Cloître des Dames Blanches, 18th-century cloister in central La Rochelle, France.
Cloître des Dames Blanches is an 18th-century cloister in central La Rochelle featuring regular stone arches supported by columns arranged in a square around a central courtyard. The interior space is lined with traditional architectural details that frame the open ground.
The complex was established by the Récollets religious order from 1629 onwards and later transferred to the Sisters of Our Lady of Charity in 1810. This transition reflected changing needs in the city's religious life during the early 19th century.
The cloister functions as an exhibition space for local artists, especially during warmer months when the galleries display artworks from the community. This contemporary use brings creative energy to the historic surroundings.
The site is located in central La Rochelle and is easily reached on foot from several nearby streets. Entry is free for visitors, and it is generally accessible during weekday daytime hours when the space is open to the public.
The former convent buildings now serve as administrative offices for the La Rochelle Metropolitan Community, showing how this historic space has been adapted for modern governance. This repurposing keeps the site active and rooted in local civic life.
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