Page 15 - PGA Community News - November '22

November 2022 November 2022 PGA C.A.N.!, Page 15

La Rochelle: Town Of Two Countries from page 14 Religion was a driving force in the development of La
Rochelle. With France a Roman Catholic nation, locations
La Rochelle was developing faster than other towns in such as La Rochelle played a dominant role in the Protestant
the area. In order to expedite this growth, from 1132 to 1137, Reformation. As a Protestant stronghold, the town struggled
the area between the old village and the sea was granted to control the Islands of Ré and Oléron. These were the
“liberties and free customs.” This made the town a place gateways to England – the country that provided support and
of refuge, attracting a major influx of people from France sustenance. The reformed church, based upon the Geneva
and abroad. rite, was set up in 1556 by a minister named Pierre Richier.
During the following three centuries, no ruler could La Rochelle quickly became the largest Huguenot center
unite the countries that constituted the Kingdom of France in the west of France, placing it in the middle of several
and England. In reality it was the port that drove the bitter struggles over Protestantism. In the late 17th century,
influences of the time because it controlled the transport some of its Protestant residents fled to North America and
of wine and salt to England. The shallow-entranced founded the city of New Rochelle, N.Y.
channel restricted ships even at high tide. The quayside The period of Nazi occupation in La Rochelle during
was flanked by splendid town walls, while the entrance World War II was marked by several tragic events, including
to the city was through a stone gate that remains today. the execution of the town mayor by a firing squad. The
The gate was altered in the 18th century when a clock was town’s unique position on the coast made it ideal as a
added to the top of the tower; consequently, the structure German U-boat base. Huge concrete bunkers used to house
is now referred to as the Clock Gate. those submarines still serve as a reminder of the war. The
city, although never bombed, found itself in a unique
position in the “Atlantic Pocket,” and was besieged by
French troops. It was liberated unscathed on May 7, 1945.
The city center of La Rochelle has been restricted to
pedestrian traffic, making it an ideal way to explore the
town’s character. The town hall symbolizes the quality
of the local community. It took more than two centuries
to build but it reflects the stability of the local municipal
community. The artwork of the stone carvings leaves one
overwhelmed.
Most noticeable in the architecture is the combination of
The Old Prison of La Rochelle English and French styles. Combining heavy stone building
with typical English half-timber construction provides
The Clock Gate is but one of the four large towers built unique facades to the town streets.
around the harbor. Most notable are the two towers built at the If offered a chance to visit La Rochelle, don’t pass up
mouth of the harbor in the 14th century. The Saint-Nicholas the opportunity … you will be pleasantly surprised.
Tower is located on the south bank, while opposing it on the Don Kiselewski writes from his personal experiences,
north bank is the Chain Tower. These towers controlled shipping having traveled in 122 countries and cruised the oceans,
that entered the harbor. The Chain Tower controlled ships from seas and rivers of the world. Palm Beach Gardens Travel
slipping out of the harbor at night without paying the port taxes. Leaders, his family owned and operated agency, is located
The fourth large structure is the ornate Lantern Tower; at Mirasol Town Square, 11360 North Jog Road, Building
also known as the Garrot Tower. It’s located outside of the A, Suite 102-6, Palm Beach Gardens. The agency has been
harbor proper and connected to the town by what is referred serving the travel needs of the South Florida area for over
to as a parapet walkway. The walkway connects the Lantern a quarter of a century. Contact him at (561) 694-9696 or
to the Chain Tower, and was built in the mid-15th century Aussie@PBGTravel.com.
to allow access to the town for sailors whose ships were tied
The Clock Gate up at the Lantern Tower. Photos by Don Kiselewski