La Pallice (for La Rochelle)
Founded by Eleanor of Aquitaine in the 14th century, and once a bastion of French Protestantism, this handsome old Atlantic seaport has had a turbulent history.
Today it's a lively, remarkably well-preserved city with a bustling fishing and yachting harbour, excellent shops and restaurants, and ancient streets lined by traditional 16th and 17th century vaulted arcades. On a shore tour you can also explore by boat the serene rural waterways of the 'Green Venice' national park - or relax on one of the lovely beaches of the nearby Ile de Re.
