Tour de la Lanterne, Medieval lighthouse tower in La Rochelle, France
The Tour de la Lanterne stands 55 meters tall with a cylindrical base and an octagonal spire featuring Gothic-style trefoil windows.
Built between 1445 and 1468 under Mayor Jehan Mérichon's direction, the tower initially formed the southwest corner of the medieval fortification walls.
The tower walls contain more than 600 engravings made by prisoners during its time as a prison from the 17th century onwards.
The tower offers visitors access to multiple levels, including the Jehan Mérichon room and an observation platform with views of the harbor.
In 1985, artist Jean-Pierre Pincemin created a patterned concrete floor design in the Jehan Mérichon room to commemorate the tower's prison history.
Location: La Rochelle
Inception: 1468
Address: Rue sur les Murs, 17000 La Rochelle, France 17000 La Rochelle
Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 14:15-17:30
Phone: +33546415604
Website: http://la-rochelle.monuments-nationaux.fr
GPS coordinates: 46.15576,-1.15715
Latest update: June 23, 2025 09:41
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.
The region around La Rochelle offers numerous ideas for family outings, including the Aquarium with its 12,000 marine animals, the medieval Towers, and Fort Boyard. The area features several museums, such as the Maritime Museum and the New World Museum, as well as beaches and islands like Ré and Oléron. Visitors can explore the Old Port, natural parks, local product markets, and historical monuments like the Grosse Horloge and Saint-Louis Cathedral.
Tour Saint-Nicolas
284 m
Vieux-Port de La Rochelle
273 m
Tour de la Chaîne
219 m
Grosse Horloge
375 m
Parc Animalier Charles-Édouard Beltremieux
366 m
Commanderie de La Rochelle
496 m
La Coursive/Scène Nationale La Rochelle
193 m
Prefecture hotel of Charente-Maritime
194 m
Musée des modèles réduits
435 m
Clocher Saint-Jean de la Rochelle
134 m
Plage de la Concurrence
287 m
Parc Charruyer
272 m
Église des Carmes
241 m
Bastion du Gabut
312 m
Porte des deux moulins de la rochelle
152 m
Hôtel Leclerc, La Rochelle
335 m
Hôtel particulier, 15 rue Verdière, La Rochelle
282 m
Hôtel particulier, 3 rue de l'Escale, La Rochelle
508 m
Maison Pillaud
393 m
Maison Léon
437 m
Musée du flacon à parfum
422 m
Admiral Duperré
386 m
The Wave
325 m
Monument to Eugène Fromentin
400 m
Maison, 1 rue Chef-de-Ville (La Rochelle)
386 m
La Rochelle front range light
375 m
Fortifications maritimes de La Rochelle
152 m
Reviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes