LaRochelle

LaRochelle, a commmercial center and busy port since the 11th century has endured ruthless seiges, and in 1628 23,000 people starved to death.
A huge chain used to be strung between these two towers, Tour de la Chaine, and Tour St Nicholas, to ward off attack from the sea.

 

The inner walls of this tower, the Tour de la Lanterne, from the 15th century are covered with graffiti by prisoners. 

Overview of the city from the Lanterne