Hidden in plain sight, Tour Saint-Jacques is true within the heart of Paris, tucked alongside Rue de Rivoli. However regardless of its placing place, many guests don’t notice they will really go to this historic tower.
It’s an typically ignored spot, and I solely realized earlier this yr that the monument is open to the general public. I hurried to get tickets, and I used to be blown away by the view from the highest.
Now, I contemplate it the greatest viewpoint in Paris and on this publish I inform you why you positively ought to add the Tour Saint-Jacques to your agenda.
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A Brief Historical past of Tour Saint-Jacques
The Tour Saint-Jacques is the final remaining ingredient of the gothic church Saint-Jacques-de-la-Boucherie, that was firstly talked about within the books within the twelfth century. The church was the patron of the butchers, that had been loads within the space. In any case, the market Les Halles is simply across the nook.
However despite the fact that the unique church was constructed already again then, Tour Saint-Jacques as we all know it right this moment was constructed solely between 1509 and 1523.
At 52 meters excessive, the tower as soon as served as a bell tower for the church, which stood as a major cease for pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago (Approach of St. James).
The church itself was demolished in the course of the French Revolution, leaving simply the tower behind.
Over the centuries, the tower has taken on new roles. For instance, functioning as a climate observatory within the nineteenth century earlier than being categorized as a UNESCO World Heritage Website in 1998.
The Good Parisian View
Whereas the historical past is charming, and also you’ll study all about it while you go to the tower, the actual spotlight is the rooftop.
From right here, you get a view that rivals Paris’ extra well-known viewpoints. Tour Saint-Jacques shouldn’t be significantly excessive, however its location offers you an ideal panorama of town’s rooftops. Monuments just like the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, and Sacré-Cœur are all seen within the distance, together with the curving Seine.
What I liked most about my go to is that the peak of the Tour Saint-Jacques is simply excellent. Excessive sufficient to catch sweeping views of town’s landmarks like Notre-Dame, Sacré-Cœur, and the Eiffel Tower. But low sufficient to really feel linked to the Parisian rooftops and glimpse into elegant residences which might be virtually on eyesight.
In contrast to the extra remoted areas of another viewpoints, this tower is nestled proper within the coronary heart of the bustling Rue de Rivoli. Surrounded by the colourful power of Parisian life. I discovered it to be a mesmerizing expertise that provided each an iconic and intimate view of town.
Tour Saint-Jacques won’t be as well-known because the Eiffel Tower or Arc de Triomphe, but it surely affords one thing uncommon: a quiet, hidden gem proper within the coronary heart of Paris with an unbeatable view.
Guests Information Tour Saint-Jacques
When you’re desirous to discover the tower and the beautiful views that go along with it, right here are some things to know. One factor to bear in mind is that visiting the Tour Saint-Jacques shouldn’t be for the faint of coronary heart.
It’s greater than 300 steps in a slender spiral staircase. No elevator.
When you endure from claustrophobia, mobility points, cardiac issues or vertigo, higher don’t go. The tower can be not appropriate for youths beneath 11.
Nonetheless, you don’t should stroll the 300 steps without delay. There are two stops alongside the way in which up earlier than reaching the rooftop.
Can I go to the Tour Saint-Jacques by myself?
If you wish to go to, it’s essential e-book a tour. Your tour information will actually open the tower with a key for you, with out them, you merely received’t get in.
As visits to the tower are well-liked, it’s sensible to plan your time slot early. You possibly can reserve your ticket right here.
Good to know: Excursions are additionally held in English.
Opening Instances: Wednesday to Sundays and between 10am and 18pm.
As schedules can change relying on the season, greatest examine the official web page for up-to-date info.
What to Anticipate from Visiting Tour Saint Jacques?
The tower is situated in a small park close to Châtelet Metro station. Upon arrival, you’ll meet your information both on the gate or the ticket counter inside the park. We weren’t positive the place to go at first, with a number of small teams ready round, so we headed to the counter and had been directed to our information.
Our group had about 15 to twenty folks of all ages and health ranges, which was reassuring. There was all the time somebody taking their time on the steps, giving me a superb excuse for a breather.
The tour covers two ranges of the tower earlier than reaching the rooftop. Alongside the way in which, the information shares fascinating backstories, historic particulars, and quirky anecdotes.
As a relic of medieval Paris, the tower holds many intriguing, typically stunning, secrets and techniques. I’ll go away the specifics so that you can uncover—it’s an expertise value listening to firsthand.
Conclusion: A must-visit
Tour Saint-Jacques might not be as well-known as Paris’ extra well-known landmarks, but it surely really affords probably the greatest and most unusual views of town.
Its mix of wealthy historical past, fascinating tales, and an ideal rooftop panorama makes it a particular expertise for anybody visiting. The climb could also be a bit difficult, however the reward on the prime is effectively well worth the effort.
When you’re searching for a viewpoint that’s off the crushed path and nonetheless within the coronary heart of Paris, add Tour Saint-Jacques to your itinerary—you received’t remorse it.
Parisienne since 2006 🩷
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