Porte des deux moulins de la rochelle, Medieval fortified gate in La Rochelle, France
The Two Mills Gate is a fortified city gate in La Rochelle featuring gun slits and a crenellated parapet set between two pilasters above. The structure remains part of the Ladies Fort complex, positioned along the harbor's defensive line.
The original gate was built around 1200 and relocated in 1622, reinforced at that time with a hook-shaped defensive structure. This reinforcement was demolished in 1628, leaving behind the structure visible today.
The gate takes its name from two tide mills that once operated nearby, drawing power from the coastal waters. This name remains a reminder of how the medieval city relied on water-powered industry along its waterfront.
The gate is easily accessible on foot from La Rochelle city center and sits within the harbor area. The best views of the structure come from the water or from the surrounding fortress pathways.
The gate was designed as a pedestrian passage rather than a cart entrance, reflecting its specialized purpose providing access to the mills. This narrow passage helped control movement between the city and the mill installations by the water.
Location: La Rochelle
Address: rue des Deux Moulins
GPS coordinates: 46.15530,-1.15900
Latest update: December 6, 2025 17:48
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.
Tour Saint-Nicolas
430 m
Vieux-Port de La Rochelle
420 m
Tour de la Lanterne
152 m
Tour de la Chaîne
368 m
Grosse Horloge
517 m
Parc Animalier Charles-Édouard Beltremieux
297 m
La Coursive/Scène Nationale La Rochelle
341 m
Prefecture hotel of Charente-Maritime
281 m
Musée des modèles réduits
432 m
Clocher Saint-Jean de la Rochelle
280 m
Plage de la Concurrence
135 m
Parc Charruyer
225 m
Église des Carmes
392 m
Bastion du Gabut
442 m
Hôtel Leclerc, La Rochelle
436 m
Hôtel particulier, 15 rue Verdière, La Rochelle
420 m
Villa Alsace, La Rochelle
399 m
Maison Pillaud
531 m
Maison Léon
580 m
Musée du flacon à parfum
562 m
Passerelle Nelson Mandela
402 m
Admiral Duperré
533 m
The Wave
281 m
Monument to Eugène Fromentin
536 m
Maison, 1 rue Chef-de-Ville (La Rochelle)
524 m
La Rochelle front range light
522 m
Fortifications maritimes de La Rochelle
301 m
Reviews
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