
La Rochelle was founded in the 10th century and played a strategic role for the Templars. For decades its port was the biggest one in France and was largely used for wine and salt trade. Nowadays La Rochelle has lost its economic greatness and is more known as a small port town in the western part of France. Despite its size, La Rochelle is a prominent location on the Atlantic coast. Its total population has almost reached 80 thousand residents while over 400 thousand people come to the city and suburbs to enjoy the architectural heritage and sandy beaches during the summertime. Apart from tourism the local economy in La Rochelle is based on maritime and food production. Local companies have access to a wide staff capacity thanks to numerous schools and a university in the city.