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Place des Petits Bancs: A Glimpse into La Rochelle's Medieval Past

Discover Place des Petits Bancs in La Rochelle: a historic square where medieval finance meets art and Renaissance architecture.

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Place des Petits Bancs, or 'Place of the Small Benches', is a charming square in La Rochelle steeped in history. Once a hub for medieval bankers, the square now offers a peaceful retreat with notable monuments and Renaissance architecture.

A brief summary to Place des petits bancs

  • 40 Rue du Temple, La Rochelle, 17000, FR

Local tips

  • Take a stroll around the square to admire the Renaissance architecture and soak in the historical atmosphere.
  • Visit the square in the early morning or late afternoon for a quieter experience.
  • Explore the nearby Rue des Merciers for shopping and dining options.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    Place des Petits Bancs is located in the city center and is easily accessible on foot from the Vieux-Port (Old Port) and the main shopping streets. From the Grosse Horloge tower, walk straight. The square is a short walk from most central landmarks.

  • Public Transport

    La Rochelle's public transport system, Yélo, provides bus services throughout the city. Several bus routes stop near Place des Petits Bancs. Check the Yélo website or app for the most up-to-date routes and schedules. A single bus ticket costs €1.50.

  • Parking

    If driving, parking is available at several nearby car parks, including Parking Verdun and Parking Vieux-Port. Parking Verdun is an underground car park. Be aware that parking in the city center can be limited, especially during peak season. Consider using park-and-ride facilities (P+R) located on the outskirts of the city and taking a bus or shuttle to the center. Parking rates in enclosed and underground car parks are generally €1.50 for the first hour.

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Discover more about Place des petits bancs

The Place des Petits Bancs is a historical square located in the heart of La Rochelle. Its name originates from the small benches or tables used by bankers and money changers who conducted their transactions here during the Middle Ages. These financial activities took place in small lodges arranged around the square, making it a bustling center of commerce. The square provides a tranquil escape in the city center, inviting visitors to appreciate its unique atmosphere that has evolved through the centuries. In 1905, a bronze bust of Eugène Fromentin, a famous painter and writer from La Rochelle, was erected in the center of the square, replacing a former fountain. The bust is accompanied by a life-size equestrian statue of an Arab fantasia rider, which adds an exotic and artistic element to the square. Fantasia is a traditional North African equestrian display of war-like maneuvers. The square is surrounded by notable buildings, including a beautiful 16th-century Renaissance building on the southeast side, showcasing La Rochelle's rich architectural heritage. Today, Place des Petits Bancs is a picturesque location where history and art converge.

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