La Rochelle Towers

Can you visit the towers of La Rochelle?

It is possible to visit themand learn about the rich history of these towers and the port of La Rochelle. What's more, the view over the city of La Rochelle is breathtaking. You can even see the aquarium.

What were the three towers used for?

These towers were built as residences, but the Tour Saint Nicolas and the Tour de la Chaîne were both used as prisons. The Tour de la Lanterne was also used as a prison and lighthouse. Prisoner inscriptions can still be seen.

The Tour Saint Nicolas was the first tower to be built. It is imposing, and acts as a dungeon.

The Chain Tower was then built, and the two towers acted as a 'lock' to filter the entry of ships into the port, thanks to an imposing chain stretched between the two buildings.

How high are the towers of La Rochelle?

The Tour Saint Nicolas is between 36 m and 37 m high, depending on the source, and leans slightly. It is higher than the Tour de la chaîne. The Tour de la Lanterne is 75m high.

Architecture of the La Rochelle towers

The Tour de la Lanterne is certainly the most original. At the top of the Lanterne Tower is an octagonal spire and gargoyles in flamboyant Gothic style.

The Tour Saint Nicolas is an imposing, slightly sloping tower. It's the tallest, and from its top you can enjoy an unobstructed view of La Rochelle.

The Tour de la Chaîne is also imposing, but has a more conventional circular shape, 15m in diameter.

History of the towers and fortifications of La Rochelle

Already in the 16th century, fortifications included towers at the entrance to the port, and a fortified wall from the Tour Saint Nicolas to the Tour de la Lanterne: "As a result of these successive additions, at the time of the siege of 1572-1573, the fortified enclosure included, to the south, in addition to the harbor entrance towers, the entire seafront, from the Porte Saint-Nicolas to the Tour de la Lanterne." 

The Chain Tower

The first mention of the Tour de la Chaîne dates back to 1345. Conain's manuscript, dating from 1382, mentions the Tour de la Chaîne: "As the big tower of the Chaîne, towards the Perrot, was a ruined tower, it was received from the foundations and started to be built with ashlars, which was continued in the following years..." Near the Tour de la Chaîne was another tower, the small Tour de la Chaîne, whose construction dates back to the 14th century, and of which nothing remains.

The Tour de la Chaîne, located near the Tour Saint-Nicolas, was once used as a toll booth for ships entering the port of La Rochelle. Built in the 14th century, it takes its name from the chains that were stretched between its walls to block access to the port in case of danger. The tower was also the seat of local justice and served as a prison for many years. Today, it is open to visitors, who can explore its historic rooms and admire its imposing structure.

Saint Nicolas Tower

The first mention of the Tour Saint Nicolas dates back to 1384. Dismantled, the tower underwent major restoration in the 19th century, around 1880. It seems that the Tour de la Chaîne and the Tour Saint Nicolas were linked by a huge arch.

The Tour Saint-Nicolas, a majestic stone sentinel, has dominated the Old Port of La Rochelle since the 14th century. Built to protect the city from maritime attack, it bears witness to La Rochelle's strategic importance as a thriving seaport. Over the centuries, the tower has been the scene of numerous battles, and has undergone several architectural transformations to adapt to evolving defense techniques. Today, visitors can climb its spiral steps to enjoy a breathtaking view of the city and surrounding ocean.

The Lantern Tower

The Lantern Tower is more recent than the others. It was begun in 1445 and completed in 1476. It has borne several names: "It was also called the Tour du Garrot, because it was equipped with an enormous capstan for disarming ships, which came here to deposit their weapons and ammunition before being allowed to enter the port. It was also known as the priests' tower, because thirteen priests imprisoned there during the religious battles had their throats cut and were thrown into the sea.

The Tour de la Lanterne, the oldest of the three towers, dates back to the 12th century. Originally used as a lighthouse, it was also a dreaded prison, where prisoners were often subjected to extremely harsh living conditions. The tower owes its name to the lantern that once hung from its top to guide sailors at night. Today, it is one of La Rochelle's most emblematic monuments, attracting visitors with its well-preserved medieval architecture and captivating history.

