Audio GuideSquare of Saint-Jacques Tower

Square de la Tour Saint-Jacques is a historic city garden that gracefully embraces a towering monument filled with centuries of stories. Built between fifteen hundred and nine and fifteen hundred and twenty-three during the reign of King Francis the First, the tower stands as the sole remnant of the former Church of Saint-Jacques-de-la-Boucherie. Originally associated with the bustling wholesale butchers of the nearby market, its intricate Flamboyant Gothic decorations showcase a period rich in artistic expression.

Benjamin Montelly

For many years, the tower served as a guide for pilgrims journeying along the Way of St. James to Santiago de Compostela. Over the years, it has been put to various uses, including functioning as a shot tower in the early eighteen hundreds. During the Second Empire, the distinguished architect Théodore Ballu restored the tower, placing it on an elevated pedestal and creating an enchanting park around it. This renovation preserved its original prominence within the evolving urban setting.

Frank K

Today, nestled among pathways and benches sheltered by trees, visitors can admire both its architectural brilliance and cultural importance. Crowned by a statue of Saint James, the tower also features a statue of Blaise Pascal at its base, honouring early scientific experiments on atmospheric pressure. Recognised as both a ‘monument historique’ and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Square de la Tour Saint-Jacques continues to attract visitors with its welcoming charm and historical significance.