La Rochelle: Entry Ticket to the 3 Towers

Unlock the captivating history of La Rochelle’s iconic medieval towers with a single entry ticket. Venture into the Saint Nicolas, de la Chaine, and de la Lanterne Towers, each offering a unique glimpse into the city’s rich past. From the stunning architectural features to the panoramic views, these towering landmarks are a must-see for any visitor. With the convenience of online reservations and flexible cancellation policies, it’s easier than ever to plan your exploration of these remarkable structures. So why wait? Uncover the secrets that lie within the walls of La Rochelle’s famous trio of towers.

Key Points

• Visitors can reserve entry tickets to the three medieval towers of La Rochelle (Saint Nicolas, de la Lanterne, and de la Chaine) online with free cancellation.
• The entry ticket is valid for one day, allowing guests to explore the towers at their own pace.
• Free admission is available for those under 18 and EU citizens under 26, with valid ID required.
• The towers observe certain closures, and group sizes are limited to 10 participants for a more personalized experience.
• Each tower has its own unique history, architecture, and panoramic views, offering a glimpse into La Rochelle’s rich medieval heritage.

Overview of the Three Towers

The three medieval towers of La Rochelle – Saint Nicolas, de la Lanterne, and de la Chaîne – boast a rich and tumultuous history, each with its own unique royal past and defensive purpose.

The Saint Nicolas Tower, dating back to the 14th century, was equipped with royal living quarters and a chapel, serving as a formidable defense structure.

The de la Chaîne Tower, also from the 14th century, was used to collect taxes from incoming boats, guarding the entrance to the port.

The de la Lanterne Tower, on the other hand, functioned as an old lighthouse, ship disarmer, and prison for many centuries.

These three towers offer a captivating glimpse into La Rochelle’s medieval heritage and its strategic importance throughout history.

History and Royal Past

La Rochelle: Entry Ticket to the 3 Towers

History and Royal Past

Each of the three iconic towers in La Rochelle boasts a captivating history, intertwined with the region’s royal past.

The Saint Nicolas Tower, for instance, wasn’t merely a formidable defense structure – it also served as a royal residence, complete with its own chapel, providing a glimpse into the lavish lifestyles of France’s elite during the 14th century.

The De la Chaîne Tower, meanwhile, was a strategic point for collecting taxes from incoming ships, underscoring the towers’ crucial role in the city’s prosperous maritime trade.

And the De la Lanterne Tower, an old lighthouse, has seen its fair share of prisoners over the centuries, adding to the towers’ rich and turbulent histories.

Ticket Information and Accessibility

Visitors can conveniently reserve their entry tickets to the 3 towers online and pay later, with the added benefit of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

The entry ticket is valid for 1 day from the first activation, allowing guests to explore the towers at their own pace.

For added accessibility, the towers offer free admission for those under 18 and EU citizens under 26 (valid ID required).

However, the towers observe certain closures, such as the first Monday morning of each month and major holidays.

With a small group size limited to 10 participants, visitors can enjoy a more intimate and personalized experience during their tour of these historic landmarks.

Saint Nicolas Tower

Soaring over four stories high, Saint Nicolas Tower was a formidable 14th-century fortification that once served as both a royal residence and a vital defensive structure for the city of La Rochelle.

Equipped with its own chapel and living quarters, this tower played a crucial role in the city’s tumultuous history, withstanding numerous sieges and battles throughout the centuries.

Visitors can now explore the tower’s well-preserved interior, marveling at the intricate architectural details and imagining the dramatic events that unfolded within its walls.

From strategic vantage points, they’ll enjoy panoramic views of the city and the sparkling waters of the Atlantic Ocean beyond.

Saint Nicolas Tower stands as a testament to La Rochelle’s rich medieval past, inviting travelers to step back in time and uncover its captivating stories.

De La Chaine Tower

Constructed in the 14th century, De la Chaine Tower once guarded the entrance to La Rochelle’s bustling port, where it collected tolls from incoming vessels. This strategic positioning allowed the tower to maintain a watchful eye over the city’s lucrative maritime trade, cementing its role as a crucial economic and defensive asset.

