The Siege of La Rochelle: A Fortress Against a King

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Added 4 months ago by McDan

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La Rochelle was one of the great fortified cities of France and Europe. In 1627, during the Wars of Religion, the Atlantic port became the center of a major confrontation between Louis XIII, Cardinal de Richelieu, and the Protestant city supported by England.

Protected by more than 3 km of walls, towers, artillery platforms, swamps and access to the sea, La Rochelle had long been considered unassailable. To cut it off, Richelieu ordered the construction of a 1,500-meter dyke across the bay, a major engineering project built in difficult conditions.

For 14 months, the Rochelais resisted behind their fortifications as French forces surrounded the city and English fleets attempted to intervene. The blockade led to famine before Jean Guiton surrendered on October 28, 1628.

This documentary retraces the siege of La Rochelle, a battle of military strategy, architecture, religion and royal power that marked a turning point in French history.

Documentary: Besieged Fortresses, Legendary Battles: La Rochelle
Directed by: Stéphane Jacques
Production: ZED (2020)

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