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The territory's attractions |
| Oceanic, a word that conjures up
a gentle climate, dramatic landscapes and, in the lead role, the sea.
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Oceanic,
A word that defines the conurbation's place on the map. It receives more sun than any other spot on France's coastline aside from the Mediterranean.
The sea is its heritage, its identity. Vessels and men sailed out from the village of salt-flat workers, which was La Rochelle in medieval times. Discoveries, trade, prosperity and turns of fortune, the free city emancipated by Eleanor of Aquitaine at the end of the 12th century has constantly surged forward, towards the ocean, the New World, other lands and peoples.
Like pages of a book, its stones tell of
the past: medieval and Renaissance buildings; 18th-century
town houses in old La Rochelle and in neighbouring localities (La
Jarne, Salles-sur-Mer); fortified churches (Esnandes, Marsilly); stuccowork
reflecting the industrial revolution (La Rochelle's railway station);
resort-style villas (Châtelaillon). Not only do these and other heritage
buildings place the conurbation among France's leading tourist destinations,
but they are the local population's pride.
People come, go ... and then return for
good. The area has a potent drawing power. Its population rose
by 11% over the last ten years, whereas the rate nationwide was only
3.5%. The CDA, La Rochelle's Urban Community, has kept pace with that
growth and moved forward, opening up new areas of economic activity
and seeking to develop them in an integrated manner. For the local
authority, the conurbation's living environment and efforts in urban
ecology set a model. Symbolically, La Rochelle invented the
car-free day.
A community on a human scale , that
can be crossed by bike while
enjoying the scenery and landscapes. A maritime land where, in the
words of Isabelle Autissier,
"something is always going on" - cultural, artistic, yachting
or sports events infused with a festive spirit, a true sense of life. |
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