Last modified: 2002-10-12 by ivan sache
Keywords: rochelle (la) | charente-maritime | triangle (blue) |
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![[Flag of La Rochelle]](../images/f/fr-17-lr.gif)
by Pascal Gross
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La Rochelle is a port of c. 80,000 inhabitants, located on the Atlantic Ocean. During the Religion Wars between Roman Catholics and Protestants, La Rochelle was a Protestant fortress. The Royal army of Louis XIII, commanded by Cardinal de Richelieu finally seized the city, which was allied with England, after a two-year siege (1627-1628).
In 1822, the 45th line regiment was garrisoned in La Rochelle. The regiment included several members of the secrete society Carbonari, who planned to overthrow the Restauration monarchic regime. The conspirers were arrested and transfered to Paris. Four of them were sentenced to death and remained famous as les Quatre Sergents de la Rochelle ('The Four Seargents of La Rochelle'). They became rapidly martyres of the anti-monarchic cause. The conspirers used a specific flag.
La Rochelle is particularly renowned for yachting industry, races and its main marina (Port des Minimes). The city gained also some celebrity in the 80's because of the original transportation policy developed by the late Mayor Michel Crépeau. Most cars were excluded from the city center and replaced with bikes which could be used freely.
Ivan Sache, 9 September 2001
This flag can be seen flying on the embankment of the old harbour (well known for its towers). It is a white field with a blue triangle on which the word La Rochelle is written in alternating black and white letters.
Pascal Gross, 8 September 2001
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