The Atlantic White City

A thousand years facing the ocean

Founded as a fishing village in the 10th century, La Rochelle grew into one of France's most important Atlantic ports, trading in salt and wine and sending the first French settlers to Quebec. Its medieval towers still guard the harbour entrance, where a great chain was once stretched across the water at night.

A free, fiercely independent city, La Rochelle became a Protestant stronghold in the 16th century. This led to the dramatic Siege of 1627–28, when Cardinal Richelieu blockaded the port for over a year, starving the city into submission and crushing Huguenot autonomy.

Spared the worst of modern development, La Rochelle preserved its limestone arcades and white façades — earning its nickname the "White City". Today it thrives as a student town, sailing capital and festival city, home to the famous Francofolies music festival each July.