A centre of maritime trade. 
The town’s development started in the 11th century and was assured from the 14th century on by the protection afforded by the towers. The Saint Nicolas and Chaîne towers were particularly important, as they controlled entry to the port by the many trading ships.  
 
Prison towers. 
All three towers in La Rochelle were designed to be lived in, but from the 16th to the 18th centuries two of them (namely the Saint Nicolas and Chaîne towers) were also used as prisons for Huguenots and foreign sailors. They were then used as military prisons in the 19th century. The Lanterne tower was used to disarm boats before they came into port and served as a lighthouse.

Please note: the Saint-Nicolas tower is closed until June 2025.

The towers circuit is not recommended for people with mobility problems (people with heart problems, the elderly, pregnant women, very young children (under 6 years old, etc.) or who are afraid of narrow spaces and/or prone to vertigo.
ATTENTION: there is no lift access!

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Pricing conditions: 
Free admission for individuals ages 18 to 25 who are EU nationals and/or residents, job seekers and individuals with disabilities. The complete list of exemptions, and documentation needed to qualify for free admission, can be found at the bottom of the page under "Conditions for Free Admission". Online reservation is not necessary. Simply present your valid proof of eligibility at the ticket counter on the day of your visit.