French Hotel.
La Rochelle {lah roh-shel'} (1990 pop., 71,094) is the capital city of Charente -Maritime department in western France. Located on the Bay of Biscay, it is an important Atlantic coast fishing port and a popular summer resort. Major industries include petroleum refining and chemical, aircraft, and automobile manufacturing.La Rochelle was made a commune in 1199 when it was already a busy port. During the 16th century it was a center of Huguenot resistance to the crown. Conceded by treaty to the Huguenots in 1573, the city was besieged by Cardinal Richelieu in 1627-28. During the 18th century La Rochelle's port handled most of France's trade with Canada, but with the loss of Canada port activity declined.