From Hospitalières convent
to hotel Le Champlain
After the Siege of La Rochelle by Richelieu (1627-1628), the city reopened its doors to the Catholic religion. At the instigation of King Louis XIII, nuns settled in the Convent of the Hospitalières located between Rue Rambaud and Rue des Sœurs Claires, which brought together a convent, gardens and a hospital.
At the end of the 18th century, the nuns were expelled and the site was acquired by the city, which turned it into a fairground until the early 19th century. Later, part of the buildings was sold to a notable figure, who turned it into a private mansion in the mid-19th century.
Even today, Hôtel Le Champlain and its French-style garden occupy part of this former convent steeped in history.
3 centuries,
3 generations,
3 hoteliers
It was in 1942 that Marie-Hélène and Henri Brisson acquired this former private mansion. A few years later, in 1948, they transformed and expanded it to turn it into a hotel open to guests, right in the heart of La Rochelle.
The hotel was named ‘Le Champlain’ by Marie-Hélène Brisson, who admired the explorer Samuel de Champlain for his forward-thinking, pioneering spirit — a figure of historical significance in Charente-Maritime.
In the 1980s, their daughter Christiane Jouineau took over and carried on the tradition of attentive hospitality and a genuine art of welcoming guests. Their granddaughter, Anne Jouineau, then continued this family legacy by guiding the hotel into the early 21st century.
A New Era
Turenne Hôtellerie Group, captivated by the potential of this iconic and historic hotel in La Rochelle, decided to acquire Le Champlain.
Renovation and enhancement work was carried out, modernizing the property while preserving its character and authenticity.
Le Champlain now continues to grow, notably by strengthening its partnerships with local businesses.
