La Rochelle and the islands

La Rochelle

The history of La Rochelle is rich: fishing village in the 10th century, built on a rock in the marshes (hence its name), La Rochelle took the quarrel between France and England to develop and keep some independence.

Very important harbour, particularly in its relations with the New World in the 17th century, it will continue to be modernized until today.
Take a tour of the harbour, sit for a drink – if you find the place… – and visit the towers that contribute to its reputation.

The aquarium is outstanding; it is best to book in advance on line. A robot museum and a museum of models are also very pleasant.

Come and stroll under the arcades of the city, let discover its magnificent buildings, commercial harbours and marinas, and you will understand why this city has such a reputation.

La Rochelle is 10 km from the Roquechelle apartment.

Rochefort

In the late seventeenth century, Louis XIV decided to make a war arsenal in Rochefort: its central position, protected by the islands and connected to the hinterland by the Charente, Rochefort makes an ideal site.

With the arsenal and the development of trade, the population of the city grows until 1900.

However, the limits of the arsenal are quickly reached, and at the end of the twentieth century, the city began a rehabilitation policy: the Corderie Royale, the project of the Hermione, the transporter bridge on the Charente, Pierre Loti’s house make a dynamic and tourist city.

Rochefort is 25 km from the Roquechelle apartment.

The islands

Ile de Ré, Ile d’Oléron, Ile d’Aix, Ile Madame… each one has its charm and worth visiting.

Our highlight: the island of Aix, almost car-free, but you can rent bikes. Very wild, you reach it by ferry from Fouras.

You can walk around in three hours, and it’s nice to take a picnic and settle into a creek along the ride. Napoleon Museum, Fort Liedot, Fort de la Rade… several visits are available before taking the ferry back in mid to late afternoon.

And of course: Fort Boyard, the most famous of the bastions of the sea.