In La Rochelle, sport isn’t just entertainment. It’s a way of life. A way of living together and sharing emotions that extend far beyond the boundaries of the pitch. And at the Saint-Nicolas, a 4-star hotel tucked away on Rue Sardinerie, just a stone’s throw from the Old Port, we have long chosen to play an active role in this local sporting culture — not merely as spectators.
Our partnership with the Stade Rochelais Rugby and Basketball is the natural expression of this commitment. Every season, we welcome teams from all over France — and sometimes from Europe — to take on the La Rochelle clubs. We welcome supporters’ clubs, official delegations, coaching staff and players’ families. And we do so with the same high standards that we apply to every stay: those of a hotel that looks after every guest.
The new season kicks off on Friday 21 September with Stade Rochelais Rugby’s first pre-season match against Union Bordeaux-Bègles. For us, this is the time to renew this commitment that means so much to us!
La Rochelle, a city of sport: why does our commitment extend far beyond rugby?
Being a partner of Stade Rochelais means being part of a rich and diverse sporting ecosystem. But our commitment does not stop at this club. La Rochelle is a city that practises, encourages and thrives on sport in all its forms, and Le Saint-Nicolas is a long-standing fixture within this community.
Which clubs and sports do we host at Le Saint-Nicolas?
Over the years, Le Saint-Nicolas has become a go-to venue for the sporting community in La Rochelle. We, of course, welcome teams and supporters associated with Stade Rochelais Rugby (Top 14, Champions Cup) and Stade Rochelais Basket (Pro B). But we also welcome teams from other sports: football, handball, cycling, water sports and martial arts. Whenever a team needs reliable accommodation and a welcome tailored to its specific requirements, our door is open.
Why are Stade Rochelais Rugby and Basket natural partners for us?
Stade Rochelais Rugby and Basket share the same philosophy as us: excellence in the details, a team-first approach to performance, and deep roots in the La Rochelle region. These are clubs that do their city proud, and we are proud to contribute, in our own small way, to their reputation by welcoming their visitors with the care they deserve.
What is at stake for La Rochelle in their first pre-season match on 21 September?
The pre-season match against UBB on Friday 21 September is much more than just a warm-up fixture. It marks the return of rugby to La Rochelle after the summer and, with it, the return of a whole new atmosphere: the supporters’ bars coming to life, the hotels filling up, the city taking on its black and yellow colours once more. For us, this match also marks the start of a new season of hosting sporting events. We’re ready!
Our range for sports enthusiasts: what makes Le Saint-Nicolas different?
Hosting sportspeople means rethinking the hotel experience through the lens of the constraints and needs of the sporting world. Here’s how we put this into practice.
What’s the concept behind our sports breakfast at Le Saint-Nicolas?
Here, the sports breakfast is a service in its own right. We design it around the fundamental principles of sports nutrition: sustained energy from complex carbohydrates, recovery and muscle building through protein, micronutrients from fresh seasonal fruit, and early hydration as soon as you wake up. For teams following a nutritional programme set by their coaching staff, we are able to tailor our offering in advance. A simple discussion, careful preparation and a breakfast that rises to the challenge.
What recovery equipment does Le Saint-Nicolas offer for athletes?
Recovery is now an integral part of professional teams’ performance programmes. Our hotel offers a gym to maintain physical activity and a massage table available for treatments supervised by the teams’ physiotherapists and fitness coaches. We tailor access times to suit your schedule to best accommodate the demands of competitive sport.
How does Saint Nicholas welcome groups of supporters’ clubs?
A travelling supporters’ club has its own codes, its own rituals, its own energy. We love it. At the Saint-Nicolas, we take great care in organising the reception for groups: co-ordinating group arrivals, providing communal areas to share moments before and after the match, and having a team on hand for late returns. Whether there are ten of you or forty, whether you’re here for rugby or basketball, we’ll make sure your stay is just as memorable as the match itself.
Le Saint-Nicolas: your ideal base for experiencing La Rochelle’s sporting life from the inside
A 4-star hotel that makes your comfort and your experience in La Rochelle its top priority.
Where is Le Saint-Nicolas in relation to the sports facilities in La Rochelle?
The Saint-Nicolas is located at 13 Rue Sardinerie, right in the heart of La Rochelle’s historic centre, just a short walk from the Old Port. From our hotel, the Marcel-Deflandre Stadium is easily reached by city bus, as is the Salle Gaston Neveur, which hosts Stade Rochelais Basket’s matches. The city centre — with its restaurants, sports bars and shops — is entirely within walking distance. This is a significant logistical advantage when organising a group trip or returning from an evening match.
What top-of-the-range facilities does Le Saint-Nicolas offer for a sports holiday?
As a 4-star establishment, Le Saint-Nicolas offers a level of comfort designed to meet the demands of both elite sport and the most discerning travellers: spacious and well-appointed rooms, a personalised welcome tailored to irregular schedules, a sports breakfast on request, recovery equipment, and a team trained in managing groups and sports delegations. For professional teams, we also offer comprehensive logistical coordination in collaboration with delegation leaders.
How do I book at Le Saint-Nicolas for a match or sporting event?
To make an individual booking, please visit our website. For group bookings — supporters’ coaches, visiting teams, official delegations — please contact our Sales Department Please book well in advance so that we can ensure you receive the best possible welcome. Stade Rochelais’ home matches generate very high demand for accommodation in La Rochelle. Don’t delay: our hotel is regularly fully booked for major matches!
We’ll be here once again this season. Ready to welcome you, look after you and ensure that your stay in La Rochelle is unforgettable — both on the pitch and at the hotel.