Tour de la Lanterne La Rochelle
Historic medieval lighthouse and former prison in La Rochelle, offering stunning harbor views and ancient prisoner graffiti.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Tour de la Lanterne La Rochelle
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic medieval lighthouse and former prison in La Rochelle, offering stunning harbor views and ancient prisoner graffiti.
"The climb is strenuous but the views and history are absolutely amazing!"
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
162 steps await! Comfortable footwear is a must for the climb to the top.
🎟️ Combo Ticket Value
Consider a combo ticket for all three towers for great value and a comprehensive experience.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Prisoner Graffiti
Inside the tower
Discover centuries-old etchings and messages left by former prisoners, offering a raw historical connection.
Panoramic Harbor Views
Top of the tower
Ascend to the summit for breathtaking, unobstructed views of La Rochelle's old port and the vast Atlantic Ocean.
Medieval Architecture
Exterior and interior
Admire the striking Gothic spire and the robust medieval structure of this historic lighthouse and former prison.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Climb for History and Views
Ticket Tips & Hours
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
162 steps await! Comfortable footwear is a must for the climb to the top.
🎟️ Combo Ticket Value
Consider a combo ticket for all three towers for great value and a comprehensive experience.
📸 Capture the Views
The panoramic views from the top are stunning; bring your camera or phone for unforgettable shots. 
⏳ Check Lunch Closures
Towers may close for a lunch break, so verify hours to plan your visit accordingly.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
162 steps await! Comfortable footwear is a must for the climb to the top.
🎟️ Combo Ticket Value
Consider a combo ticket for all three towers for great value and a comprehensive experience.
📸 Capture the Views
The panoramic views from the top are stunning; bring your camera or phone for unforgettable shots.
⏳ Check Lunch Closures
Towers may close for a lunch break, so verify hours to plan your visit accordingly.
📜 Explore Prisoner Art
Don't miss the fascinating graffiti left by former prisoners inside the tower.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Tour de la Lanterne for its historical significance, particularly the fascinating prisoner graffiti, and the absolutely stunning panoramic views from the top. While the climb is noted as strenuous due to the 162 steps, most find it a worthwhile effort for the unique insights and vistas it offers. Some mention checking opening hours to avoid midday closures.
"The Lantern Tower is great to visit but you need to be in god shape as there are 162 steps. Very interesting to learn about the history of the city. The architectural part of the tower is also of interest; you can even visit the inside the highest part if the tower in the sixth floor."
Gerald G
"Definately the more interesting of the two towers. Had an interesting visit."
Clare Brumby
"Totally loved La Rochelle.
Was just amazing .
Arrived on train from surgerewaa only 20minutes.
Went through a Grand Station ,easy walk into town 7 minutes walk.
The building in la Rochelle are fabulous.
As you can see by my photos.
Went up one of three towers totally amazing views.
Will be going back to la Rochelle as want to stay longer next time."
Kerry Stallard
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Tour de la Lanterne is easily accessible by foot from the city center, about a 7-minute walk from the train station. It's a pleasant stroll along the harbor.
While there might be street parking in the vicinity, it can be limited. Public transport or walking is often recommended. Consider parking further away and enjoying the walk.
Yes, La Rochelle has a good public transport system. Check local bus routes that stop near the Vieux Port area, which is a short walk from the tower.
The Tour de la Lanterne is one of the three iconic towers of La Rochelle, along with the Tour Saint-Nicolas and the Tour de la Chaîne. You can often purchase a combined ticket.
Walking along the harbor path offers excellent vantage points for photographing the tower, especially during sunrise or sunset.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the towers typically costs around 10 euros, and a combined ticket for all three towers is often available, offering good value.
The towers may have specific opening hours and can sometimes close for a lunch break. It's advisable to check the official website or local tourist information for the most up-to-date schedule.
Yes, booking tickets online through the official website of the Tours de La Rochelle is recommended to secure your spot and potentially save time.
Visiting during weekday mornings or late afternoons can help you avoid the peak crowds. Early morning visits offer a more serene experience.
Check for potential discounts for students, seniors, or families on the official Tours de La Rochelle website. Group rates might also be available.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You'll need to climb approximately 162 steps to reach the top of the Tour de la Lanterne. Good physical condition is recommended.
Inside, you can explore its history as a lighthouse and prison, see graffiti left by inmates, and admire the medieval architecture.
The summit offers spectacular panoramic views of La Rochelle's old port, the surrounding city, and the Atlantic Ocean.
The climb can be challenging for very young children. Parents should assess their child's stamina and comfort with heights.
Occasionally, events like yoga sessions are held at the tower. Check the official website for any upcoming special activities.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings or late afternoons offer beautiful light for photography. The 'golden hour' before sunset provides a warm glow.
Walk along the harbor for classic shots. From the top, capture the sweeping views of the port and city.
Yes, photography is generally allowed inside the tower, allowing you to capture the historical graffiti and architectural details.
Drone usage is typically restricted in historical city centers and near landmarks. Always check local regulations before flying a drone.
A wide-angle lens is useful for capturing the tower's scale and the panoramic views. A standard zoom lens is versatile for various shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Encourage children to look for different etchings and imagine the lives of the people who made them. The panoramic views from the top are a definite highlight and a great reward after the climb. Consider bringing snacks and water, and be prepared for a moderate physical exertion. Visiting the other two towers can also make for a fuller family outing.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Couples
+1Take your time exploring the historical layers of the tower, from its function as a lighthouse to its role as a prison. The prisoner graffiti offers a unique, human element to the history. It's a great spot to capture memorable photos together or individually, and the surrounding harbor area is perfect for a leisurely stroll afterwards.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
The real photographic magic happens at the summit. The panoramic views of La Rochelle's port, the city, and the ocean are breathtaking, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset.
+1 Consider bringing a wide-angle lens to encompass the vastness of the scene and a zoom lens for details of the city. The interplay of light and shadow on the ancient stone also provides excellent photographic opportunities. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of the Tour de la Lanterne
During its time as a prison, the tower housed various individuals, including priests and sailors. The walls within bear witness to this period, adorned with graffiti etched by the inmates. These markings offer a poignant and direct connection to the lives of those who were once confined within its stone walls, providing a stark contrast to the beautiful views it offers today.
Today, the Tour de la Lanterne is a beloved historical monument and a popular tourist attraction. Visitors can ascend its many steps to explore its history and enjoy the breathtaking vistas. It's a key component of the Tours de La Rochelle, a trio of medieval towers that collectively symbolize the city's enduring heritage and its deep connection to the sea.
+1Climbing the Tower: What to Expect
Along the way, you'll have the opportunity to examine the historical graffiti left by former prisoners. These etchings are a powerful reminder of the tower's past as a jail and offer a unique, unfiltered glimpse into the lives of those held within. The contrast between these raw historical marks and the expansive views from the upper levels is striking.
Upon reaching the summit, you are rewarded with spectacular panoramic views of La Rochelle's Vieux Port, the city's rooftops, and the vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean. It's an ideal spot for photography and for taking in the full beauty of the coastal landscape.
+1 Many visitors find the climb well worth the effort for these unforgettable vistas and the historical insights gained. 
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