Tour de la Chaîne

Built in the 14th century, the Chain Tower is the smallest of La Rochelle’s three iconic towers, yet it played a key role: it controlled access to the harbor with a massive chain linking it to the Saint-Nicolas Tower. A witness to major events in La Rochelle’s history, it served as a prison for Protestants after the 1628 siege and still carries the legend of an inscription carved by King Louis XI himself. Partially destroyed in the 17th century, it was reborn after its 20th-century restoration. Today, it hosts an exhibition on migration to New France and offers a stunning panoramic view over the Old Port from its summit.