Towers viewpoint

The viewpoint over the Towers, in La Rochelle

This viewpoint offers a breathtaking panorama over the ocean and the three famous medieval towers of La Rochelle, witnesses of its past as a fortified town. The La Rochelle audio-guided tour stops here to admire the Tower of the Lanterne, the Tower of the Chaîne and the Tower of Saint-Nicolas, that formerly guarded the entrance of the port.

The three guardian towers of the port

This view is breathtaking, isn't it? Besides the ocean that stretches as far as the eye can see on your left, this viewpoint offers you a superb glimpse of the three medieval towers of La Rochelle, testimony of its past as a fortified town from the twelfth century. The white tower that stands in front of you is the Tower of the Lanterne, a former medieval lighthouse, the oldest of the Atlantic coast, that guided the boats entering the port and also served as a prison. The Tower of the Chaîne, the smallest of the three, dates from the end of the fourteenth century; it takes its name from the great iron chain that was stretched between it and the neighbouring tower to control and bar the entrance of the port at night or in case of danger. Finally, the tower that is on the far right is the Tower of Saint-Nicolas, the most imposing, symbol of the power and the independence of the merchant town. Together, these three towers formed a formidable defensive device, protecting one of the most important ports of the kingdom against the attacks coming from the sea. Today, they still watch over the entrance of the Vieux-Port and compose the most emblematic image of La Rochelle. From this viewpoint, you embrace them all in a single glance, in a splendid maritime setting, particularly fine at sunset. A belvedere and a postcard of the town, this viewpoint over the Towers is a fine stop of the discovery of La Rochelle.

What to see

You admire a superb panorama over the ocean and the three medieval towers of La Rochelle, witnesses of its past as a fortified town: the Tower of the Lanterne, a former lighthouse and prison, the Tower of the Chaîne, that barred the entrance of the port with a great iron chain, and the imposing Tower of Saint-Nicolas, symbol of the power of the town; together, they guarded the entrance of the port. This viewpoint over the Towers is a postcard of La Rochelle. It is a fine stop, to be explored on foot.

Practical information

This viewpoint over the Towers lies at the edge of the ocean, near the entrance of the Vieux-Port of La Rochelle, reachable on foot. It is an open-air viewpoint, freely accessible, particularly fine at sunset. You discover it during a walk on the seafront.

What are the three towers of La Rochelle?

The Tower of the Lanterne, a former medieval lighthouse and prison, the Tower of the Chaîne, that barred the entrance of the port with a great iron chain, and the imposing Tower of Saint-Nicolas, symbol of the power of the merchant town; witnesses of its past as a fortified town from the twelfth century, they guarded together the entrance of the Vieux-Port.

Where is the viewpoint over the Towers in La Rochelle?

At the edge of the ocean, near the entrance of the Vieux-Port of La Rochelle, in France.