La Bouée Cardinale Nord

Standing proudly on the Old Port, the North Cardinal Buoy symbolizes the historic departure point of the people of La Rochelle toward New France. It was here that, as early as the 17th century, settlers set sail for Quebec, dreaming of a new world. Installed in 2008, this genuine maritime marker now guides both sailors and visitors, recalling the importance of trade and navigation in La Rochelle’s history. It also marks the starting point of the Quebec Trail, a cultural route celebrating the deep ties between La Rochelle and Canada — a journey between memory and horizon.