|
 |
|
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
| The Maritime Arsenal of Rochefort |
|
|
| A new town in the 17th century, Rochefort was created by Colbert in 1666, who wished to make it the largest maritime arsenal and so develop the sea power of the French Kingdom. The ensemble, built inland on one of the last loops o f the Charente before the sea, was fortified four years later. |
|
 A prestigious destiny
|
| As soon as it was created, the arsenal of Rochefort built armed and maintained a number of high-rank vessels de la Royale. Some of the greatest military expeditions set out from its port, both military and scientific, and a few innovations such as the submarine were developed here. Probably because it no longer fulfilled the requirements of a modern warfleet, it was shut down in 1926. |
A restored heritage |
| The infrastructures, at one time forgotten, have been restored to their former glory. The building of the Corderie Royale (Royal Rope makers) has regained all its splendour, to become a place of culture. Today it houses the Centre International de la Mer (International Sea Centre). At the port, La Fayette’s frigate The Hermione is being reconstructed, identical in every detail, in which he set sail for America in 1780; the site is open for visitors to follow the development of the project. More than 350 after its creation, the arsenal of Rochefort still exhales perfumes of adventure and the exotic. |
 |
|
|
 |
 |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
