14.11 Day 59 . . . . La Rochelle

We had already decided that today was going to be a little bit of an adventure for all of us, so up and breakfasted we hopped into our ‘Ronaldo Upgrade’ Peugeot 3008 and off we set for La Rochelle.
Heading west the weather wasn’t too good - in fact it was raining heavily. The only hope was, that as we gazed west we could see blue sky in the distance - a long way off.
We passed some stunning countryside as we trundled along towards the coast and it was pleasing not to be asked once ‘Are we there yet?’
As we rolled into La Rochelle we attempted to head for the old port but found on almost getting there that the last couple of roads were blocked. Another route ended with the same result on different roads. Not wishing to walk too far in the still wet weather we decided to head out of the town centre and over the bridge to Îlé de Ré, which I hadn’t known was even there until we were searching the maps for a route to the port. We paid the fee to cross the Pont de L’Îlé de Ré which is quite a spectacular bridge spanning on what seems like a curve to the island.
Once onto the island we stopped to admire a couple of lovely beaches on both the north and south sides of the island. The sun had now decided to make an appearance although the breeze was quite fresh. The tide was out and so the entirety of the beach could be seen. It did remind Tre and I if our days at West Wittering.
Further down the beach we could see men working with tractors on the beach and we guessed it may be to do with mussel or oyster farming - but we were to far to see.
Obligatory photos taken we decided to drive further down the island. We hadn’t quite realised how large it was and it wasn’t long before we decided that as the weather had now changed for the better, that perhaps now was the time to return to La Rochelle. A quick coffee and sandwich grabbed at a cafe and we were heading back over the bridge, looking to head to the old port from the opposite direction than previously.
Off the bridge we hung a right and found our way straight to a parking area near the port.
The sun was still out and so our little explore of La Rochelle could commence.
Heading south on Rue des Fagots (which obviously incurred sniggers from Mr H) we found ourselves at the Tour de la Lanterne (The Lantern Tower of La Rochelle). The Lantern Tower is one of the three medieval historic towers in La Rochelle, Poitou-Charentes, France, which guarded the port at Aunis. The Lantern tower served as a Lighthouse and a prison throughout its history. It was also known by other names: Garrot tower, Priest tower, and Four Sergeant tower.
From there we walked along the battlement to the Tour de La Chaîne (Chain Tower). The Chain Tower along with the Lantern Tower and the Saint Nicolas Tower, is one of the three medieval towers guarding the port in La Rochelle. It is called the Chain Tower because an actual chain was stretched across the port entrance from this building. We then dropped down to Cr des Dames and walked alongside the port area. We noticed here that one of the restaurants were specialising in oysters - fresh from Îlé de Ré.
After a slow walk around the port we stopped for drinks in the late afternoon sunshine - overlooking the port.
A further slow walk around many of the back streets and shops found us finally returning to the car park, loading up and heading for home.
One quick stop for fuel and we were back home for the evening and food - ham and cheese pancakes baked in with tomatoes and onions and topped with even more cheese. May have been a couple of glasses of wine as well - just maybe!
Tomorrow is market day - early to bed!Baca selengkapnya