Originally Posted by
Efrem
(Never been to LRH, but I suspect it's as lot quicker to get out of and back into, but not nearly as much to do in the area once you're out.)
I was there for my summer holidays last year, as it happens. Very quick getting in and out, though that was on a turboprop flight - I'm not sure it'd be that quick at the back of a 737. But it's tiny, although the car rental centre is a baffling distance away (by foot).
It's lovely round there. La Rochelle itself is pleasant, with a huge aquarium, and the Ile de Ré is just over the bridge from the airport. We were further south in Oléron. Thoroughly recommend the region.
Very different to London, of course.
For the OP - personally, with a 5h layover, I'd be tempted to leave the airport, but that's just me - I've been into central Delhi on a 3h one before. An easy journey is to swallow the cost of the HEX, get to Paddington, hop out the back entrance and walk along the canal to Little Venice, or similar. Just watch your timings.