Towers of La Rochelle

Description

SAINT NICOLAS TOWER: (closed until further notice)
A veritable urban keep and palatial residence overlooking the ocean, this military structure symbolises the power and wealth of La Rochelle. Standing 42 metres tall, its architecture centres on a labyrinth of staircases and corridors built into the thick walls.

TOUR DE LA CHAINE:
The gateway to the Old Port, the Tour de la Chaîne monitored the movements of ships and port traffic, and collected duties and taxes. The tower regularly hosts temporary exhibitions.

TOUR DE LA LANTERNE (also known as the ‘Tower of the Four Sergeants’):
The last medieval lighthouse on the Atlantic coast, standing 55 metres tall and topped by an octagonal Gothic spire, the tower served throughout its history as both a lighthouse and a prison. It contains more than 600 graffiti inscriptions carved by prisoners over the course of three centuries.

Throughout the year, the towers host exhibitions and events.