La Rochelle is a cozy city located in the western part of France in the department of the Charente Maritime. France is full of small cities and towns of great beauty that make us want to see the whole of it. La Rochelle is a medieval town whose existence is already known in the XNUMXth century, when it was still a small fishing village.
We will see all points of interest in the city of La Rochelle, since it is a very beautiful city. The good thing about these cozy places is that they do not have mass tourism and we can enjoy a certain tranquility. In addition, it can be seen in a short time so it is ideal to include it in a route along the French coast.
History of La Rochelle
This small town started out as a simple fishing port in the XNUMXth century and little by little it was gaining strategic importance. Due to its good position, it was a port that began to trade products such as wine or salt with England, hence its growth came quickly. Hence, it needed to protect itself and today we still find that beautiful medieval port and the many towers that are in the city. Being a place where it was traded, it was not exempt from attacks from the outside. This city also became Protestant while in France they continued with Catholicism, since it was quite independent from the central power. This city also became a key point for trade with the Nordic countries. In it you can still appreciate a certain bourgeois style. In the 70s it was the first French city to be pedestrianized.
Puerto Viejo
One of the main attractions of this French city is precisely that well-preserved old port, with its towers flanking it in a defensive attitude. East port was very important since the Middle Ages in the development of the city and also when this place became a key point for the slave trade, something they are not proud of but which is part of their history. Today it is a beautiful and well-kept marina where we can take beautiful photographs. In addition, in the docks area there is a walk where there is a lot of atmosphere and that has bars to spend an entertaining day.
La Rochelle Towers
In the port area we have three towers that are emblematic and the most significant in the city. The Torre de San Nicolás is from the XNUMXth century and together with the Torre de la Cadena form the access to the old port protecting the city. The Lantern Tower, dating from the XNUMXth and XNUMXth centuries It is the oldest lighthouse on the Atlantic coast and the Royal Navy jail. These ancient towers and their architecture are part of the heritage of the city and it is certainly worth taking a good look at them and enjoy taking pictures. Today you can visit all three by buying a single ticket, so you have to take advantage of the experience.
The streets of La Rochelle
In the city there is an old architecture that attracts attention and that tells us about that bourgeoisie and the merchants who lived in it. Some buildings are better cared for than others but in general it is a city that has great charm. On La Rochelle highlight areas with arches, created so that merchants could sell their merchandise avoiding inclement weather. In the historic center of the city we can also see the private mansions with light stone or wooden facades, the house of Henri II in the Renaissance style, the town hall with gargoyles on the facade or the Palace of Justice.
La Rochelle Cathedral
Although this city was Protestant, in the seventeenth century its cathedral was erected because the Catholics were victorious and decided that it would be the head of a diocese. Although its outward appearance is unimpressive and quite austere compared to other cathedrals, the best is inside, so not to be missed. Inside we find some beautiful stained glass windows and beautiful paintings.
Les Halles
If you enjoy local products and seeing the most authentic spaces in the cities, you cannot miss the Les Halles market from the XNUMXth century. In this covered market we find in the morning all kinds of products of quality, among which the oysters stand out, which are the star product. There are also delicious local wines. Considering the importance of French gastronomy, it is an essential place. In addition, on Wednesday and Saturday mornings there is a market throughout the area and outside there are all kinds of stalls, making it a very lively and interesting area.