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Chain Tower: Guardian of La Rochelle's Old Port

Explore La Rochelle's Chain Tower: a medieval guardian offering panoramic views & a glimpse into the city's maritime past.

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The Chain Tower (Tour de la Chaîne) is one of three medieval towers guarding La Rochelle's harbor. Built in the 14th century, it gets its name from the massive chain that once stretched between it and the Saint-Nicolas Tower, blocking access to the port. Today, it stands as a monument to the city's rich maritime history.

A brief summary to Chain Tower

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes for climbing the tower's stairs and exploring the ramparts.
  • Visit during off-peak hours to avoid crowds and enjoy a more relaxed experience.
  • Check the opening hours in advance, as they vary depending on the season.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Saint-Nicolas Tower and Lantern Tower for a comprehensive historical experience.
  • Bring a camera to capture the stunning views of the Old Port and the Atlantic coastline.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From La Rochelle's city center, the Chain Tower is easily accessible on foot. Head towards the Old Port (Vieux Port) and follow the waterfront. The tower is located at the entrance to the harbor, next to the Saint-Nicolas Tower. The walk is approximately 15-20 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    The Yélo bus network serves the Chain Tower. Take a bus to the 'Dames Blanches' stop, which is a short walk from the tower. Single tickets cost around €1.50 and can be purchased on board.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in La Rochelle. A short taxi ride from the city center to the Chain Tower will cost approximately €8-€12. You can hail a taxi or call +33 5 46 34 02 22.

  • Parking

    If driving, several parking lots are available near the Old Port, including Parking Vieux Port Ouest and Parking de l'Encan. Parking rates range from €2 per hour for short-term parking to €8-€15 per day. Consider using the park-and-ride facilities at the city gates and taking the bus to avoid traffic.

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Discover more about Chain Tower

The Chain Tower, along with the Saint-Nicolas Tower and the Lantern Tower, stands as a sentinel to La Rochelle's captivating past. Constructed between 1382 and 1390, the Chain Tower (Tour de la Chaîne) owes its name to the large iron chain that, for centuries, was stretched across the harbor entrance to the Saint-Nicolas Tower. This formidable barrier controlled maritime traffic, protecting the city from invaders and managing the flow of commerce. Historically, the tower served as the residence of the harbor master, who monitored ship movements and collected port taxes. In 1472, King Louis XI visited the tower. Legend says that he etched an inscription on one of the tower's windows with a diamond ring. During the Fronde, a 17th-century uprising, the tower was used as a gunpowder magazine, leading to a devastating explosion that left it open-topped for three centuries. Extensive restoration work in the 20th and 21st centuries has revived the Chain Tower, including the reconstruction of the rampart walkway, a new roof, and the reinstatement of indoor floors. Today, visitors can explore the tower's interior, discover exhibits about its history and defensive role, and enjoy panoramic views of the Old Port, the city, and the surrounding coastline from the tower's terraces.

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