This western port city offers so much for visitors. The port is naturally protected by three other islands including Ile de Re. The aquarium here is second to none and not to be missed. Getting around is so very easy if you like riding bikes. The terrain is quite flat and rental bikes are literally everywhere. I downloaded the FreeBike app and within a minute or two Patty and I were off riding around town. There are regular and electric-assist bikes.
The old port is charming for many reasons. One is that the city streets all around that area are pedestrian friendly and there are hundreds of shops, restaurants, cafes, museums, and other places of interest available to you.
Though the ocean water appears cloudy, it is very healthy and clean. There is an abundance of aquatic life in this region and the folks at the aquarium can attest to that. There is a limestone base in this coastal area and silt is a natural occurrence.
La Rochelle has a long history of changing hands. There were times when it was managed by the British empire, if you can believe that. Even within France, many regions have overseen it's ports.
We visited a German bunker which is literally inside a building in the city. That is just so odd to me. A short self-tour of it is very interesting as it shows how life once was during that volatile era.
I hope you enjoy the video and find it interesting.