La Rochelle, in Charente-Maritime,
was an important seaport between the 14th and 17th centuries, and is now a
popular tourist resort. We have enjoyed
two holidays in the town, enjoying eating at one of the many seafood
restaurants by the port, visiting the
Île de Ré and taking boat trips along the coast.
Now it is a significant sailing spot.
Medieval half-timbered houses and cool shady streets make this a pleasant environment during hot, sunny days.
The Chain Tower, joined by a chain to St Nicholas Tower at night, prevented entry to the port without paying dues and taxes.
St Nicholas Tower, built during the 14th century, was used to imprison the Huguenots during the revocation of Nantes.
During the early 17th century, La Rochelle was a Huguenot stronghold but when the town was surrounded by the King's troops in 1627-28, British forces tried to relieve the Protestants. They were unsuccessful and the Huguenots had to surrender to the Catholic monarchy.
You may remember Fort Boyard from the challenging TV programme.
