Towers of La Rochelle

Historical sites

⚠️La Tour Saint-Nicolas is closed until further notice. The other 2 towers remain open. Facing the Atlantic, the towers are the remains of a major fortification program built by the city of La Rochelle from the 12th century onwards.

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

€11.00 €0.00 €0.00 Free with the Pass!

Contact


21 avenue de Mulhouse
BP 10343
17000 La Rochelle

05 46 41 11 99
www.monuments-nationaux.fr

SAINT NICOLAS TOWER :
A true urban keep and palatial residence facing the ocean, this military building symbolizes the power and wealth of La Rochelle. 42 meters high, its architecture is based on a labyrinth of stairs and corridors built into the thickness of the walls.

TOWER OF THE CHAIN :
Gateway to the Old Port, the Chain Tower monitored the movements of boats, the traffic of the port and collected duties and taxes. The Tower regularly hosts temporary exhibitions. Until May 3, 2021: "It happened tomorrow" Explore the universe of science fiction comics through innovative installations!

TOUR DE LA LANTERNE (Dite des 4 sergents):
Last medieval lighthouse on the Atlantic coast, 55 meters high, topped by an octagonal gothic spire, the tower served throughout its history as a lighthouse and prison. It contains more than 600 graffiti sculpted by prisoners during 3 centuries.

All year round, the towers host exhibitions and events.

Opening period

From 01/09 to 30/09/2024
daily between 10 am and 1 pm and between 2.15 pm and 6.30 pm.

From 01/10 to 31/12/2024
daily between 10 am and 1 pm and between 2.15 pm and 5.30 pm.
Closed exceptionally on December 25th.

Access conditions

  • 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 needed for comfortable access by bike. It is not open to minors unaccompanied by a responsible adult

Centre des Monuments Nationaux

Le centre des monuments nationaux (CMN) est un établissement public à caractère administratif français placé sous tutelle du ministère de la Culture.

SAINT NICOLAS TOWER :
A true urban keep and palatial residence facing the ocean, this military building symbolizes the power and wealth of La Rochelle. 42 meters high, its architecture is based on a labyrinth of stairs and corridors built into the thickness of the walls.

TOWER OF THE CHAIN :
Gateway to the Old Port, the Chain Tower monitored the movements of boats, the traffic of the port and collected duties and taxes. The Tower regularly hosts temporary exhibitions. Until May 3, 2021: "It happened tomorrow" Explore the universe of science fiction comics through innovative installations!

TOUR DE LA LANTERNE (Dite des 4 sergents):
Last medieval lighthouse on the Atlantic coast, 55 meters high, topped by an octagonal gothic spire, the tower served throughout its history as a lighthouse and prison. It contains more than 600 graffiti sculpted by prisoners during 3 centuries.

All year round, the towers host exhibitions and events.

Opening period

From 01/01 to 31/03/2024
daily between 10 am and 1 pm and between 2.15 pm and 5.30 pm.
Closed exceptionally on January 1st.

From 01/04 to 30/06/2024
daily between 10 am and 1 pm and between 2.15 pm and 6.30 pm.
Closed exceptionally on May 1st.

From 01/07 to 31/08/2024
daily between 10 am and 6.30 pm.

From 01/09 to 30/09/2024
daily between 10 am and 1 pm and between 2.15 pm and 6.30 pm.

From 01/10 to 31/12/2024
daily between 10 am and 1 pm and between 2.15 pm and 5.30 pm.
Closed exceptionally on December 25th.

Spoken languages

English, French