Tour de la Lanterne Rooftop
At 55 metres, the Tour de la Lanterne is the tallest of La Rochelle's three medieval towers and its rooftop offers the most complete panorama of the city — old-town rooftiles, the Vieux-Port, the open Atlantic and, on clear days, the silhouette of the Île de Ré bridge stretching to the horizon.
The Climb and the View
The spiral staircase winds through six floors of progressively more atmospheric stone chambers, including the room where Protestant prisoners carved their names, ships and prayers into the walls in the 16th and 17th centuries. Take your time on the way up — the graffiti alone is worth 20 minutes of slow study.
The viewing platform at the top is narrow and open to the wind, which only adds to the drama. Face west at sunset and you'll see the Île de Ré bridge lit in orange, with the Atlantic glittering beyond it — one of the genuinely great free-feeling views in western France.
Practical Tips for Visiting
The tower is included in the combined three-tower ticket, so there's no reason to skip it. Visit in the late afternoon when the light is warm and the crowds thin slightly after the midday rush.
Wear flat shoes — the medieval stone steps are uneven and steep in places. The tower is not suitable for visitors with limited mobility.
More of La Rochelle
Discover where to stay, what to do and the best deals for your trip.
Explore La Rochelle →
