Conference venue
Conference venue
La Rochelle Université,
Faculty of Law, Political Science and Management,
Bâtiment Schoelcher
rue François de Vaux de Foletier
17000 La Rochelle
Host City : La Rochelle, France
La Rochelle is a historic port city on the Atlantic coast of southwestern France, located in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region and the Charente-Maritime department. With a population of around 80,000 inhabitants, and more than 180,000 in its metropolitan area, it is one of the main urban centers on the French Atlantic coast. The city faces the islands of Ré, Aix, and Oléron, and is known for its maritime heritage and quality of life.
Founded in the 10th century, La Rochelle developed as a major commercial and fishing port during the Middle Ages. It became a prosperous and influential city, particularly in the 12th and 13th centuries, thanks to maritime trade with Northern Europe. A stronghold of Protestantism during the 16th and 17th centuries, the city is famous for the Siege of La Rochelle in 1627–1628, a major event in French history. Over the centuries, it continued to grow as an important Atlantic port, notably during the period of colonial trade.
La Rochelle is renowned for its well-preserved historic center, its old harbor guarded by the medieval towers of Saint-Nicolas, de la Chaîne, and de la Lanterne, and its arcaded streets lined with limestone buildings. The city combines its rich heritage with a dynamic cultural life, a major marina at Les Minimes (the largest in Europe) and a strong commitment to sustainable development. Known for its seaside atmosphere, festivals, and maritime activities, La Rochelle offers visitors a distinctive blend of history, culture, and coastal charm.
Host Institution : La Rochelle Université
La Rochelle Université is a public higher-education and research institution located in La Rochelle, on the Atlantic coast of southwestern France. Created in 1993, it is one of the youngest universities in the country. With around 8,000 students, it offers a human-scale academic environment and is recognized for the quality of its teaching and research.
The university provides a wide range of programs in fields such as law, economics, management, science, engineering, humanities, and social sciences. Organized into several faculties, institutes, and schools, it delivers education in areas including environmental sciences, digital technologies, tourism, and maritime activities. La Rochelle University distinguishes itself through its strategic focus on Smart Urban Coastal Sustainability, an interdisciplinary theme that brings together research on climate change, coastal risks, marine ecosystems, energy transition, and sustainable urban development.
The university also coordinates EU-CONEXUS, the European University for Smart Urban Coastal Sustainability, an alliance bringing together partner universities across Europe. The alliance promotes joint degree programmes, mobility, and collaborative research addressing the challenges faced by coastal regions. By leading this initiative, La Rochelle Université strengthens its international dimension and positions itself as a key European actor in sustainable coastal development. The main campus, located in the Les Minimes district at walking distance from the city center, the marina and the Atlantic Ocean, offers a dynamic environment for students and researchers.
The conference will take place in La Rochelle
on the “Faculty of Law, Political Science and Management” Campus
Come to La Rochelle
– By plane: La Rochelle–Île de Ré Airport (LRH) is located about 5 km from the city center and is easily accessible by bus, taxi, or car. Regular direct flights connect Marseille, Lyon, and several major European cities.
– By train: La Rochelle train station is located in the city center, within walking distance of the old port. Several daily TGV and Intercités trains allow travel from/to Paris Montparnasse in approximately 2 hours 30 minutes. This is one of the most convenient ways to reach the city from the capital.
– By road: Via the A10 motorway, La Rochelle is about 470 km away from Paris and 180km away from Bordeaux. From the A10, take exit towards La Rochelle, then follow signs to La Rochelle. Once in the city, clear signage leads to the city center and main districts.
Travel to the Faculty of Law – Les Minimes Campus (La Rochelle Université)
– From the airport – by bus (40mn): La Rochelle–Île de Ré Airport is located about 5 km from the city center. Take the ILLICO bus line 1b (direction Belle Air) from the airport. Get off at the “Place de Verdun” stop, take line ILLICO 3 (direction Cottes Mailles) and get off at “Maison de la Charente Maritime”, then walk a few minutes to the Faculty of Law buildings.
– From the train station – by bus (15mn): From Gare SNCF de La Rochelle, take line ILLICO 3 (direction Cottes Mailles) and get off at “Maison de la Charente Maritime”, then walk a few minutes to the Faculty of Law buildings.
– From the train station or city center – walking (30mn): Walking from Gare SNCF de La Rochelle (located in the city center) to the Faculty of Law buildings is a 2 km – 30mn walk.
La Rochelle has a strong commitment to sustainable development, walking, cycling (using share bicycles) or taking the bus, as well as reaching the city by train, is encouraged.
La Rochelle Université, Faculty of Law, Political Science and Management,
Bâtiment Schoelcher
rue François de Vaux de Foletier
17000 La Rochelle