The other Towers of the Chaîne?

It may seem surprising, but La Rochelle wasn't the only town to have a Chaîne tower:

"Many towns protected themselves with chains. The town of Valenciennes, for example, had ninety-six chains on its streets and gates.

Often, in maritime towns, the tower housing the chain-tensioning apparatus used to close the harbor entrance was called the Tour de la Chaîne (Chain Tower).

The curious town of La Rochelle (Charente Inférieure) still has one that was used for this purpose and bears this "designation".

Extract from the bulletin of the historical and archaeological society of the town of Provins

La Rochelleis one of the most popular destinations in south-west France, close to the ocean. Well known for its old town and port, as well as its aquarium. Ideal for a great La Rochelle vacation live

Rediscovering La Rochelle

The city of La Rochelle is famous for its old town and marina, whose entrance is framed by the famous towers.

It's a lively, bustling place where you can relax, shop, enjoy sailing and many other activities.

You can take advantage of its ideal location to visit Ile de Réthe city of Rochefortor even Ile d'Oléron and the well-known Fort Boyard.

If you prefer the beach, you can choose between the small beaches of La Concurrence and Les Minimes, or the large beach of Chatelaillon, just a few minutes from the town of La Rochelle.

Places not to be missed in La Rochelle

Near the old port: Choose the view on the old port and thehe towerswalks along the water's edge

In the old town: Enjoy the architecture and the many stores and restaurants nearby

Minimes : choose the grand avenues and avenues, and enjoy the large marina

Near the wooden town, the right compromise for proximity to the old town, the old port and cultural sites: media library, maritime museum and aquarium.

More about La Rochelle

Frequently Asked Questions - Tours de La Rochelle

What are the three towers of La Rochelle?

Visit La Rochelle towers are: the Saint-Nicolas towerthe Tour de la Chaîne and the Lantern Tower. They are located at the entrance to the old port and date back to the 14th and 15th centuries. They were once used to defend the town and watch over the sea entrances.

Can you visit the towers of La Rochelle?

Yes, the La Rochelle towers is open to the public all year round, with extended opening hours in high season. A one-way ticket can be purchased for all three tours. Guided tours and temporary exhibitions are also available.

What is the historical role of La Rochelle's towers?

Visit La Rochelle towers played a strategic role in the city's maritime defense, particularly during the Wars of Religion and the siege of 1627-1628. They symbolize the maritime and commercial power of La Rochelle in the Middle Ages.

Which of La Rochelle's towers is the oldest?

Visit Tour de la Chaîne is the oldest of the three La Rochelle towers. Built at the end of the 14th century, it controlled the entrance to the port with a large chain stretched between it and the Saint-Nicolas tower.

Where are the towers of La Rochelle?

Visit La Rochelle towers are located at the entrance to the old port of La Rochellefacing the Atlantic Ocean, in Charente-Maritime. They are in the immediate vicinity of the town center and historic district.

How much does it cost to visit the towers of La Rochelle?

The full price is around €9 for a combined ticket allowing access to all three venues. La Rochelle towers. Admission is free for under-18s, EU residents under 26, and on the first Sunday of the month from November to March.

Are La Rochelle's towers accessible to children?

Yes, the La Rochelle towers are suitable for families. Fun trails, game books and children's activities are offered regularly during the school vacations.

What's so special about the Lanterne Tower in La Rochelle?

Visit Lantern Toweralso known as the "Tower of the Four Sergeants", is the only one of the La Rochelle towers to have served as lighthouse and prison. It is famous for its historic graffiti carved by convicts.

How long does it take to visit the three towers of La Rochelle?

Count on about 1h30 to 2h to visit all the La Rochelle towers at a moderate pace. You can explore them all in one visit, or discover them separately during the day.

Can I buy a combined ticket for the La Rochelle tours?

Yes, a combined ticket is available to access the three La Rochelle towers. It offers a complete tour of the city's maritime heritage at a fraction of the cost of individual tickets.