Tour of the Towers of La Rochelle

Historical sitesOPEN IN JANUARY

Adult €9.50 Free with the Pass!

Enjoy free visits to the three towers of La Rochelle: the Tour Saint-Nicolas, the Tour de la Chaîne and the Tour de la Lanterne. Situated at the entrance to the Old Port of La Rochelle, they are the emblems of La Rochelle and a must-see for all lovers of history and heritage. The little extra? a unique panorama of the city and the ocean from the top of each of the towers! 

All year round, the towers host exhibitions and events; access to current exhibitions is included in your admission to the monuments.

Additional information

Good to know: you can visit each of the towers at different times during the period of validity of your pass. Simply present your valid pass at the entrance to each tower.

Visiting conditions:

. The monument has no toilets.
. Suitcases and large bags are not permitted.
. Smoking and eating are not permitted in the monument.
. The monument is not accessible to minors unaccompanied by a responsible adult.
. Pushchairs are not allowed on the tour circuit, but you can leave them in a secure place at reception.

The Chain Tower
The gateway to the Old Port, the Chain Tower monitored boat movements and traffic in the port, and collected duties and taxes. The tower regularly hosts temporary exhibitions.

The Lantern Tower (known as the Tower of the 4 Sergeants):
The last medieval lighthouse on the Atlantic coast, 55 metres high and topped by an octagonal Gothic spire, the tower served as a lighthouse and prison throughout its history. It contains more than 600 graffiti carved by inmates over 3 centuries.

The Saint-Nicolas Tower 
A veritable urban keep and palatial residence facing the ocean, this military edifice symbolises the power and wealth of La Rochelle. At 42 metres high, its architecture is based around a labyrinth of staircases and corridors built into the thickness of the walls. ATTENTION: the Tour Saint-Nicolas is closed until further notice, due to ongoing solidification work.

Opening hours

The Saint-Nicolas Tower is closed until further notice due to ongoing solidification work. The Chaîne and Lanterne Towers remain open.

From 1 October to 31 March: 10am - 12.45pm and 2pm - 5.30pm
Closed on the 1st Monday of each month

From 1st April to 30th June: 10am - 12.45pm and 2pm - 6.30pm
Closed on the 1st Monday morning of each month

1 July to 31 August: 10am - 6.30pm

1st to 30th September: 10am - 12.45pm and 2pm - 6.30pm
Closed on the 1st Monday morning of each month

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

  • Motor disability

    The tour route includes a number of steps.

  • Access by bike

    The town of La Rochelle is on the Vélodyssée cycle route. The monument has been awarded the Accueil Vélo label and offers all the services you need to get there comfortably by bike.

    ADVANTAGE INCLUDED in your La Rochelle Océan Pass: get a 30% discount on bike hire.
    Present your pass at our partner Cycling Tour in La Rochelle and benefit from your discount (your pass must be activated and valid).

  • Access by bus

    Recommended bus stop Tour Saint-Nicolas : 
    Porte Saint-Nicolas (Motte-Rouge) - Lines illico 3 ; illico 4 ; 17 : 18 ; 20
    Recommended bus stop Tour de la Chaine : 
    Dame Blanche - Lines illico 3 ; illico 4
    Recommended bus stop Tour de la Lanterne : 
    Dame Blanche - Lines illico 3 ; illico 4

    ADVANTAGE INCLUDED in your La Rochelle Océan Pass: unlimited access to the Yélo bus network to get around La Rochelle. 
    In the application, press the ‘Transports en commun Yélo’ button: a camera opens and you can flash the QR stuck on the bus and located next to the driver, simply by passing your phone in front of it. Validation is compulsory at every stop on your journey.

    Details of routes, timetables and changes to Yélo bus services are available at www.yelo-larochelle.fr

  • Access by car

    Choose to park in the free Park & Ride sites at the city gates, then finish your journey by bus (free with the La Rochelle Océan Pass):

    Beaulieu: 130 spaces (including 5 PRM)
    Les Greffières: 300 spaces (including 8 PRM)
    Vieljeux: 60 spaces (including 2 PRM)
    Saint-Rogatien: 20 spaces (including 1 PRM)
    Simone Veil: 130 spaces (including 4 PRM)

Tours de La Rochelle

Facing the Atlantic, the Saint-Nicolas, de la Chaîne and de la Lanterne towers are the remains of a major programme of fortifications built from the 12th century onwards by the City of La Rochelle.