Photos of La Rochelle

La Rochelle's old harbour used to be protected by two big towers, tour de la Chaîne and tour Saint-Nicolas. It's a great feeling to sail in beetwen them after a rough cruise, because on the other side, your friends are waiting for you in nice bars and restaurants.

Seen from offshore, the tour de la Chaîne seems to gush out of the water. The big stone building was built in 1390 to hold one side off a huge chain which was used to stop boats from coming in the harbour.

Fish market in La rochelle. The building is surounded by tiny bars where the locals go. Depending on the time of the day, they'll drink a glass of white wine, a cognac or a pineau des charentes. The rooms are sometime so small that they only have just enough space for the bar and people standing.