La Rochelle is one of a number of provincial French cities that escaped the ravages of the 19th and 20th centuries, and have conserved their historic centres. While a new city has grown up around it, the historic centre of La Rochelle, standing on the edge of the Old Port and the floating harbour.
The historic centre is a criss-cross of narrow streets, many of them close to vehicles, bordered by medieval and Renaissance houses, built in the distinctive local white limestone. With tourism among the city's main industries, many of the narrow streets, notably those close to the port, are filled with bars and restaurants offering local specialities and cuisine from around the world.
