La Rochelle Cathedral, Catholic cathedral in La Rochelle, France
The cathedral presents a Latin cross layout with a central nave, side aisles, projecting transept, and choir surrounded by an ambulatory.
The Diocese of La Rochelle was established in 1648, but construction of the cathedral started in 1742 under architect Jacques Gabriel's plans.
The cathedral features paintings in its cupola created by William Bouguereau, a native artist from La Rochelle who contributed to the interior decoration.
The cathedral stands at Rue Pernelle in La Rochelle and remains open to visitors daily from eight in the morning until seven in the evening.
The medieval Gothic bell tower from the former Church of St Barthélémy, built in 1152, functioned as a gun tower during the 1627 siege.
Location: La Rochelle
Inception: 1742
Architects: Jacques Gabriel
Architectural style: classical architecture
Address: Pl. de Verdun, 17000 La Rochelle, France 17000 La Rochelle
Phone: +33546411670
Website: http://paroisse-larochellecentre.fr/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=218&Itemid=157
GPS coordinates: 46.16139,-1.15333
Latest update: June 23, 2025 09:41
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.
La Rochelle and its surroundings offer families a range of activities along the French Atlantic coast. The city itself holds several attractions, including the aquarium with over 12,000 marine animals, medieval towers at the Old Port, and various museums such as the Maritime Museum and the New World Museum. Visitors can walk through the historic center with its Grosse Horloge and Saint-Louis Cathedral or explore the beaches at La Concurrence and Minimes. Port des Minimes provides access to boat trips, while parks like Charruyer Park offer green spaces for relaxation. The region extends to the offshore islands of Île de Ré and Île d'Oléron with their beaches and the Phare des Baleines lighthouse. Inland, attractions include La Palmyre Zoo with over 1,600 animals, Zoodyssée in Chizé, and Court d'Aron floral park in Saint-Cyr-en-Talmondais. History enthusiasts can visit the Corderie Royale and naval museum in Rochefort, while Fort Boyard stands as a recognizable landmark off the coast. Natural areas like Pierre Brune park near Mervent and the Rompsay Canal round out the offerings with walking trails and water activities.
Maison Henri II de La Rochelle
115 m
Chapelle Notre-Dame-de-l'Espérance, La Rochelle
71 m
Hôtel de l'Intendance, La Rochelle
106 m
Immeuble, 13 rue Bazoges
103 m
Clocher de l'église Saint-Barthélémy de La Rochelle
60 m
Maison, 4 rue Chaudrier
111 m
Maison, 32 rue Chaudrier
70 m
Maison, 16ter rue Chaudrier
42 m
Maison, 42 rue Chaudrier, La Rochelle
115 m
Maison, 14 rue Chaudrier
55 m
Maison, 22 rue Chaudrier
35 m
Maison, 4 rue Pernelle
112 m
Maison, 6 rue Pernelle
108 m
Maison, 40 rue Chaudrier, La Rochelle
109 m
Maison, 1 rue Pernelle
115 m
Maison, 35 rue Gargoulleau, 36bis rue Chaudrier
90 m
Maison, 38 rue Chaudrier, La Rochelle
88 m
Maison, 34 rue Chaudrier
75 m
Maison, 2 rue Chaudrier
119 m
Maison, 24 rue Chaudrier
37 m
Maison, 26 rue Chaudrier
45 m
Maison, 30 rue Chaudrier
65 m
Maison, 12 rue Pernelle
88 m
Maison, 12 rue Chaudrier
60 m
Maison, 6 rue Chaudrier
103 m
Maison, 20 rue Chaudrier
34 m
Maison, 18 rue Chaudrier
35 m
Maison, 8 rue Chaudrier
84 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