With disabilities

Facilities suitable for deaf and hard-of-hearing visitors

Tour options & prices

PLEASE NOTE:

The stairs are narrow and uneven, and the handrails do not comply with current standards.

In each tower, the reception desk is fitted with a magnetic induction loop.

For individual visitors or small groups (up to 8 people with disabilities, excluding carers).

Self-guided tour (45 mins to 3 hours)

  • Visitor information leaflets in French or other languages. 
  • A short silent video at the towers’ reception area showing 3D models of the three towers’ elevations.
  • Explanatory leaflets or display panels in the exhibition rooms.

Entry to the monument is free for all visitors with a disability and one accompanying person, upon presentation of valid proof (the ‘Invalidité’ Mobilité Inclusion card for French visitors, or an equivalent foreign document).

Guided tour in French Sign Language (LSF) of the Lanterne Tower and the Chaîne Tower ( 2 hours)

Guided tours in French Sign Language (LSF) are regularly offered to individual visitors. They are led by a deaf tour guide who adapts the tour to the audience present.

Price: €6 per person

To find out about our next LSF tour: Check our calendar!

For groups (minimum 9 people with disabilities, excluding carers)

Whichever tour you choose, booking is essential.

Self-guided tour (45 mins to 3 hours)

This option allows you to explore the monument at your own pace, according to your preferences and the time you have available. You will explore the monument guided by your group leader.

Price: €20

French Sign Language (LSF) guided tour of the Lanterne Tower and the Chaîne Tower (2 hours)

This tour is led by a deaf tour guide who adapts the tour to the audience present. 

Bookings must be made at least two months in advance.

Price: €40 per group of up to 15 people

PLEASE NOTE: this tour is subject to the availability of the tour guide.

Booking

All booking enquiries must be sent by email to educatif.tourslarochelle@monuments-nationaux.fr and must include the following details: 

• Desired date and time of the tour.•    Name of the organisation organising the tour.• The organisation’s registered address. • Surname, first name, telephone number and email address of the person in charge of the group.• Number of people in the group.• Number of accompanying adults.• Type of tour required.

Once we have received your request, we will assess its feasibility and, if appropriate, we will contact you or send you a booking confirmation to present at the ticket office on the day of your visit, together with payment details.

Payment for the service

Booking is compulsory, including for groups visiting the monument independently.

Payment is to be made on site in cash, by cheque made payable to the ‘régisseur de recettes des tours de La Rochelle’, by credit card or by administrative purchase order (if you are a public body).

Good to know

  • Benches are provided along the visitor routes.
  • The La Rochelle Towers do not have public toilets.
  • Assistance dogs are permitted inside the monument. However, their work is made particularly difficult in the upper part of the Lanterne Tower due to the narrow passageways and very steep staircases.
  • The tour route of the Tour de la Chaîne comprises 54 steps and that of the Tour de la Lanterne 162 steps.
  • It is always cool inside the towers: you should bring warm clothing in winter and a jacket in summer. 

PARKING AND ACCESS

PARKING 

Tour de la Chaîne and Tour de la Lanterne    

  • The Vieux Port Ouest (Saint Jean d’Acre) pay-and-display car park is situated at the foot of the towers. The entrance is next to the Lanterne Tower. This car park has 8 parking spaces reserved for people with disabilities. Two spaces are less than 70 metres from the entrance to the Lanterne Tower and at the far left of the car park; four spaces are less than 50 metres from the entrance to the Chaîne Tower; and two spaces are less than 150 metres away.
  • The surface between the car park and the towers consists of domed paving stones or steps and is therefore unsuitable for wheelchair users.

ACCESS

  • For the Tour de la Chaîne, there are approximately 34 steps from the quayside to reach the tower’s reception area, followed by approximately 54 steps along the visitor route.
  • For the Tour de la Lanterne, there are 14 steps from the street to reach the tower’s reception area, followed by 162 steps along the visitor route. 

Contact us

Contact for deaf visitors: 

public.sourd@monuments-nationaux.fr