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The three towers of La Rochelle rearing up to face the Atlantic are among the most important remains of medieval maritime fortifications. The terraces of the Saint Nicolas, Chaîne and Lanterne Towers are an ideal place to contemplate local history with outstanding views over the town and old port, with Fort Boyard and the islands of Aix, Oléron and Ré on the horizon.
Visiting the towers of La Rochelle
• The towers. The Saint Nicolas Tower and the Chaîne Tower (15th century) form the gateway to the old port and the secured La Rochelle's defence for seven centuries. The Lanterne Tower (12th and 15th century), the only remaining medieval lighthouse on France's Atlantic coast, was used as a prison with over 600 old graffitis left by its prisoners.
• An exhibition. Since 2008, the 400th anniversary of the founding of the town of Québec, the Chaîne Tower has housed an audio-guided exhibition about migration to the ‘Nouvelle France' in the 17th and 18th centuries.
Understanding the towers of La Rochelle
• A centre of maritime trade. The town's development started in the 11th century and was assured from the 14th century on by the protection afforded by the towers, especially the Saint Nicolas and Chaîne Towers controlling the entrance to the port of the many trading ships.
• Prison towers. All three towers in Rochelle were designed as residences, but from the 16th to the 18th centuries they were also used as prisons for Huguenots and foreign sailors. They were then used as military prisons in the 19th century.
