La Rochelle

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La Rochelle Seaport on the Bay of Biscay, w France; capital of Charente-Maritime department. An English possession during the 12th and 13th centuries, it changed hands several times during the Hundred Years' War (1337–1453). In the 16th century, it became a Huguenot stronghold, but capitulated to the forces of Cardinal Richelieu in 1628. Industries: shipbuilding, oil refining, sawmilling, fish-canning, cement, fertilizers, plastics. Pop. (1999) 76,711.

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La Rochelle

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