Towers of La Rochelle
Towers of La Rochelle
4.5
About
Looking out to the Atlantic, the Tour Saint-Nicolas (14th century), the Tour de la Chaîne (14th century) and the Tour de la Lanterne (12th and15th century) are the remains of a great fortification building campaign undertaken in the City of La Rochelle from 1199. The Tour Saint-Nicolas and the Tour de la Chaîne 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. Open: > 1st April to 30th September: Tower Saint-Nicolas: from 10 a.m. to 6.30 p.m. ; Tower of La Chaîne and La Lanterne: from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 2.15 p.m. to 6.30 p.m. > 1st October to 31st March: from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 2.15 p.m. to 5.30 p.m. Closed: > 1st January, 1st May and 25th December. Admission fees: Adults : 1 tower ticket : 6 € ; 3 towers ticket : 8,50 € ; Concessions (18 to 25) = 1 tower ticket : 4 € ; 3 towers ticket : 5,50 € ; Free admission: minors under 18*; Free admission: 18-25 years old* (citizens of one of the 27 countries of the EU or are non-European permanent residents of France) * excluding school groups
Duration: 1-2 hours
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4.5
2,495 reviews
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1,165
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201
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28
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19
alan419
Hereford, UK44 contributions
Sep 2022
There is a history behind these towers but there is little actually to see within them. I reckon most climb to see the view from the top. With that in mind I was surprised that you are required to buy a ticket covering all 3 towers. Afterall the view from the top is basically the same. When really busy remeber you are climbing up a very narrow starway and the "crowds" need to come down as well as up - so some time is required. All in all I manged to stay interested enough to climb two - that was enough. Suggest one is the Lantern Tower as it has a little more interest (having been a prison) and slightly different view (being further apart from the other two.
Written September 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JuliaParis_France
Paris, France54 contributions
Aug 2022
I was afraid that the trip up the tallest tower would be exhausting (like climbing up the Duomo in Florence or Saint Peter's in Rome) but no, the trip up was punctuated with different floors and rooms, telling the history of La Rochelle. And the view was amazing. No need to go up the other towers as the view would have been similar
Written September 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anon_Kent_11
Sevenoaks, UK62 contributions
Sep 2019 • Couples
You can do the 3 towers over a couple of days if you don't want to climb them all on the same day. It doesn't take long but it gives you a wonderful view. It is a lovely place to visit with boat trips to the islands and beaches nearby. Public transport is good.
Written February 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bluebellplasnewydd
Cardiff, UK2,040 contributions
Jun 2024 • Couples
You do not need enter these towers and thus pay an entrance fee to admire them. They stand over the entrance to the old harbour - a reminder of ages past. Do not miss on your trip to La Rochelle.
Written July 3, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
simply-peregrinating
Waddington, UK2,720 contributions
Sep 2019
As we were on limited time we opted to visit the Lantern Tower, we were pleased with out choice. The man selling tickets was very helpful and informative. The views from the top were splendid and gave a good overview of the port area. The tower looked good from the city walls.
Written June 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jo K
Worcester, UK9,029 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
You can’t miss on a trip to the port area. Unfortunately the day was rather rainy on our stop. We’ve been before when the weather is sunny. Lovely to sit in a. Age and watch the world pass you by
Written May 9, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JScha
San Francisco, CA28 contributions
May 2022
So much more to the small city than you can imagine. The port, which goes back centuries, is steeped in history. It is the launching point for many Canadian Ancestors. The village, itself, is full of historical buildings, great shopping, and restaurants of all kinds!