Opening Hours	Accessibility	Ticket Info
Apr 1 – Jun 30: 10am-1pm, 2:15pm-6:30pm	Free for under 18 & EU citizens under 26	Reserve now, pay later
Jul 1 – Aug 31: 10am-6:30pm	Closed 1st Mon of month, Jan 1, May 1, Dec 25	24hr free cancellation
Sep 1 – Sep 30: 10am-1pm, 2:15pm-6:30pm	Last entry 45 mins before close	Valid 1 day from activation
Oct 1 – Mar 31: 10am-1pm, 2:15pm-5:30pm		Small group (max 10 participants)

Explore the tower’s storied past and its strategic role in La Rochelle’s maritime heritage.

De La Lanterne Tower

Towering over La Rochelle’s historic waterfront, the De la Lanterne Tower stands as a testament to the city’s tumultuous maritime past, having served as an old lighthouse, a ship disarmer, and even a prison for centuries.

Visitors can explore this fascinating structure and uncover its rich history, which is filled with tales of seafaring exploits and intrigue. The tower’s unique architectural features, including its distinctive lantern-shaped top, add to its allure and captivate the imagination.

As you ascend the tower’s winding staircase, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the surrounding harbor and the city’s charming streets.

Its role as a ship disarmer, where cannons were removed from vessels entering the port.
Its use as a prison, housing captives for many years.
Its function as an important lighthouse, guiding ships safely to shore.
The tower’s strategic location, overlooking the entrance to the port.

Opening Hours and Last Access

The towers operate under a seasonal schedule, with varying hours throughout the year.

From April 1st to June 30th, visitors can explore the towers from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM and again from 2:15 PM to 6:30 PM.

During the peak summer months of July and August, the towers are open from 10:00 AM to 6:30 PM.

As autumn approaches, the hours shift back to the spring schedule, with the towers open from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 2:15 PM to 6:30 PM in September.

From October 1st through March 31st, the towers welcome guests from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 2:15 PM to 5:30 PM.

Regardless of the season, the last entry is permitted 45 minutes before closing.

About the Small Group Tour

Though the entry ticket allows access to the three iconic towers individually, it also grants visitors the opportunity to embark on a small group tour that brings the towers’ rich histories to life.

With a maximum of 10 participants, these intimate excursions offer a more personalized and immersive experience, enabling guests to delve deeper into the towers’ storied pasts and architectural features. The small group size fosters a sense of camaraderie and allows the knowledgeable guides to provide:

• Fascinating insights into the towers’ royal connections and strategic importance
• Vivid descriptions of the towers’ changing roles over the centuries
• Engaging stories about the famous (and infamous) figures who passed through their doors
• Plenty of time for questions and discussions to truly understand the towers’ significance

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Purchase Tickets for Just One Tower?

Of course! You can purchase individual tickets to explore just one of the medieval towers if you’d prefer. Each tower has its own unique history and architectural features to discover on your visit.

Do the Towers Have Elevators or Are They Only Accessible by Stairs?

The towers are accessible only by stairs, as they were built centuries ago without elevators. Visitors will need to climb several flights to reach the top and enjoy the stunning views, so come prepared for an invigorating workout!

Are Audio Guides Available to Provide More Information?

Audio guides are available to enhance your journey through the medieval towers. With these handy devices, you’ll delve deeper into the captivating history and tales that whisper from the stones. Unlock the secrets of the past at your own pace.

Can I Take Photos and Video Inside the Towers?

Definitely! Visitors are welcome to snap photos and capture video throughout the towers to immortalize their journey. The historic architecture and stunning views make for incredible mementos to share with friends and family.

Are There Any Discounts for Senior Citizens or Students?

Yes, the towers offer discounts for certain groups. Seniors and students can enjoy free admission with proper identification. It’s a great way for them to explore the towers’ rich history and stunning architecture at no cost.

Recap

Exploring La Rochelle’s iconic medieval towers is a must for any visitor.

With a single ticket, you can discover the captivating histories and panoramic views of the Saint Nicolas, de la Chaine, and de la Lanterne Towers.

Whether you opt for an online reservation or a small group tour, this is an unforgettable journey through the city’s rich heritage.

Don’t miss the chance to learn about this architectural marvel.