City acquisition 1504 (≈ 1504)
Two houses bought for the Grandes-Écoles.
1647
Departure from college
Departure from college 1647 (≈ 1647)
Transfer to Eugène Fromentin College.
XVIIe siècle (fin)
Transformation into a private hotel
Transformation into a private hotel XVIIe siècle (fin) (≈ 1784)
Residence of the Durand de Lavaumartin family.
27 mai 1924
Historical monument classification
Historical monument classification 27 mai 1924 (≈ 1924)
Protection of facades on street and courtyard.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
Façades sur rue et sur cour intérieur : classification par décision du 27 mai 1924
Key figures
Jehan Mérichon - Former Mayor of La Rochelle
Owner of the hotel of the initial time.
Famille Durand de Lavaumartin - Owners in the 17th century
Arms carved on a door.
Origin and history
The house of Grandes-Écoles, later renamed Hotel Durand de la Vaux-Martin, was built in the 16th century at 19-21 rue Bazoges in La Rochelle. Originally, two houses purchased in 1504 by the city housed the Grandes-Écoles, an educational institution based on the location of the former Hotel d'Hure, property of the Merichon family, of which Jehan was mayor. This college moved in 1647 to the premises of the present Eugène Fromentin College, leaving room for partial reassignment by a neighbouring convent.
At the end of the 17th century, the building became a mansion for the Durand de Lavaumartin family, whose coats of arms still adorn a door from the courtyard. Confiscated as a national property during the Revolution, it was classified as a historical monument on 27 May 1924 for its facades on street and courtyard. Its architecture reflects stylistic transitions between the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, typical of prosperous port cities like La Rochelle.
Today, the Renaissance House bears witness to the educational, religious and aristocratic history of the city. Its ranking protects key elements such as facades, highlighting its role in the rock heritage. The sources also mention its precise address (21 rue Bazoges) and its Insee code (17300), confirming its anchoring in the department of Charente-Maritime (New Aquitaine).
