              La Rochelle, France- FAQs

              Be The First To Ask About La Rochelle, France

              The most charming thing about life in La Rochelle is the quaint veneer painted over an entirely modern city. La Rochelle is a real city with plenty to see and do, but it’s got the feel of a small town.

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