If you like to combine the sun and sand with a bit of history and military history in particular then La Rochelle on the French west coast could be just the destination for you. If you have been following the Sky TV series “Das Boot” based on the German novel and film about U-boats during the Battle of the Atlantic you will know that many of them sailed from La Rochelle.
La Rochelle’s history is strongly linked to the sea. Originally a small fishing village it grew and became so significant that the English fought and lost Battle of La Rochelle in 1372 which three months later led to the French conquering the town and saw the beginning of the end of English control of Aquitaine.
The pens for the U boats were constructed in secret at night and could hold 13 submarines. Some of the most important missions set sail from here. Unfortunately they are not open to the public as they are used by the French navy. The U-boat complexes in St. Nazaire, Lorient and Bordeaux are open to the public.
Despite being heavily used by the Germans during the Second World War, the city itself suffered very little damage and was the last city in France to be liberated from the Germans.
For us it means that the “Vieux Port” (“Old Harbour”), and the old town are well preserved, with it’s churches, market square and passageways.
In town you can also visit the Bunker of La Rochelle built to protect the submarine commanders from bombs and learn about what life was like for the citizens of La Rochelle from 1939 to 1945.
For the beach you can have a choice of the beautiful Ile de Ré or the small resort at Chatetlaillon Plage, a short distance south of La Rochelle.
