La Rochelle

La Rochelle sits on France's Atlantic coast and gets about 2,400 hours of sunshine a year, more than most French cities. The Old Port is the centre of town, flanked by three 14th-century towers: Tour Saint-Nicolas, Tour de la Chaîne, and Tour de la Lanterne. You can climb them for views over the harbour. The city has arcaded streets, limestone buildings, and a covered market selling oysters, cheese, and fresh fish. The La Rochelle Aquarium is one of Europe's largest and well worth a couple of hours. Île de Ré, a flat island of sandy beaches, salt marshes, and small villages, is connected by a bridge and reachable by bus or bike. Mouclade, mussels in a creamy saffron and curry sauce, is the local speciality. The Saint-Nicolas quarter has boutique shops and cafés. Buses from the cruise port at La Pallice reach the Old Port in about 15 minutes.