Musée Protestant: A Window into La Rochelle's Huguenot History
Explore the history of French Protestantism in La Rochelle at the Musée Protestant, a treasure trove of artifacts and stories from the Huguenot past.
The Musée Protestant, or Protestant Museum of La Rochelle, offers a deep dive into the history of Protestantism in La Rochelle and the Aunis and Saintonge regions. Housed in an annex of the Protestant temple on Rue Saint-Michel, the museum's exhibits trace the lives of Protestants in the area from the 16th century to the present day. Founded in 1931 by Pastor Samuel Eynard and renovated in 1995, the museum features a rich collection of documents, engravings, and various objects that tell the story of Protestant history in the region. La Rochelle was once a major center for the Huguenot movement, sometimes called the 'Geneva of the West'. Visitors can explore old maps of La Rochelle, artifacts from the Siege of La Rochelle (1627-1628), portraits, communion tokens, and a folding pulpit and communion chalice from the “Désert” period. Other interesting and rare exhibits include china dishes made by Bernard Palissy, the insignia of the Gueux de Mer, and a tapestry depicting the Ten Commandments. The museum also houses a small library with books from the 17th and 18th centuries, Bibles in various European languages, and recent documents about French Protestantism. The Musée Protestant provides a valuable resource for understanding the religious, cultural, and political aspects of the Protestant movement and its impact on the identity and development of La Rochelle.
Local tips
- Check the museum's opening hours before visiting, as they are limited and it is closed on Sundays.
- Allow at least 1-2 hours to fully explore the museum's exhibits and learn about the history of Protestantism in La Rochelle.
- Combine your visit with a walk through La Rochelle's Old Town to see other historical sites related to the city's Protestant past.
A brief summary to Musée Protestant
- 2 Rue Saint-Michel, La Rochelle, 17000, FR
- +33546508803
Getting There
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Walking
The Musée Protestant is located at 2 Rue Saint-Michel in the heart of La Rochelle, making it easily accessible on foot from most central locations. From the Vieux Port (Old Port), walk east along Quai Valin, then turn right onto Rue du Palais. Continue straight, then turn left onto Rue Saint-Michel. The museum will be on your left, near the Protestant Temple. The walk is approximately 5-10 minutes. No costs are associated with this approach.
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Public Transport
The Yélo bus network serves La Rochelle and the surrounding area. Several bus lines stop near the Musée Protestant. Check the Yélo website or app for the most up-to-date routes and schedules. From the train station (Gare de La Rochelle), take a bus towards the city center and get off at a stop near the Old Port, such as Place de Verdun. From there, follow the walking directions. A single bus ticket costs €1.50.
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Taxi/Ride-share
Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available in La Rochelle. A taxi from the train station (Gare de La Rochelle) to the Musée Protestant will cost approximately €10-€15, depending on traffic. The journey takes around 5-10 minutes.
