This is day two of my summer trip to France. If you missed my first day in Paris, no worries, just click here!
We took the TGV, the fast french train, to la Rochelle from Paris.
First thing was getting out baggage off our shoulders. When that happened we first had a wonderful meal at the old harbor of La Rochelle. I can only recommend this place, the food is just incredible and the prices are raisonable. The place is called La Grand Rive and is located at 24/26 quai duperre in 17000 La Rochelle.
I had the salade du chèvre chaud, a wonderful big salad with hot goat cheese, ham, tomatoes and green pesto. Just amazing!
We sat a long time in the restaurant talking and laughing with a beautiful view. It was really refreshing.
Then we went for a walk through this historic, beautiful city/town. Here are some impressions.
We visited two churches. The catholic and the protestant;-) Always gotta look at both perspectives! The protestant church was very simple without any embellishments. I didn´t take any photos of the inside, unfortunately. But here are some of the pompous building of the catholic church.
Here a few historic facts on La Rochelle:
- If you can say it this way, La Rochelle was always the smart one profiting from everything. It was once part of Aquitaine, which sometimes belonged to England and sometimes to France. No matter to which country, whether they were at war or not, La Rochelle always was the one benefiting.
- After Columbus discovered America and the trade started, La Rochelle became rich from trading slaves against cotton, sugar and tobacco in the Caribs and then selling those goods to the Europeans for a lot of money.
- La Rochelle was also a big part of the protestant movement. It becoming a big source of uproar in the 16th century in France, troubling the King. They made a peace contract that stated the catholic religion as the official one, but allowing protestants to continue living in four different cities, La Rochelle being one of them.
- In 1627 Richelieu starved the city, by closing the harbor. He did this by building a wall and sinking ships to prevent any food or whatsoever to reach the city. From 25000 inhabitants 20000 staved. From then on the now old harbor is not used anymore as an international trade harbor. New harbors were built instead afterwards.
Last but not least, after the little history lesson, I´d like to show you my dessert of the day. Just to finish this post off with a sweet photo;-)
Have you ever been to La Rochelle? I´d love to know!
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Beautiful!
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Thanks! It is quite a beautiful city!
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This place looks so beautiful! I love your photos! I’ll have to put La Rochelle on the to-do list for my next France visit! 🙂
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Thank you! La Rochelle is definitely worth a visit. When will you be visiting France? That´s so amazing!
(sorry for the late answer!)
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I’m moving back to Europe next year, so a little France road trip will be on the agenda, for sure! 🙂
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That is so exciting!! Where are you moving to?
And yes, a France road trip sounds so so perfect and that really is an amazing opportunity! So happy for you! Let me know if I can help you with recommendations when the time arrives;-)
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We’ll move to Sweden first, but we’re really interested in France (have always loved it!) so who knows, maybe we’ll end up there! 😉
And thanks, I’ll keep that in mind! 🙂
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I´ve never been to Sweden, but I´ve heard amazing things about it! That´s so great!
You never know what time will bring you, true. But that´s such an adventure. I wish you all the best!
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Yes, looking forward to it! 🙂 Thank you!
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I have not been there, but your incredible photos make me want to visit this town. Beautiful post Sunshine! 😀
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You should definitely go visit! Next to it´s historical value, it has beautiful architecture and a beach near-by…everything you need;-)
Thank you so much for your words:-) I hope you are well!
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I will definitely put it on my list! I am well and enjoying a fabulous summer. I hope you are too! 🙂
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That´s amazing! La Rochelle can´t wait to meet you!
That is amazing. I am enjoying mine too!
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Absolutely stunning photos!! Hope all is well with you!
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That´s so great to hear!! Thanks:-)
All is well over here as it always is on the road..hope you are up and running as well;-)
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