Rue Sur-les-Murs (Street on the Walls), La Rochelle
The Street on the Walls is one of the city's most picturesque and historically rich pathways. This short yet iconic street stretches from the Chain Tower to the Lantern Tower, two monumental towers that have stood guard over the city's harbor for centuries. Built on the only surviving section of the 14th-century ramparts, it miraculously escaped destruction during Cardinal Richelieu's aggressive dismantling of La Rochelle's defenses after the Siege of 1627-1628. Richelieu, intent on stripping the city of its fortifications, spared this part of the wall for its strategic value, as it provided a vantage point to monitor potential English advances. Today, the Street on the Walls stands as a living testament to the city's medieval defenses.
The walkway along the ramparts once overlooked the ocean, with waves crashing against its stone walls during storms. In its early years, the path was purely defensive, with no dwellings lining its edge. It was only in the late 18th and 19th centuries that white stone houses, typical of La Rochelle, began to appear alongside the ramparts. These constructions became possible after land reclamation projects extended the shoreline, making room for shipyards that eventually transformed into the Saint-Jean d'Acre esplanade. While some of the newer homes lack the charm of older architecture, the street's historical essence remains intact, offering a unique glimpse into the city's past.
Today, the esplanade at the foot of Street on the Walls plays host to one of France's most celebrated music festivals, the Francofolies, held every July since its inception in 1985. Drawing over 150,000 spectators annually, the festival's main stage is set up in the large parking area that now occupies the former shoreline, with the ancient ramparts providing a stunning historical backdrop.
The walkway along the ramparts once overlooked the ocean, with waves crashing against its stone walls during storms. In its early years, the path was purely defensive, with no dwellings lining its edge. It was only in the late 18th and 19th centuries that white stone houses, typical of La Rochelle, began to appear alongside the ramparts. These constructions became possible after land reclamation projects extended the shoreline, making room for shipyards that eventually transformed into the Saint-Jean d'Acre esplanade. While some of the newer homes lack the charm of older architecture, the street's historical essence remains intact, offering a unique glimpse into the city's past.
Today, the esplanade at the foot of Street on the Walls plays host to one of France's most celebrated music festivals, the Francofolies, held every July since its inception in 1985. Drawing over 150,000 spectators annually, the festival's main stage is set up in the large parking area that now occupies the former shoreline, with the ancient ramparts providing a stunning historical backdrop.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in La Rochelle. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "黑料吃瓜网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Rue Sur-les-Murs (Street on the Walls) on Map
Sight Name: Rue Sur-les-Murs (Street on the Walls)
Sight Location: La Rochelle, France (See walking tours in La Rochelle)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: La Rochelle, France (See walking tours in La Rochelle)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in La Rochelle, France
Create Your Own Walk in La Rochelle
Creating your own self-guided walk in La Rochelle is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
La Rochelle Introduction Walking Tour
La Rochelle, tucked along France鈥檚 Atlantic coast, has always marched to the beat of its own drum. What began as a quiet fishing village quickly transformed into a thriving medieval port by the 12th century, trading wine, salt, and fish with anyone who鈥檇 sail close enough. With a sheltered harbor and a strong streak of independence, the city grew rich鈥攁nd just a bit unruly. French kings... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles