Built for Hugues Pontard, whose son, François, became mayor of La Rochelle in 1567. Popularly called 'the house of Henri II" the structure is not a house at all, but a frontage without depth. Its superimposed galleries are only narrow corridors linking the two wings of the actual home, with a staircase in the tower. It is thus a monumental decoration, facing the garden court for the satisfaction of its patron Pontard. The architect is unknown, but worked in a classic Renaissance style.