Setting up your business in La Rochelle

Why set up your company in La Rochelle, France ?

Setting up your company in France

The city of La Rochelle combines natural attractions, a dynamic economy, a vibrant cultural and sport life and innovation: these strengths attract every year more and more companies.

A strategic position on the Atlantic Coast

• 1 hour 30 minutes from Nantes and Bordeaux
• A commercial port with more than 8 million tonnes of goods
• Flight to UK, Ireland, Switzerland, Portugal
• 70 km coastline and 22,300 ha farm land

A network of large groups and SMEs

In addition to major groups such as Alstom, Senoble or Léa Nature, several small companies have developed high value-added activities of niche or lead markets. 

Maritime economy: with 4 ports (Vieux-Port, port de plaisance des Minimes, port de pêche de Chef-de-Baie, port de commerce de La Pallice), La Rochelle ist one of France’s largest port sites. 

• Maritime companies, consultancy firms and world-renowned naval architects
• The Atlantic port of La Rochelle has deep water installations
• Chef-de-Baie is an important platform for seafood products

Food industry: more than 40 cutting-edge companies in La Rochelle.

Energy transition: several SMEs which break new ground in the field of energy transitions.

Digital technologies: different aids to support companies throughout their digital programs.

Finding the right location for your company in La Rochelle 

The city of La Rochelle promotes the setting up of new companies:

Business incubator Créatio®LITe: The business incubator Créatio®LITe in La Rochelle is intended for young companies in the field of renovation and sustainable construction. 

ICT Business incubator:  Créatio ImagéTIC was created in 2006 and extended in 2014 and includes a business incubator, a coworking space and a business service centre for ICT and digital companies.