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Tour de la Lanterne Lighthouse

Fl red 4s🇫🇷La Rochelle, FROperational

Location & Light Range

About Tour de la Lanterne Lighthouse

Built in 1468, the Tour de la Lanterne is a medieval fortified stone tower situated on the north side of La Rochelle's inner harbor. The lower 25 meters of the cylindrical structure are complemented by an ornate octagonal spire extending another 30 meters. Although it was first lit in 1468, its light was extinguished in 1627 following Richelieu's siege. The tower remained inactive as a navigational aid until it underwent restoration between 1910 and 1914. Today, this 55-meter-tall tower, painted with red and black horizontal bands, is open to the public as a historic monument.

Why it matters: As one of France's oldest lighthouses, the Tour de la Lanterne is significant for its medieval fortification architecture and its connection to La Rochelle's maritime history.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl red 4s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
red
Interval
4s
Raw Code
Fl.R
Focal Height
14m
Geographic Range
11.6NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1468

Significant events: Inactive since 1627, lights displayed until Richelieu's siege, restored 1910-14

Visiting

Open to public
Yes

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
55m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
with red and black horizontal bands
Material
stone

Structure: medieval fortified stone tower; the lower 25 m (82 ft) is round cylindrical and the upper 30 m (98 ft) is an ornate octagonal spire

Location

City
La Rochelle
Country
🇫🇷France
Region
Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Sea Region
North side of the inner harbor of La Rochelle.
Latitude
46.1558°
Longitude
-1.1571°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
La Rochelle-Pallice(3.2 km)
Admiralty No.
D1243
NGA No.
1352
ARLHS No.
FRA-646
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Tour de la Lanterne Lighthouse at night?+
Tour de la Lanterne displays the characteristic Fl red 4s. Each lighthouse has a unique flash pattern published in the List of Lights, allowing mariners to positively identify it and distinguish it from other navigation aids in the area. The red color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Tour de la Lanterne Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Tour de la Lanterne Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is La Rochelle at 0.7 NM to the NNE. Other ports served include la Pallice (2.6 NM W), Aytré (2.7 NM ESE), VIEUX CHATELAILLON (6.3 NM SSE), LA FLOTTE EN RE (7.2 NM WNW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Tour de la Lanterne Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Tour de la Lanterne Lighthouse is currently operational. It is actively maintained and continues to emit its characteristic light signal for marine navigation. Most modern lighthouses are automated and monitored remotely by the national maritime authority.
How can I track vessels near Tour de la Lanterne Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Tour de la Lanterne Lighthouse in real time using MarineRadar. The platform shows live AIS positions of ships in the area, including vessel name, type, flag, speed, and course. Use the "Track Vessels Nearby" button on this page to open the live map centered on this lighthouse.