Arcaded streets of La Rochelle

Backblipping our long weekend in La Rochelle, 4th-6th

Saturday
A wonderful day today, exploring the historic port, which has been in existence since the XIIIth century. It's probably best known for its towers, dating back to the XIVth and XVth centuries. They outlived the destruction of the ramparts after the Siege of 1628. The St Nicolas Tower, the tallest, and the Chain Tower guard the entrance to the harbour, and then further along stands the Lighthouse Tower, which was used both as a lighthouse and a defensive tower and linked to the Chain Tower by a defensive wall. They are all open to be toured, and offer wonderful views from the top. The lantern tower has a fascinating array of ancient graffiti, left by pirates and prisoners after the tower was turned into a prison in the 17th century. The weather was gorgeous - clear blue skies and sunshine - cool in the morning, but beautiful in the afternoon. Another feature of the town are the wonderful arcades streets, testifying to the town’s trading vocation. Shopkeepers would display their merchandise under these porches giving shelter from sun and rain. We enjoyed a lovely lunch by the harbour, then continued exploring afterwards. Late afternoon, we spent some time sitting by a little beach close to the Lantern Tower, enjoying the sunshine, then headed back to the hotel for a cup of tea and a rest before dinner.