Tour de la Lanterne

Tower in La Rochelle

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Pline

The Tour de la Lanterne, the third of La Rochelle’s historic towers, stands slightly apart from the harbor entrance but is no less significant. Constructed in the late 15th century on the foundations of an earlier lighthouse, it is the only remaining medieval lighthouse on the Atlantic coast. Rising over 55 meters, the tower served a dual purpose: it was both a maritime beacon and a defensive watchtower. With its tall, slender spire and richly carved façade, it presents a more ornate and vertical silhouette than its two harbor counterparts, reflecting the architectural shift from purely military construction to a blend of civic pride and utility.

Internally, the Tour de la Lanterne evolved over time into a prison, a role it maintained for centuries. Sailors, privateers, and political prisoners were confined within its thick stone walls. The most remarkable legacy of this period is the extensive graffiti etched into the interior—hundreds of carvings left by inmates from the 17th to 19th centuries. These include names, ships, coats of arms, and other intricate images that offer a haunting glimpse into the lives of those once held within. This trove of prisoner art has turned the tower into an exceptional historical document, making it one of the most evocative sites in La Rochelle.

Architecturally, the tower is notable for its spiral staircase, which winds through multiple levels leading to observation posts and, eventually, to the lantern at the top. The structure’s elegant Gothic spire and decorative elements distinguish it from the more utilitarian forms of the Tour Saint-Nicolas and the Tour de la Chaîne. Its upper lantern chamber once housed the light used to guide vessels into the port, especially crucial during La Rochelle’s heyday as a bustling Atlantic trade hub. Today, the lantern no longer serves a navigational purpose but remains a defining feature of the city’s skyline.

Visitors to the Tour de la Lanterne can explore a unique blend of maritime, military, and carceral history within a single monument. Exhibits inside focus on the life of prisoners, the tower’s changing roles, and the development of La Rochelle’s coastal defenses. The climb to the top rewards with sweeping views over the city, the ocean, and the twin towers guarding the harbor mouth. As the oldest lighthouse still standing on the French coast, the Tour de la Lanterne is more than just an architectural gem—it is a symbol of La Rochelle’s enduring connection to the sea, navigation, and resilience through turbulent centuries.

The Tour de la Lanterne appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting La Rochelle!

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