Le Bunker

Housed in the 18th century Fleuriau Hotel, this depicts La Rochelle's relationship with the Americas, especially Maritime Canada and the French Caribbean.

Old-style museum with stuffed animals from many lands. Several rooms are closed for renovation hence the reduced admission fee.

Land-side maritime museum plus eight 20th century ships moored in the Bassin des Chalutiers. Jan-March the ships can only be seen by guided tour.

You need two hours to see all the multiple habitats and 82 aquariums. Ample signage in English, you don't need to pay extra for the audioguide.

Grand collection of mechanical toys and scale models.

"Les Maritimes" play rugby union (15-a-side) in Top 14, the top tier in France. They usually do well and qualify for European tournaments. The stadium dates to the 1920s, but has been renovated several times and now has a capacity of 16,000. It's named for Marcel Deflandre, who was club president in 1940 when rugby league ("rugby-a-treize") was outlawed by the Vichy government, its assets handed over without compensation to rugby union clubs, and the union game greatly strengthened in France.