Hôtel de Ville de La Rochelle, Renaissance town hall in La Rochelle, France.
Hôtel de Ville de La Rochelle is the town hall of this French port city, displaying Renaissance architecture with tall windows, Corinthian columns, and sculptural niches across its facade. The decorative elements carved into the stone reflect the city's status as an important trading center and administrative seat.
This town hall was established in 1298 and later rebuilt in 1490 after being damaged. It remains one of France's oldest continuously functioning administrative buildings from that era.
The square where the building stands reflects La Rochelle's connection to the sea and trade. The architecture itself shows how the city wanted to display its wealth and power during the Renaissance period.
You can visit the public areas during weekdays by inquiring at the entrance about access. The building sits centrally on a main square that is easily walkable and surrounded by cafes and shops.
The building has crenellated walls and defensive structures built into its design, showing it was constructed as both a civic and defensive fortress. These military features are unusual for a town hall and reveal the city's need for protection during the Renaissance.
Location: La Rochelle
Architects: Juste Lisch
Architectural style: Renaissance architecture
Address: 1 RUE DE L'HOTEL DE VILLE, BP 1541, 17086 LA ROCHELLE CEDEX 2
GPS coordinates: 46.15960,-1.15125
Latest update: December 6, 2025 16:04
La Rochelle documents over seven centuries of French maritime history through its medieval fortifications and Renaissance architecture. The old port is guarded by three stone towers from the 14th and 15th centuries - the Saint Nicolas Tower, the Tour de la Chaîne, and the Lantern Tower - which once controlled access to the sea. The Great Clock Gate from 1476 connects the harbor front to the old city streets. The city center preserves buildings from the 16th through 18th centuries, with arcaded passages along Rue du Palais and Rue des Merciers. The Fontaine des Pilori dates from the 16th century, while the City Hall features Renaissance facades from 1595. The Musée du Nouveau Monde examines La Rochelle's transatlantic trade connections. The Les Minimes marina now serves more than 5,000 boats, making it one of the largest yacht harbors on the French Atlantic coast. The modern Passerelle Nelson Mandela, opened in 1993, carries pedestrians across the main harbor. Beyond the city center, the bridge to Île de Ré extends roughly 2 miles (3 kilometers) across the Bay of Biscay.
Église Saint-Sauveur de La Rochelle
127 m
Commanderie de La Rochelle
146 m
Temple protestant de La Rochelle
110 m
Maison Henri II de La Rochelle
161 m
Musée protestant
100 m
Couvent des couvent des Augustins
96 m
Hôtel de Marsan
172 m
Maison, 17 rue des Merciers
83 m
Immeuble, 26 rue Dupaty
124 m
Maison, 5 Rue des Merciers
49 m
Maison de Jean Guiton
43 m
Cloître des Dames Blanches
118 m
Immeuble, 13 rue Bazoges
156 m
Maison, 8 rue des Merciers
63 m
Henri IV
25 m
Jean Guiton
41 m
Maison, 29 rue Dupaty
163 m
Maison, 33bis rue des Merciers
129 m
Maison, 25 rue des Merciers
107 m
Maison, 22 rue des Merciers
89 m
Maison, 4 rue des Merciers
56 m
Maison, 31 rue Dupaty, La Rochelle
170 m
Maison, 27 rue Dupaty
156 m
Maison, 6 rue du Port
107 m
Maison, 3 rue du Palais
171 m
Maison, 1 rue du Palais
171 m
Maisons, 25 rue Bletterie
87 m
Maison, 33 rue des Merciers
123 mReviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes