La Rochelle

The weekend after Andrew and I met, I spent the weekend sailing out of La Rochelle with my parents and spent most of the time texting Andrew, so was very excited to show him this gorgeous city that I associate with him but that he hadn't been to. It is a major sailing place and very touristy but so beautiful - highly recommended. However, we hadn't bargained for the festival that was on this weekend - first weekend of summer in France! Wow it was so busy and the Francofolies concert played til after we slept every night..... still we loved La Rochelle.....

Old Port 

Gate to the city

Fifteenth century market

Market

Beautiful buildings

Canal in town

Partying in La Rochelle

Packed Quay

Such a big marina - Askari is 250 boats from the left

New walkway at the Marina Minimes

The Famous Towers - sadly flags flying half mast for Nice

La Rochelle

Minimes Beach - just near the marina

Andrew in Minimes

Just a few boats on the water

We did some exploring, I hit the sales in a big way - huge discounts so a great chance to update my summer wardrobe and replace lost sunnies......

Then despite a free night in the marina we decided to head out into Biscay on Sunday morning. This was because there was wind on Sunday and then none forecast until it turned the wrong direction. So our prep for what is supposed to be a challenging trip was rushed but we finally got Askari ready about 9pm and headed out for a beach meal - our last in France (but don't worry the freezer is stocked with Pain au Raisin and there's plenty of wine aboard!!).