Tour Saint-Jacques, one of the architectural treasures of Paris’ heritage, towering over the city at a height of 54 meters. A privileged witness to the history and evolution of the Châtelet district, this tower, a remnant of the former Saint-Jacques-La-Boucherie church, takes you on a journey through the centuries.
Located in the heart of Paris, in the lively Châtelet district, the Tour Saint-Jacques is a powerful symbol of the resilience of French architectural heritage. Once part of the Saint-Jacques-de-la-Boucherie church, which dominated this bustling district of butchers and merchants, the tower is now the only remaining part of this religious building, whose construction began in the early 16th century.
The Saint-Jacques-de-la-Boucherie church, named to differentiate it from the Saint-Jacques-du-Haut-Pas church located on the left bank, stood near the Parisian bridges that span the Seine. It was at the heart of the Grande Boucherie district, a lively and bustling area known for its meat trade and the lively exchanges between merchants.
In 1797, during the height of the French Revolution, the church was sold as a stone quarry, a common practice at the time when many religious buildings were dismantled for their materials. However, the bell tower, which was the tallest on the right bank, was preserved, saving the Tour Saint-Jacques from total destruction. This decision, motivated by the need to preserve an iconic landmark for Parisians, allowed the tower to survive the revolutionary upheavals and the modernization of Paris in the 19th century.
Over the centuries, the tower has suffered the ravages of time and has required several interventions to ensure its stability and preservation. The restoration of the Tour Saint-Jacques, carried out by the City of Paris between 2006 and 2013, is a true feat of heritage conservation. This restoration, conducted with exemplary meticulousness, aimed to preserve its 16th-century architecture. The facades, terrace, and statuary and ornamental decorations were painstakingly restored, with the goal of replacing severely damaged stones, reinforcing weakened ones, and restoring elements essential to architectural coherence. Thanks to these efforts, the tower has regained its former splendor, allowing visitors to appreciate the richness of its Gothic heritage.
Today, the Tour Saint-Jacques occupies a prominent place as one of the four starting points of the Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle route in France. The via Turonensis begins at its base, leading to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques, over a distance of more than 1,000 kilometers. This route, recognized by UNESCO in 1998 and inscribed as a World Heritage Site as part of the Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle routes in France, attracts many pilgrims and history enthusiasts each year.
The Tour Saint-Jacques is not just a monument to admire from the outside. The guided tour of the tower, organized in small groups, allows you to discover its various uses over time, as well as the illustrious figures who have shaped its history. Climbing the tower’s 300 steps is certainly a challenge, but it is rewarded with a breathtaking view of Paris’ rooftops. The 360-degree panorama offers a unique perspective on the capital, where past and present, tradition and modernity, intertwine.
In short, the Tour Saint-Jacques is a living testament to the history of Paris, a precious relic that, despite the vicissitudes of time, continues to shine at the heart of the city. Its significance goes beyond architecture, as it also embodies the spirituality, culture, and history of the Parisian people.
Prices
Full price: €12
Reduced price: €10 (under 18, students, social welfare recipients)
Hours
Every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
From 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
From May 17 to November 10, 2024.
Duration of the guided tour: 1 hour
Address
39 Rue de Rivoli, 75004 Paris
