Musée de la Résidence des Indes

The Résidence des Indes museum allows visitors to discover the interior of a shipowner's and merchant's mansion, typical of the "golden century" of La Rochelle, entirely restored, with its 18th century furniture and objets d'art, as well as objects imported from the Orient, of which the enlightened people of the time were enthusiasts: porcelain and lacquerware from China, printed cotton fabrics from India, etc.

You will also find precious art objects from other Asian cultures: Burma, Siam (today's Thailand), Japan and India.

Escape to the East Indies through the magic of the fresco of the artist from La Rochelle Loïc Palluault in the stairwell leading to the Kama suite on the 2nd floor, which reproduces an 1811 painting by the Daniells, uncle and nephew, who drew more than 140 remarkable sites in the Indies, during a 4000 km journey from north to south, from east to west, from 1786 to 1793

Complete your world tour in the former ceremonial dining room converted into an 18th century cabinet of tribal curiosities from Africa, Pre-Columbian America, India and the Pacific, while enjoying tea, coffee, chocolate or juice with a homemade cupcake, unless you prefer the green patio, the large or the small lounge.

Finally, discover the history of the cultural boom of La Rochelle in the 1960s and 90s, from which the people of La Rochelle still benefit greatly today. It is closely linked to Dr. Georges Sabatier who bought the mansion in 1962 and renovated it entirely. He is indeed at the origin of the creation of a good part of the abundant cultural offer of the City, which gave him the opportunity to welcome in his residence many creators whose spirit still impregnates the place.


As you climb the stairs, discover Indian erotic art and part of the collection of miniatures and sculptures on stone or wood that were featured in the "Kama Sutra" exhibition at the Pinacothèque de Paris in 2014-15.

Each object is captioned. Each room and family of objects is documented. You will have access to this information through explanatory panels and/or a QR code that you will just have to scan with your cell phone

Cultural events are regularly organized as part of the "Escales au Salon": talks that tell you the history of the Residence, its collections or La Rochelle with the Orient, tea tastings, concerts, lectures, reading workshops, yoga or meditation classes, etc., any activity to which the room of a salon gives a special flavor.

Don't hesitate to consult the "Escales au Salon" calendar on our Facebook page or on our website.