Visitors with disabilities

Introduction to the monument

The towers of La Rochelle are a medieval complex comprising three towers situated between 200 metres and 1 kilometre apart in the heart of La Rochelle (200 metres from the Lanterne Tower to the Chaîne Tower, then 800 metres to the Saint-Nicolas Tower). 

The Saint-Nicolas Tower is currently closed to the public.

Each of the towers features numerous steep, narrow and uneven staircases. 

No part of the monument is wheelchair accessible.

Please note: the climb and the view from the terraces may cause dizziness.

The monument has been awarded the ‘Tourism and Disability’ label.

Individual visitors or small groups

Up to 8 people with disabilities can explore the La Rochelle Towers visitor route independently at their own pace.

Services: 

Adapted aids are available to assist you: 

• Tactile features are incorporated into the tour route of the Lanterne Tower. 
• FALC booklets (easy to read and understand) are available to borrow at the reception desks of the Lanterne Tower and the Chaîne Tower.

Admission:

Entry to the monument is free: 

• For any person with a disability and one accompanying person, upon presentation of a valid proof of eligibility (the ‘Invalidité’ and ‘Priorité’ Mobilité Inclusion card for French nationals or an equivalent foreign document), 
• For recipients of the AAH (allowance for adults with disabilities), upon presentation of an AAH certificate issued within the last 6 months. NB: the accompanying person must pay the admission fee.
• For small groups of up to 8 visitors with disabilities (excluding carers), subject to prior booking and presentation of a certificate from the relevant organisation.

A parking permit does not entitle the holder to free admission.

Group visitors

A group consists of 9 or more people with disabilities. 

A group consists of a maximum of 20 people, including carers. 

Each person with a disability may have a maximum of one accompanying person.

All groups must book their visit in advance.

Services: 

There are two options available:

• Self-guided tour: you explore the monument at your own pace using the resources we provide (tactile features, booklets in FALC, etc.).
• Adapted and guided tour: depending on your group’s needs and our available resources, we will work with you to plan a route that best meets your expectations. During your visit, you will be accompanied by a museum guide.

Prices:

• Self-guided tour: a flat rate of €20 for groups of 9 to 20 people with disabilities, including carers.
• Adapted and guided tour: a flat fee of €40 for groups of 9 to 20 people with disabilities, including carers.

For groups of more than 20 people, the group will be split into two.