Merciers Street

In the Middle Ages, this pretty street was used as a market for food, cloth, and linen. It’s the oldest shopping street in the town, which is understandable, as the merchants didn’t take things lightly! The archways you see in most streets of the old centre were built by craftsmen and shopkeepers desperate to shelter and protect their stalls from the elements. This was a real boon for the people of La Rochelle, who could now stroll through the shops without getting wet! Keep your eyes peeled as you cross the street! Several of the houses in the street are listed as historic monuments.