Hôtel de Fleuriau

The Hôtel de Fleuriau is a private mansion in La Rochelle with rough-cast stone walls, slate roofing, and a U-shaped layout with a rectangular wing extending toward the garden. Inside, elegant rooms feature detailed woodwork and decorated mirrors from the 18th century.

The building was constructed in 1740 for the Régnaud de Beaulieu family, later purchased and expanded by merchant Aimé Benjamin de Fleuriau in the following decades. These modifications shaped the structure into a prominent residence in the city.

The mansion now houses a museum that displays the city's historical connections with the Americas through maritime trade. Visitors can see paintings and objects that tell stories of exchange and commerce between the continents.

The house stands in the city center on Rue Fleuriau and is open to visitors interested in learning about the city's history and maritime connections. Plan to spend enough time exploring the exhibitions and rooms at a relaxed pace.

The red salon contains a notable staircase with wrought iron railings crafted in the 18th century. These details reveal the skill and artistry that went into the private quarters of wealthy merchant families.