Rochefort (Charente Maritime, France) was a former maritime arsenal created by Colbert upon order of Louis XIV in 1666. Almost 550 ships were built here and namely La Fayette’s frigate “L’Hermione”on which the Hero of the Two Worlds sailed over to America from Rochefort in 1780 to help the Insurgents. The first French submarine was constructed here in 1863 as well as the ship “La Méduse” that inspired Géricault for his famous painting, “The Raft of the Medusa” in 1819. At the entrance of the Arsenal, there once was a very simple gate. Under the reign of Louis-Philippe (1830-1848) a new triumphal gate was erected by architect Auguste Giral in 1831.

The “Porte du Soleil” West front.

Detail of the panoply.

It is a tribute to the engineers, workers and convicts employed by the arsenal and it also has a symbolic aspect. The panoplies feature anchor, Neptune’s trident, rudder, oar, referring to seafarers. The Trump of Fame and swords add to the grandiose appearance of the monument. Hercule’s Club is found on the eastern face along with a Greek helmet, as the two massive Doric colonnades on each side of the arch express force and stability. The total of twelve colums evoke the Twelve Works of the Civilizing Hero. On the South pied-droit appears a date: 1746, this stone was kept from the older gate. This triumphal arch is called “Porte du Soleil” (Sun Gate), not that it reminds Louis XIV, the “Roi Soleil”, but because the sun rises and sets in its axis in the vernal and autumnal equinoxes.

Great explorers departed from Rochefort, like Lapérouse, Bougainville and Dumont d’Urville.

Hercule’s Club and Greek helmet on eastern face.

One of the two massive Doric colonnades.