a port in W France, on the Bay of Biscay: a Huguenot stronghold until its submission through famine to Richelieu's forces after a long siege (1627–28). Pop: 80 014 (2006)
La Rochelle in American English
(la ʀɔˈʃɛl)
seaport in W France, on the Bay of Biscay: pop. 71,000