Hôtel de Cheusses, Historic private mansion in Rochefort, France.
The Hôtel de Cheusses is a private residence in Rochefort built around a central structure with two extending wings that form a U-shape enclosing a front courtyard marked by decorative stone entrance pillars. It now houses the National Navy Museum, which displays multiple exhibition spaces dedicated to French maritime heritage.
Construction took place between 1594 and 1672, and the building later served as headquarters for naval commanders after Louis XIV established the Rochefort naval arsenal. Its development began decades before the town itself was founded.
The reception rooms display carved wooden fireplaces from the 17th century that reflect the craftsmanship of that era. These ornaments show how affluent residents furnished their homes with artistic details.
The building is open to visitors interested in exploring the Navy Museum collections housed within it. It helps to allow time for visiting multiple exhibition areas, as the various rooms contain extensive maritime displays.
The building is the oldest civilian structure in Rochefort, built several decades before the town itself was established. Its long existence makes it a witness to the early settlement history of the region.
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