Audio GuideTour Saint-Jacques
The only remaining part of a 16th-century church that was destroyed during the French Revolution.
Tourist Attraction
Paris, France
Welcome to the Tour Saint-Jacques, an extraordinary landmark in the very heart of Paris. Rising to approximately fifty-two metres, this tower was constructed in the sixteenth century as part of the Church of Saint-Jacques-de-la-Boucherie. It once greeted pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela and remains a treasured connection to France’s spiritual heritage.
The design of the tower is a stunning example of the Gothic flamboyant style. It showcases pointed ogival arches, ribbed vaults, and elaborate sculptures, including figures of the four evangelists and traditional gargoyles adorning its exterior. These details also echo the legacy of the influential local butchers from the historic Les Halles market.
Although the church was torn down during the French Revolution, the tower was preserved and later converted into a shot tower. In the mid-nineteenth century, it was restored by architects, including Théodore Ballu, who elevated the structure on a pedestal to maintain its original prominence. A statue dedicated to Blaise Pascal and a small meteorological laboratory further link the tower to scientific advancement.
Today, visitors can ascend its narrow spiral staircase, just eighty-five centimetres wide, to take in panoramic views of Paris. Now a designated French historic monument, the Tour Saint-Jacques continues to captivate with its rich history and enduring architectural splendour.
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