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Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

Nicolas Venette's house, located at 11 rue des Augustins and rue Chaudrier in La Rochelle, is an emblematic 17th century building. Its richly decorated facade features five gargoyles and six busts of famous doctors from ancient times and the Middle Ages, such as Hippocrates, Galien and Avicenne, accompanied by Bible quotations. Although wrongly associated with doctor Nicolas Venette (1633–198), born and dead in the city, this home was never his. It actually belonged to the Billaud family in the 18th century, including the revolutionary Billaud-Varenne.

Classified as a historic monument by decree of 12 May 1924, this house has had various vocations over the centuries. In the 19th century, it housed a masonic lodge, before becoming an administrative and labour tribunal in the 20th century. Today, it hosts municipal public health, hygiene and environmental services. Its main entrance, accessible to disabled people, is located at 2 rue de l'Abreuvoir. The confusion with Nicolas Venette persists, although his real residence was found on rue Fleuriau.

The architecture of the house reflects the cultural and scientific influences of its time. The busts and inscriptions, combining medical and religious references, illustrate the importance of medicine and humanist thought in the 17th century rock society. The façade, classified as historical, bears witness to this unique heritage, where art, science and history intersect. The property, acquired by the city in the 20th century, remains a symbol of La Rochelle's rich intellectual and architectural past.

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