La Rochelle - Surroundings

12km/7.5mi north of La Rochelle is Esnandes, with a Romanesque church which was altered in the 14th and 15th centuries but still preserves its original facade, incorporated in a defensive wall.

7km/4.5mi north is the little town of La Pallice, with La Rochelle's New Harbor (1883- 1890). This steadily developing commercial port can handle large seagoing vessels.

Just off La Rochelle, on the north side of a wide bay, the Pertuis d'Antioche, is the Ile de Ré with its extensive salt pans and oyster beds.

South of La Rochelle lie the two islands of Aix and Oléron.