One of the beautiful corners of France - La Rochelle - a small port city. It is located in the central part of the Bay of Biscay, and not far from it is the island of Re - the largest of the French islands. It is famous for its sandy beaches and clean air.
A brief history of the city
La Rochelle in France was founded in the X century. In the XII-XIII centuries, he became a stronghold of the Knights Templar, who organized a large port in it. From the Templars in La Rochelle, the street of the same name remained. Until the 15th century, the city was the largest port on the entire Atlantic coast. Traded mainly in wine and salt.
In France, La Rochelle was also known as the main city of the Huguenots. Thanks to this, peace and prosperity reigned in him. But in 1622, the Duke de Guise destroyed the Huguenot fleet. In 1627, the siege of La Rochelle began, which ended in the capture of the city in 1628. The persecution of the Huguenots began, most of which took refuge in North America. There they founded New La Rochelle. Later in France, La Rochelle played an important role in the development of trade relations between Africa, North America and other European countries.
Climate
The climate in La Rochelle and the surrounding area is temperate. Snow falls very rarely in these parts, but the rainy season can last up to three months. Tourists visit this city all year round, but it is best to come to La Rochelle in the summer.
Thanks to the sea air, it is not hot in these parts. In summer, the weather pleases vacationers, so most tourists try to come to La Rochelle at this time of year. Autumn is a period of strong winds and rains, the ocean is becoming restless, and the tides are becoming more powerful. Of course, this weather is not entirely conducive to walking, so it is best to visit museums and other sights of France in La Rochelle.
Spring begins in March, the temperature gets higher, but the water is still cold for swimming. However, the waves do not interfere with walking along the Old Port. There are not many tourists, but the weather already allows you to go boating and enjoy the sights.
Despite the fact that there is practically no snow in winter, the weather is not very comfortable this season, as strong winds blow and it rains. Air temperature rarely drops to zero. But not all tourists come only in the summer and spring, so in bad weather you can see the expositions of local museums, visit the magnificent gourmet restaurants or colorful establishments that serve local dishes.
Old port
What to see in La Rochelle? Of course, the famous Old Port. At the entrance are two towers: Saint-Nicolas and La-Chen. There is also a third watchtower - La Lantern, but it was most often used as a lighthouse. This is the only lighthouse of the Atlantic Ocean that has been preserved.
On these towers are observation platforms, rising to which you can enjoy views of the city. Excursion ships also depart from the Old Port, you can buy tickets for an interesting excursion and take a walk on the ocean, visit the famous Fort Boyar.
Fort Boyar
Of course, one of the famous attractions of the city of La Rochelle in France is Fort Boyar, which became famous largely thanks to the eponymous telecast. It is located in the ocean, so you can get to it only by using the water mode of transport.
It was built in the 19th century, when there were disagreements between France and England. Fort Boyar is located between the islands of Ile D'Ex and Oleron. By boat or ship, the structure is circled from all sides, and then set off towards D'Ex. They do not let Boyar inside the fort, so you can only admire it from the outside.
Churches and temples
What to see in the city of La Rochelle in France? You can visit churches and temples that will allow you to learn more about its history.
- St. Louis Cathedral was built in the XVIII century, has a rather simple and concise design of the facade. Despite the fact that some attribute it to the Baroque style, it differs significantly from it. This is due to the influence of the Protestants, who lived in large numbers in La Rochelle. Protestants believed that one should live modestly and in simplicity.
- Notre Dame de Kun is one of the oldest city churches. Its construction began in 1077. This church is without any architectural refinement with a high black spire, directed upwards.
- Notre Dame d`Esperance is a small chapel located between two houses on a narrow street. Despite the simple and modest design, inside you can see some elements of the decor in the neo-Gothic style.
- The Church of the Savior is located on the Mobek embankment near the Old Port. You can see the old massive tower and interesting interior design.
There are other churches and temples in La Rochelle, but those listed above are of the greatest historical value.
Museums
In La Rochelle, of course, there are museums that display interesting exhibits.
- Museum of Natural History - it has many halls with interesting and unique exhibits. Some of them exhibited stuffed animals of different species from around the world. In other rooms, visitors will learn more about the life and culture of the peoples of Africa, Oceania and America. Near this museum is a beautiful park.
- Maritime Museum. It is located on a real ship, which was once a weather station. Visitors will be able to see exhibits collected from more than eight ships. You can visit all the compartments and cabins of the ship. A visit to the Maritime Museum will be especially interesting for those who are interested in marine subjects.
- The Museum of Fine Arts exhibited works not only of local artists, but also of Italian and French masters.
- Museum of the New Port. The city of La Rochelle was a major port and occupied an important place in establishing and maintaining trade relations with other countries, including America. The museum displays interesting exhibits of Indians and paintings of the city in that era.
- The La Rochelle bunker is another unusual museum dedicated to the period of German occupation of the city. In it you will see photographs, videos and other objects telling about this sad period in the history of the city.
- Museum of Protestantism. La Rochelle was the center of Protestantism, so it is not surprising that it had a great influence on all aspects of the life of the city. In this museum you can see the first editions of the works of Jean Calvin - the theologian and reformer.
- You can also visit the museums of vending machines and toys.
In La Rochelle in France, tourists will find a large number of museums in which vacationers can learn more about the history and culture of the city.
Parks
If you want to relax from sightseeing, then go to the beautiful parks of the city.
- Parc Charuilliers for picturesque landscapes residents also called Monceau La Rochelle. A feature of this corner of nature is a mini zoo. Visitors to Charuje will be able to see peacocks walking slowly, and in special pens there are roosters and hens. The park is very beautiful and well-groomed, so walking there is a pleasure.
- Frank Delma Park is another corner of wildlife in the city. It is named after a resistance member who was shot during World War II. In this park there is a memorial in honor of those killed during the First World War. Frank Delm Park is also very beautiful and well-groomed.
All parks are characterized by picturesque views, well-groomed, and it is pleasant to walk and relax in them.
The islands
Near La Rochelle there are three islands that are worth it to devote to them all day.
- Oleron is a large island that is located very close to the city. It can be reached by bus or car. The French love to relax there in the summer because of the excellent beaches and affordable prices.
- Re - this island is more popular than Oleron. It is famous for its clean beaches, and it is connected to the city by the Ile de Re bridge. On the island of Re you can see the sights preserved from the XVII century. There is also a house museum dedicated to ships.
- Aix is an island near Oleron. Vacationers will be able to see the ruins of fortifications and lighthouse towers, which were built in the XVIII-XIX centuries. The island is not connected to the city, so you can get to it only by ferry.
On the way, you can enjoy views of the ocean. The fare to the islands is very affordable.
Reviews
Having looked at the photo of the city of La Rochelle in France, many tourists will want to visit it, rather than the more popular French cities and resorts. Those who have already rested in this city are advised to come to it in the summer to enjoy walks and attractions in full. Arriving in La Rochelle, be sure to try the seafood that is prepared there amazingly. La Rochelle is one of the famous French cities with a rich history.