Visit the medieval towers of La Rochelle: the 3 great ladies of the city

This is a must-see during your stay in La Rochelle. It's impossible to ignore these three grand ladies who watch over the town and guard the marina. Those who are simply curious will be intrigued by their architecture. All three are unique, but each has its own tourist attractions.

The most intrigued will go so far as to take the stairs, if only to enjoy the charming view over the ocean or the port of La Rochelle, which can only be admired from above. Finally, those who want to know their secrets will take the time to go inside each of them to visit them.

👉 The Saint-Nicolas tower

Let's start with the Saint-Nicolas tower. According to local legend, the Saint-Nicolas Tower was built by the fairy Mélusine, who was careless. It is said that the tower came into being when a few fragments of stone fell from her apron while she was flying over La Rochelle. In more down-to-earth terms, the tower was built in the 14th century and stands 38 metres high. This military edifice represents the power and wealth of the city.

👉 The Chain Tower

Located just a few steps from the Saint-Nicolas tower, the Chaîne tower was built in 1372, just after the town was liberated from English domination. At the time, it symbolised the town's sovereignty. With its protective role, it was the most important of La Rochelle's three towers.

It also served as the gateway to the port of La Rochelle. From here, the captain of the tower could monitor the movement of boats, regulate their passage and, above all, collect the duties and taxes required to enter the town.

👉 The Lantern Tower

Somewhat different from its 2 neighbours in terms of its architecture, the Lanterne Tower is immediately recognisable with its octagonal spire rising into the sky. It owes its name to the light it emitted from its glazed turret. Likened to a "big candle", it was used to guide ships into the port of La Rochelle.

Those in search of unusual experiences can book a theatrical guided tour of La Rochelle at nightfall. This offers a completely new view of the city, in a subdued atmosphere and under the glow of the lights. During this tour, tourists will have the chance to enter the towers of La Rochelle in a small group.

🍴Le glacier Ernest

Ernest ice cream parlour is a veritable institution in La Rochelle. Tourists and locals alike love going there to sample the delicious home-made ice creams. Original flavours include lime basil, tarte tatin and cannelé de Bordeaux.