Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The convent of the Augustinians of La Rochelle found its origins in the early 14th century, when the Augustinian monks settled there. In 1562 they were forced to leave, and the convent was devastated in 1568 during the Wars of Religion. The chapel was then transformed into shops, while the refectory was reused for Protestant worship. This site hosts important events, such as the Synod of 1571 presided over by Théodore de Bèze, which ratified the Confession de La Rochelle, as well as the marriages of Gaspard II de Coligny and his daughter. Jean Guiton, a local figure, was baptized there in 1584.

In the 17th century, the Augustinians took over the convent and began its reconstruction from 1654, under the direction of Brother Médard Audureau. The chapel was consecrated in 1660, and the gallery was added in 1671. A plaque, attributed to the sculptor Pierre Biardeau, is installed in the first span. The bell tower was built in the early eighteenth century. In 1791 the Augustinians finally left the convent, which then passed to the Ursulines in 1804, then to the sisters of Chavagnes in 1835. They build school buildings there. Together, including the chapel, the cloister and the convent wings, is listed as historical monuments in 2015.

The architecture of the convent reflects its turbulent history, with elements from the 17th and 18th centuries. The chapel, the cloister square and some facades are now protected. After serving as a teaching place, part of the convent was transformed into a building in the 20th century. Its registration in 2015 bears witness to its heritage value, linked to the religious and urban history of La Rochelle.

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