Tours de La Rochelle Castles / Towers / Forts in La Rochelle

Opening hours

Closed

  • Monday 10:00 am - 12:45 am 02:00 pm - 05:30 pm
  • Tuesday 10:00 am - 12:45 am 02:00 pm - 05:30 pm
  • Wednesday 10:00 am - 12:45 am 02:00 pm - 05:30 pm
  • Thursday 10:00 am - 12:45 am 02:00 pm - 05:30 pm
  • Friday 10:00 am - 12:45 am 02:00 pm - 05:30 pm
  • Saturday 10:00 am - 12:45 am 02:00 pm - 05:30 pm
  • Sunday 10:00 am - 12:45 am 02:00 pm - 05:30 pm

Opens at 10:00 am

On social networks

Useful information

Location : In town

Province : Pays d’Aunis and the coastline, La Rochelle, Rochefort and Marennes

Services

  • Chèques Vacances (Holiday voucher)
  • Credit card accepted
  • English spoken
  • Open all year round
  • English
    • Panoramic views of the city, harbour and islands.
      Looking out to theAtlantic, the Tour Saint-Nicolas (14th century), the Tour de la Chaîne (14th century) and the Tour de la Lanterne (12th and 15th century) are the remains of a great fortification cation building campaign undertaken in the City of La Rochelle from 1199. The “Tour Saint Nicolas” and “Tour de la Chaine” form the majestic gateway to the Old Port and for ten centuries formed the key defensive bastions to the city. As true palatial constructions and city castles, they are the symbol of a city with a very rich hand proud seafaring and trading heritage.


      The Tour de la Lanterne, the oldest lighthouse on the Atlantic coast and then a navy prison, contains over 600 examples of graffiti carved into the walls by prisoners in over 3 centuries.

      From October 1ᵉʳ to March 31

      • 10 am - 1 pm and 2:15 pm - 5:30 pm
      • Closed on 1ᵉʳ Monday of each month.


      From April 1ᵉʳ to June 30

      • 10am - 1pm and 2:15pm - 6:30pm
      • Closed on 1ᵉʳ Monday morning of each month.


      From July 1ᵉʳ to August 31

      • 10am - 6:30pm


      From September 1ᵉʳ to September 30

      • 10am - 1pm and 2:15pm - 6:30pm
      • Closed on 1ᵉʳ Monday morning of the month.

      Please note: last access to the monument 45 minutes before closing time. Closed on January 1, May 1ᵉʳ and December 25.


      Accessibility

      • Chain tower, number of floors during the visit: 3
      • Saint-Nicolas tour, number of floors during the visit: 5
      • Tour of the lantern, number of floors during the visit: 7



      Services

      •   Shop
      • Rental of spaces: interior rooms and terraces available in 3 laps (capacity per space up to 104 people seated and up to 150 standing people)


      Visits

      Free visit with visit document

      • French, English, German, Spanish, Italian, Dutch, Russian
      • Duration: 30 minutes at 1 hour per turn


      Visit with Audioguide

      • French, English, German, Spanish


      • Guided tour
      • French, English (subject to availability)
      • Duration: 45 minutes at 1 hour per turn


      Until children's book

      • French English


      Events and exhibitions throughout the year:

      • www.tours-la-rochelle.fr


      Access

      Point of convergence for the Ile de Ré of the Nantes, Poitiers, Limoges and Bordeaux roads

      • De Poitiers / Paris: A10 Direction Bordeaux, exit 33 then N11
      • De Bordeaux: A10 Direction Paris, A837 then N137
      • De Nantes: A83 Direction Bordeaux, outing 7 then N137 and N11
      • Port of La Rochelle: 2 km
      • Vélodyssée: final step Les Sables -d'Olonne - La Rochelle
  • Français

Traveller Reviews Tours de La Rochelle

4.5 sur 5 3336 reviews

  • Martin Rink

    5 sur 5 Reviews posted by Martin Rink on 10/01/2025

    The Lantern Tower holds a fascinating history that reflects its multifaceted role over the centuries. Originally designed as a watchtower to monitor ship traffic in the bustling port, it later embraced the noble duty of serving as a lighthouse, guiding mariners safely to their destinations. However, this architectural wonder took on an intriguing twist in the 1500s when it played an unexpected role as a place of confinement for priests. Though a departure from its maritime functions, this period adds an air of mystery and intrigue to the tower's storied past. As I explored the tower and learned about its transformations, I was awestruck by the layers of history contained within its walls. The panoramic views from the top reminded me of the tower's unwavering dedication to maritime safety, while the solemn interiors evoked a sense of reverence for the priests who endured their confinement there. Visiting the Lantern Tower not only allowed me to appreciate its architectural brilliance but also offered a glimpse into the evolving societal dynamics of the times. The preservation of this unique heritage site speaks volumes about the importance of cherishing and learning from the past. The experience left me with a profound sense of admiration for the tower's enduring legacy and its ability to adapt to the needs of different eras. The juxtaposition of its original purpose as a watchtower and lighthouse with its temporary role as a priest's prison creates an intriguing narrative that has stood the test of time. I'm grateful to have had the opportunity to delve into the rich history of the Lantern Tower. It has truly become a beacon of knowledge and enlightenment, guiding visitors like myself on a remarkable journey through time. I highly recommend exploring the Lantern Tower to anyone fascinated by history and intrigued by the multifaceted nature of this architectural masterpiece. If you buy a Ticket you are able to see the Three Towers ... Very Recommened

  • Michel

    4 sur 5 Reviews posted by Michel on 03/01/2025

  • Bernard DURAND

    5 sur 5 Reviews posted by Bernard DURAND on 02/01/2025

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Tours de La Rochelle

Address

Rue sur les Murs,
17000 La Rochelle

GPS coordinates

46° 9'20.98"N, 1° 9'20.87"W

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