France - Rochefort Arsenal and Fortifications of Charente Estuary

"Built in 1666 by Louis XIV on the advice of Colbert, to provide the Atlantic coast of France a naval base safe, the Arsenal of Rochefort, which includes monuments as prestigious as the Royal Rope (designed by Blondel) or dry docks, is located 24 km off the sea, following the course of the Charente, in order to preserve an enemy landing. The city was built according to a plan regular grid, close and merge with I'arsenal never was in turn enclosed in an enclosure completed in 1690. Defense of the arsenal should be provided by the fortification of Pertuis including Ile d'Aix, the only point to be able to ensure the defense of the harbor. The estuary of the Charente and provides a set of forts and redoubts, satellite Rochefort, existing built or planned in the same time and I'arsenal for his defense." Source: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List.

The Royale Rope Factory, Rochefort-sur-Mer. Thanks to Marie of France.