Fortifications maritimes de La Rochelle, Medieval maritime fortifications in La Rochelle, France.
The maritime defense system consists of three towers guarding the old port: Saint-Nicolas Tower, Chain Tower, and Lantern Tower, connected by thick stone walls.
Construction began in the 12th century when La Rochelle emerged as the main European Atlantic port, with additional fortifications built through the 17th century.
The towers contain numerous engravings made by imprisoned sailors during the 18th century, documenting maritime life through detailed ship illustrations.
Visitors can explore all three towers daily, accessing different levels through spiral staircases that lead to panoramic views of the harbor.
A metal chain stretched between Saint-Nicolas and Chain towers controlled ship access to the port by being raised or lowered through a pulley system.
Location: La Rochelle
Address: rue sur les Murs
GPS coordinates: 46.15588,-1.15518
Latest update: March 11, 2025 13:18
La Rochelle presents photography opportunities at its medieval towers, historical port, and coastal areas. The city features architectural monuments from the Renaissance period, maritime structures, and public spaces. Visitors can photograph the towers guarding the harbor, the clock gate, traditional fishing structures, and the modern Nelson Mandela bridge.
Tour Saint-Nicolas
133 m
Vieux-Port de La Rochelle
121 m
Tour de la Lanterne
152 m
Tour de la Chaîne
67 m
Grosse Horloge
275 m
Commanderie de La Rochelle
405 m
La Coursive/Scène Nationale La Rochelle
106 m
La Rochelle rear range light
436 m
Prefecture hotel of Charente-Maritime
240 m
Hôtel de la Bourse
448 m
Clocher Saint-Jean de la Rochelle
93 m
Parc Charruyer
400 m
Plage de la Concurrence
436 m
Église des Carmes
119 m
Bastion du Gabut
181 m
Porte des deux moulins de la rochelle
301 m
Hôtel Leclerc, La Rochelle
324 m
Hôtel particulier, 15 rue Verdière, La Rochelle
205 m
Maison Pillaud
301 m
Maison Léon
328 m
Musée du flacon à parfum
324 m
Admiral Duperré
272 m
Memorial to the Soldiers and Sailors of Charente-Inférieure
385 m
The Wave
393 m
Monument to Eugène Fromentin
311 m
La Rochelle front range light
223 m
Maison, 1 rue Chef-de-Ville (La Rochelle)
296 m
Maison, 6 rue du Port
417 mReviews
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