Natural History Museum in La Rochelle City Centre

Natural History Museum

Get a closer look at the stuffed animals and other unusual items found by French explorers during the 18th and 19th centuries.

The Natural History Museum has roughly 10,000 pieces from naturalist and ethnographic collections. It is based in a large stately building with a colonnade, many windows and a stylish front garden. Enjoy traveling through time as you venture into various eras and see artifacts that range from stuffed animals and bizarre fish in jars to tribal attire.

A large proportion of the collection consists of stuffed animals, insects, fish and mollusks. Peruse the array of unusual animals, some of which are now extinct. Imagine what the world would be like if these creatures still lived today. Many of these specimens date back to the early 1800s, yet remain well preserved.

The museum aims to display the collections in a way that makes you realize how strange the world must have seemed to French explorers centuries ago. See the drawings and plans they made for their trips and discoveries. Appreciate the lifelike appearance of a zebra, gorilla, anteater, polar bear, tiger and many other wild and exotic beasts.

See the first giraffe that ever visited France. A gift from Egypt to King Charles X, it walked 500 miles (800 kilometers) from France’s southern coast to Paris and attracted a lot of attention on its journey.

Discover the collections of items that belonged to indigenous groups encountered by the French explorers. Peruse sculptures and costumes and learn about their roles in tribal religions and societies. See a voodoo doll and a two-headed statue among the intriguing artifacts.

The museum is open to the public from Tuesday to Sunday year-round. During the week, it opens from morning until early evening, with longer opening times on Saturdays. There is an admission fee for adults; students and those under 18 enter free. The first Sundays of the month are free for all.

Find the Natural History Museum in the center of the city. Use the free parking in the Esplanade des Parcs or on several nearby streets. Walk from the old port or rent a bike from one of the “vélo jaune” stations.

Guide to Exploring around Natural History Museum

Maritime Museum

Walk along the preserved decks of these historic vessels and find out about their significant roles in French maritime history.

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Aquarium La Rochelle

Bring the kids on a fun ride down an elevator submarine into mysterious depths to see sharks, jellyfish and other rare oddities.

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Map

Best Lodging Options Near Natural History Museum

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Hôtel Résidence de France C$139

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Hôtel Résidence de France

43, rue du Minage, La Rochelle, Charente-Maritime

5.0 out of 5.0 Stars

This family-friendly La Rochelle hotel is located by the ocean, just steps from Musee des Beaux-Arts and Musee du Nouveau Monde. La Rochelle Hotel de Ville and Vieux Port are also within 10 minutes. La Rochelle Porte Dauphine Station is 10 minutes by foot and La Rochelle Station is 17 minutes.

ibis budget La Rochelle Centre C$100

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ibis budget La Rochelle Centre

Rue de Perigny, La Rochelle

1.0 out of 5.0 Stars

Situated in La Rochelle, this hotel is within a 15-minute walk of Parc des Expositions de La Rochelle, La Rochelle Hotel de Ville, and Musee du Nouveau Monde. Musee des Beaux-Arts and Vieux Port are also within 15 minutes. La Rochelle Station is 9 minutes by foot and La Rochelle Porte Dauphine Station is 25 minutes.

Novotel La Rochelle Centre C$207

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Novotel La Rochelle Centre

Avenue De La Porte Neuve, La Rochelle, Charente-Maritime

4.0 out of 5.0 Stars

This family-friendly La Rochelle hotel is located near the airport, within a 10-minute walk of Charruyer Park, La Rochelle Hotel de Ville, and Musee des Beaux-Arts. Musee du Nouveau Monde and Tour de la Lanterne are also within 10 minutes. La Rochelle Porte Dauphine Station is 13 minutes by foot and La Rochelle Station is 20 minutes.

Hotel Kyriad La Rochelle City Centre C$92

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Hotel Kyriad La Rochelle City Centre

38 rue des Sauniers, La Rochelle, Charente-Maritime

3.0 out of 5.0 Stars

Located in the heart of La Rochelle, this hotel is within a 15-minute walk of Parc des Expositions de La Rochelle, La Rochelle Hotel de Ville, and Vieux Port. Musee du Nouveau Monde and Musee des Beaux-Arts are also within 1 mi (2 km). La Rochelle Station is 11 minutes by foot and La Rochelle Porte Dauphine Station is 27 minutes.

Appart'City La Rochelle C$91

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Appart'City La Rochelle

8 rue Franc Lapeyre, La Rochelle, Charente-Maritime

0.0 out of 5.0 Stars

Situated in La Rochelle, this residence is within a 15-minute walk of Grand Temple, La Rochelle Hotel de Ville, and Musee du Nouveau Monde. Vieux Port and Aquarium La Rochelle are also within 15 minutes. La Rochelle Station is 10 minutes by foot and La Rochelle Porte Dauphine Station is 24 minutes.

Hôtel Atlantic C$113

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Hôtel Atlantic

23 Rue Verdière, La Rochelle, Charente-Maritime

3.0 out of 5.0 Stars

Located in La Rochelle City Centre, this hotel is steps from Porte de la Grosse Horloge and Tour de la Chaine. Tour de la Lanterne and Tour St. Nicolas are also within 5 minutes. La Rochelle Station is 14 minutes by foot and La Rochelle Porte Dauphine Station is 18 minutes.

Urban Style Hotel François 1er C$150

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Urban Style Hotel François 1er

13-15 Rue Bazoges, La Rochelle, Charente-Maritime

3.0 out of 5.0 Stars

Located in La Rochelle City Centre, this hotel is steps from Musee du Nouveau Monde, Musee des Beaux-Arts, and La Rochelle Hotel de Ville. Tour de la Chaine and Vieux Port are also within 10 minutes. La Rochelle Porte Dauphine Station is 12 minutes by foot and La Rochelle Station is 15 minutes.

Mercure La Rochelle Vieux Port Sud Hotel C$148

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Mercure La Rochelle Vieux Port Sud Hotel

Quai Louis Prunier, La Rochelle, Charente-Maritime

4.0 out of 5.0 Stars

Located in La Rochelle City Centre, this hotel is steps from L'Espace Encan de La Rochelle and Aquarium La Rochelle. La Rochelle Hotel de Ville and Vieux Port are also within 10 minutes. La Rochelle Station is 5 minutes by foot and La Rochelle Porte Dauphine Station is 24 minutes.

Natural History Museum