Located on the Bay of Biscay, La Rochelle’s history mostly involved the sea; today it has a large pleasure-boat marina. Can't-miss spots to dine, drink, and feast. I want emails from Lonely Planet with travel and product information, promotions, advertisements, third-party offers, and surveys. Many of the 16th- and 17th-century houses, built over arcades, are decorated with gargoyles and strange allegorical figures. Pop. We've pre-picked the best hotels, hostels and bed and breakfasts to make your stay as enjoyable as possible. Book early for summer; mid-July in particular features Francofolies, a huge French music festival. 'Ecurie' Boutillon gites 4* family accommodation, 'Maison' Boutillon gites 4* family accommodation, Appart neuf toit terrasse/ vue exceptionnelle, La Rochelle - Gite Les Dimeries - Dompierre/mer, MAISON DE PLAIN PIED PRES DE LA MER DES PARCS ET DU VIEUX PORT A LA ROCHELLE. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. Known as La Ville Blanche (the White City), La Rochelle's luminous limestone facades glow in the bright coastal sunlight. The city retains a rich architectural heritage, and has an aquarium, attractive gardens and a natural-history museum. La Pallice is a port of call for cruise ships and is the location of a specialized fishing port and its related processing activities. All rights reserved. A mix of the charming, modern, and tried and true. One of France's foremost seaports from the 14th to 17th centuries, the city has arcaded walkways, half-timbered houses protected from the salt air by slate tiles, ghoulish gargoyles and a fabulous collection of lighthouses – all rich reminders of its magnificent seafaring heritage. Create a Trip to save and organize all of your travel ideas, and see them on a map. (1999) city, 76,584; urban area, 171,214; (2014 est.) The city, which has straight, regular streets, a large park, and shady promenades on the sites of its old fortifications, grew considerably after 1946, especially to the west. The early French settlers of Canada, including the founders of Montreal, set sail from here in the 17th century. city, 74,998. Corrections? The entrance to the old port is defended by two massive 14th-century towers. The old commercial harbour, too shallow for large ships, is now the centre of one of the largest yachting harbours along the French Atlantic coast, fostering important related economic activity (the design, building, and supply of boats). One of France's foremost seaports from the 14th to 17th centuries, the city has arcaded walkways, half-timbered houses protected from the salt air by slate tiles, ghoulish gargoyles and a fabulous collection of lighthouses – all rich reminders of its magnificent seafaring heritage. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). What is the capital of Sweden? In the 15th century a third tower, the Tower de la Lanterne, a round base surmounted by an octagonal spire, was built as a lighthouse. La Rochelle’s modern industries include the manufacture of composite materials, chemicals, medical products, and railway rolling stock. Updates? more. In 1890 a commercial port, accessible to larger vessels, was opened at La Pallice, 3.5 miles (5.5 km) west of the city; it has since been enlarged several times. It slowly recovered its former prosperity but declined once more after 1685, when the revocation of the Edict of Nantes, depriving French Protestants of religious and civil liberty, led to massive emigration. La Rochelle developed in the 12th century after the neighbouring town of Châtelaillon was destroyed by the dukes of Aquitaine. The city is also an administrative, commercial, and tourist centre. Places to see, ways to wander, and signature experiences. Where can you catch a Real Madrid game? Imports include fuel oil, wood products, nitrates, and phosphates, while exports (of less importance) are mainly cereals and other food products. Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... Harbour with Saint-Nicolas (left) and La Chaîne (right) towers, La Rochelle, France. Richelieu, the king’s minister, besieged the town and built a vast sea wall to prevent English ships from relieving their allies. Thus its heart is the picturesque "Vieux Port" ("Old Harbor"). After 15 months’ siege, the town capitulated, three-fourths of its citizens having starved to death. The rue des Merciers is typical of the old streets. The pentagonal Saint-Nicolas Tower, the larger of the two, is an imposing fortress with crenellated walls and a keep. By signing up for this email, you are agreeing to news, offers, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica. The city, which has straight, regular streets, a large park, and shady promenades on the sites of its old fortifications, grew considerably after 1946, especially to the west. Thus its heart is the picturesque "Vieux Port" ("Old Harbor"). Other buildings of interest are the Gothic Porte de la Grosse-Horloge, the Renaissance Hôtel de Ville, and the 18th-century Hôtel de la Bourse. In the 18th century the loss of Canada by the French further reduced La Rochelle’s trade. Musee d'histoire naturelle de La Rochelle. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Omissions? The city retains a rich architectural heritage, and has an aquarium, attractive gardens and a natural-history museum. Be on the lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox. In World War II, it was the location of a German submarine base and suffered from Allied bombing. About La Rochelle Located on the Bay of Biscay, La Rochelle’s history mostly involved the sea; today it has a large pleasure-boat marina. The Pigeonnier nr La Rochelle, sandy beaches at Chatelaillon plage 20 mins. During the Hundred Years’ War (1337–1453) it changed hands a number of times but was finally captured by the French in 1372. Under Louis XIII (reigned 1610–43), La Rochelle sided with the English, who had invaded Ré Island. © 2020 Lonely Planet. I can unsubscribe any time using the unsubscribe link at the end of all emails. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. Sort out the facts in this quiz about historic European cities and countries. La Rochelle, city, Atlantic seaport and capital of Charente-Maritime département, Nouvelle-Aquitainerégion, western France, situated on an inlet opposite Ré Island. La Rochelle, city, Atlantic seaport and capital of Charente-Maritime département, Nouvelle-Aquitaine région, western France, situated on an inlet opposite Ré Island. It became largely Protestant at the time of the Reformation and after the Massacre of St. Bartholomew’s Day (1572), in which many French Protestants (Huguenots) were killed; many of the survivors took refuge there. This article was most recently revised and updated by, https://www.britannica.com/place/La-Rochelle, Western France Tourist Board - Cognac Country. Opposite it stands the Tower de la Chaîne, so named because at night a big chain was strung between it and Saint-Nicolas Tower to close the port. Announcing our NEW encyclopedia for Kids!
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