Did you know you could climb the Tour Saint Jacques?
Location and Availability
Tour Saint-Jacques. Smack middle in the heart of the city, the 4th arrondissement, this stunning monument is a testament to the history and culture of Paris. If you keep reading we take you on a journey to discover Tour Saint-Jacques, exploring its location, availability, and the fascinating history that surrounds it.
Location:
Tour Saint-Jacques is located in the 4th arrondissement of Paris, in the vibrant neighborhood of Le Marais. Specifically situated in the square that bears its name, the tower is a short walk from several notable landmarks, including the Centre Pompidou and Notre Dame Cathedral. This central location makes it easily accessible to both tourists and locals, and it’s the perfect spot to include in your Parisian itinerary.
The availability of Tour Saint Jacques is somewhat limited compared to more well-known Parisian attractions. While it is not open year round, it can be visited during certain times of the year. Typically, the tower is open to the public from June through September. During these months, you can take a guided tour and admire the tower’s intricate details up close. Click this link here to access the official website of Tour Saint Jacques
Now, let’s move on to the next part of our journey, where we’ll explore the breathtaking views that Tour Saint-Jacques offers.
Climbing to the Top for a Secret Breathtaking View of Paris
One of the most exciting aspects of Tour Saint-Jacques is the fact that you can climb to the top and take in a panoramic view of Paris. The 54 meter tower offers an incredible vantage point that can not be seen from any of the other well known locations.
To reach the top of Tour Saint-Jacques, you’ll need to ascend 300 steps, so be prepared for a bit of a workout.
Once you reach the top, the effort is entirely worth it. You can see The Eiffel Tower, the Seine River, Notre Dame Cathedral, and most importantly the iconic Montmartre district. It’s a unique opportunity to capture some incredible photos and appreciate the city’s beauty in a whole new light.
The History of Tour Saint-Jacques
Tour Saint Jacques, this Gothic masterpiece dates back to the 15th century, and it’s closely associated with the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela in Spain.
The tower was originally built between 1508 and 1522 by architect Thibaut Métezeau as part of the Church of Saint-Jacques-de-la-Boucherie. It was a prominent religious structure, hosting pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela, a significant pilgrimage destination in Europe. This gave the tower its name, Saint-Jacques.
Over the centuries, the tower underwent numerous transformations, including serving as a gunpowder magazine during the French Revolution. It was only in the 19th century that the tower was freed from its military use and restored to its former glory.
In recent years, Tour Saint-Jacques has undergone further restoration efforts to preserve its historical and architectural significance.