Other cities have achieved fame for their free bikes - Copenhagen for one - but La Rochelle is the birthplace of many fantastic initiatives that were visionary for their time. Rent (borrow is the word) a free bike by the harbour and pedal about the city. The bravehearts among us will head for the bridge to the nearby island, pretending they're Lance Armstrong on Alpe d'Huez.
By the harbour. Ask at the tourist bureau. Great concept.
Send your feedback or queries to been.there@guardian.co.uk
Search Been there