Tour de la Lanterne
One of the oldest surviving lighthouses on France's Atlantic coast, with a Gothic spire. Graffiti of ships and inscriptions carved by prisoners centuries ago still cover its walls.
The Tour de la Lanterne was built in the 15th century. It is the tallest of the three towers and has served as both a lighthouse and a prison. Its walls preserve ship drawings and inscriptions carved by sailors and prisoners between the 17th and 19th centuries, which is its most distinctive feature. Climb to the gallery for distant views over the Old Port and the Atlantic coastline. The combined three-tower ticket applies, and it is a five-minute walk from the Old Port along the ramparts.
Opening hours
About 10:00–18:00 (extended in summer)
Nearby sights
- Tour de la Chaîne
- Plage de la Concurrence & Mail
- Tour Saint-Nicolas
- Porte de la Grosse Horloge
- Vieux-Port of La Rochelle
- Rue du Palais & Arcades
- Hôtel de Ville de La Rochelle
- Aquarium La Rochelle