Rochefort, in Charente-Maritime, is a town born of the will of Louis XIV and Colbert, who founded a naval arsenal there in the 17th century. This history is still readable in the Corderie Royale, an immense building more than 370 metres long built to make the fleet’s ropes, and in the town’s regular plan.
The frigate Hermione, a replica of Lafayette’s ship, was built and is moored in Rochefort, and can be visited at the shipyard museum. The Martrou transporter bridge, Pierre Loti’s house, the Jardin des Retours and the thermal baths complete a town of heritage and well-being, bordered by the Charente river.
A few kilometres from La Rochelle, the Île d’Oléron and Brouage, Rochefort fits naturally into a stay in Charente-Maritime. It can be visited in a day, mixing history, riverside walks and local food.