The city of La Rochelle is an Atlantic seaport on the Bay of Biscay in southwestern France. The city features the longest bridge in the country at 2.9 kilometers, which connects it to the Isle de Re, and its harbor spills into the sheltered strait of Pertuis d’Antioche.

Occupied since ancient times, La Rochelle was once the largest base of the famed Knights Templar. More recently, the city was the last in France to be freed by the allied forces at the end of World War II. Despite its wartime role, La Rochelle has been able to maintain much of its historical architecture, making it a popular tourist destination. The city walls are an excellent place to take an evening stroll, while the Vieux Port, or “Old Harbor,” offers wonderful dining and shopping opportunities, is well-preserved and located at the centre of the city. Other points of interest worth checking out include the Orbigny Bernon Museum, the Museum d’histoire naturelle de La Rochelle and the Saint Louis Cathedral.