Tour de la Lanterne, Medieval lighthouse tower in La Rochelle, France
Description
Tour de la Lanterne is a medieval tower structure located in La Rochelle on the French Atlantic coast. The building features a cylindrical base topped with an octagonal spire decorated with Gothic-style trefoil windows.
History
The tower was constructed between 1445 and 1468 under Mayor Jehan Mérichon's direction as part of the harbor's defensive system. Over time it was repurposed as a prison, fundamentally changing its role within the city.
Culture
The walls display over 600 engravings left by prisoners from the 17th century onward. These scratches and inscriptions tell personal stories of people who were held in confinement here.
Practical
The tower is open to visitors with multiple levels to explore, including an observation area overlooking the harbor. The internal staircase is narrow and steep, so comfortable shoes and a reasonable level of fitness are helpful for the climb.
Did you know?
In 1985, artist Jean-Pierre Pincemin created a patterned concrete floor design inside the tower to commemorate its prison history. This modern artistic intervention stands in striking contrast to the medieval stonework surrounding it.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (La Rochelle).
La Rochelle documents over seven centuries of French maritime history through its medieval fortifications and Renaissance architecture. The old port is guarded by three stone towers from the 14th and 15th centuries - the Saint Nicolas Tower, the Tour de la Chaîne, and the Lantern Tower - which once...
La Rochelle and its surroundings offer families a range of activities along the French Atlantic coast. The city itself holds several attractions, including the aquarium with over 12,000 marine animals, medieval towers at the Old Port, and various museums such as the Maritime Museum and the New World...
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 mDiscover 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