La Rochelle, Port city in western France
La Rochelle is a harbor town on the Atlantic coast in western France, spread along a sheltered bay. Two stone towers from medieval times mark the entrance to the old port, where boats dock between historic buildings.
In the 16th century the town became a center for Protestants, which led to a long siege by the troops of Cardinal Richelieu in 1627. The siege ended after more than a year with the surrender of the town and the loss of its political independence.
Locals meet under the arcades in the center, where cafés and shops line covered walkways that shelter people from sun and rain. Fishermen sell oysters straight from their boats at the market, while neighbors catch up between stalls.
The old harbor works well for a walk along the quays, where you can see the towers and building fronts up close. The covered passages in the center offer shelter during changeable weather and connect the main streets.
A bicycle sharing system with yellow bikes has been running here since 1976, long before such programs became common in other cities. The bikes are available at many spots around town and are used equally by locals and visitors.
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