Île-de-Ré.
The Île-de-Ré is not a region, but rather an island sitting off the coast of La Rochelle. In its early history it passed from England to France and back again.
The English attempted to control the island to lend aid to La Rochelle during the siege beginning in 1627, but was forced to withdraw with heavy losses.
In time the French strengthened the island's defenses to better defend its ports on the mainland.
Our ancestors who emigrated from Île-de-Ré are listed below. The dates reflect the year they arrived in Canada if known, otherwise it is the date of their earliest appearances in the records there:
- Esther Coindriau (1664).
- Renée de Laporte (1664).
NOTES
- map inset from author's collection
- www.wikipedia.com