Written April 7, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
wednesdayDerbyshire
Derbyshire492 contributions
Jan 2020 • Friends
Wandered around the towers on our first day in La Rochelle. It was a great way to see the place and decide what areas we wanted to walk around. The stairs were fun to climb and find lots of interesting rooms - reading about the tower where the prisoners engraved pictures was fantastic but it was a shame more of the signs weren’t in several languages so we could enjoy them more
Very friendly staff
Absolutely worth a visit
Very friendly staff
Absolutely worth a visit
Written February 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sebastien M
Sydney, Australia545 contributions
Nov 2019 • Friends
When you visit the old port of La Rochelle, Vieux-Port and Vielle Ville, besides the stunning façades of old buildings lined with gobbled stones streets, three Towers dominate the old port side; Saint Nicolas Tower, The Chain Tower and the Lantern Tower. The largest of the three, Saint Nicolas Tower is the most visited and yet I much preferred the Lantern Tower. All three don't have much left of the interior but made up with rich history. All three were used as jails at one point or another. The Chain Tower dedicates most of its exhibitions to the migration of the French to the New World, Quebec especially. This tower derives its name from the huge chain that used to close up the harbour entrance at night. The Lantern Tower has the most stunning views in my opinion. If you visit, the old ancient street, La Sur-les-Murs (Street on the Walls) connects The Chain Tower to the Lantern Tower and it runs all the way to the Gate of the Two Mills. Best to buy a ticket for the whole three Towers at €9 and valid for two months. Otherwise it's €6 per single Tower visit. It's worth it but be prepared to climb the winding staircases and soak in the impressive views of this gorgeous city affectionately known as "belle le rebelle" in the very heart of the Bay of Biscay.
Written December 4, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lorna W
Cheltenham, UK75 contributions
Oct 2014 • Couples
Most cruise ships moor at La Pallice , a 20/30 minute road trip from La Rochelle depending on time of day. Consequently they offer " Tours" into La Rochelle where The Towers are just two of the interesting historical and cultural sights. Our ship, stressing that no shuttle buses were provided by the Ship, or the City, charged £25 - later reduced to £18 per head- for a coach transfer " La Rochelle on your Own" which took us in, and brought us back to La Pallice 3.5 hours later. This seemed exhorbitant at the time, but as the only alternative seemed to be Taxi or to languish all day in a freight terminal, we paid up. Imagine our frustration and anger to discover that a Free bus is provided by the Port Authority to take Passengers to the port gates and that just outside the gates a regular service bus ( Number 1) goes regularly into/ back from La Rochelle costing 1 Euro 30 per passenger, each way, payable to the Bus Driver. This also means that you can stay as long as you wish and have plenty of time to explore the fascinating sights of this lively provincial town. Large indoor and outdoor Market covering several streets was taking place on the Wednesday we were there. Cruise passengers you have been warned. Just wish someone had warned us!
Written October 10, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tours de la Rochelle
La Rochelle, France
Bonjour
Les tours comptent des niveaux où vous pourrez faire une pose lors de votre ascension. Cordialement
Written May 23, 2022
I have a baby and a buggy, I'm guessing I can't take the buggy/ pram but is there somewhere to store it whilst we visit?
Written September 7, 2019
Sorry. I've been traveling in Greece and just noticed your post. I would, however, agree with Benjamin's answer to your question.
Written September 16, 2019
Bonjour, quand est prévue la réouverture de la tour Saint-Nicolas? Merci...
Written July 11, 2019
Tours de la Rochelle
La Rochelle, France
La tour a ré ouvert le 25 juillet. Cordialement
Written August 21, 2019
Bonjour, combien y’a t’il de marches pour monter jusqu’en haut ? Y’a t’il un âge minimum ? Je viens quelques jours avec mon garçon de 3 ans et 7 mois ... merci
Written April 15, 2018
Tours de la Rochelle
La Rochelle, France
Bonjour,
Le nombre de marches est différent en fonction des tours. La tour de la lanterne comporte 160 marches.
Pour la tour Saint Nicolas qui est conçue de manière labyrinthique, le nombre de marche ne peut être donné de manière précise mais compter entre 100 et 150 marches, en fonction du cheminement emprunté.
Pour la tour de la Chaîne qui ne comporte que 2 niveaux, le nombre de marches est moindre (moins de 100).
Il n'y a pas d'âge minimum pour la visite. Vous pouvez visiter chaque tour à votre rythme et celui de votre petit garçon.
Cordialement
L'équipe de direction.
Written April 16, 2018
Tours de la Rochelle
La Rochelle, France
Bonjour,
Il n'est pas possible de visiter avec un chien en laisse. Cela figure dans le règlement de visite de l'établissement.
Très cordialement
L'équipe de direction
Written August 17, 2017
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