Porte Royale, La Rochelle, Monumental gate in La Rochelle, France.
The Royal Gate features a central vaulted passage flanked by two symmetrical guard pavilions, built with local limestone blocks and military architectural elements.
Pierre Bullet designed this gate between 1706 and 1724 as part of Vauban's fortification system, marking the main entrance from Paris into La Rochelle.
The interior walls preserve numerous inscriptions carved by soldiers and imprisoned sailors during the eighteenth century, documenting military life and conflicts.
The monument opens daily for guided tours, featuring exhibitions in restored spaces and providing information about the fortification history of La Rochelle.
The structure retains the original carved royal sun of Louis XIV from 1706, symbolizing royal authority over the former Protestant stronghold.
Location: La Rochelle
Inception: 1706
Architects: Pierre Bullet
GPS coordinates: 46.16225,-1.14296
Latest update: November 2, 2025 20:40
La Rochelle presents photography opportunities at its medieval towers, historical port, and coastal areas. The city features architectural monuments from the Renaissance period, maritime structures, and public spaces. Visitors can photograph the towers guarding the harbor, the clock gate, traditional fishing structures, and the modern Nelson Mandela bridge.
Musée rochelais de la Dernière Guerre
492 m
Église Notre-Dame-de-Cougnes de La Rochelle
319 m
Temple protestant de La Rochelle
606 m
Vieux Marché de La Rochelle
484 m
Lycée Eugène-Fromentin, La Rochelle
645 m
Couvent des dames blanches
456 m
Fontaine du Pilori
501 m
Porte Maubec, La Rochelle
431 m
Musée protestant
616 m
Maison, 17 rue des Merciers
628 m
Maison, 43 rue du Minage
626 m
Hôtel Babut
377 m
Cloître des Dames Blanches
591 m
Maison, 1 rue Pas-du-Minage
543 m
Maison, 3 rue Pas-du-Minage
537 m
Maison, 26 rue du Minage
614 m
Hôtel Lambertz
436 m
Église du couvent des Dominicains de La Rochelle
331 m
Hôtel de Fleuriau
631 m
Chapelle de l'hôpital Saint-Louis de La Rochelle
319 m
Chapelle de la Sainte-Trinité de La Rochelle
397 m
Chapelle Fromentin de La Rochelle
575 m
Chapelle des Dames-Blanches de La Rochelle
456 m
Maison, 51 rue des Merciers
569 m
Maison, 33bis rue des Merciers
596 m
Maison, 25 rue des Merciers
612 m
Maison, 22 rue des Merciers
617 m
Maison, 33 rue des Merciers
602 mReviews
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