The Saint‑Jacques Tower, the lone remnant of the Saint‑Jacques de la Boucherie church (built 1509–1523), stands in a picturesque garden in Paris’s 4ᵗʰ arrondissement. Only the bell tower survived the 1797 Revolution, the rest of the church destroyed. Acquired by the city in 1836, it is encircled by one of Paris’s first public green spaces, created under Haussmann.

Rising to 54 m, this flamboyant Gothic tower with early Renaissance touches bristles with statues, gargoyles, and emblems of the four evangelists. At its foot, a statue of Blaise Pascal commemorates barometric experiments performed here.

Open from May 15 to November 15, Wednesdays to Sundays, 10 AM to 6 PM, the ascent involves about 300 steep steps (16 stories high), via a narrow staircase unsuitable for children under 10, mobility-impaired, or those with vertigo or claustrophobia.

Guided tours last around 50 minutes in small groups (max. 17) operated by MagmaCultura. Visitors learn the tower’s history as an 19ᵗʰ-century lead factory, pilgrimage route marker for Compostela, and associated legends involving Nicolas Flamel and Pascal.

From the top, you enjoy sweeping 360° views from the Seine and Notre-Dame to the Pompidou Centre, Eiffel Tower, and La Défense skyline. Monthly evening tours add a special ambiance for heritage lovers, fitness enthusiasts, and thrill-seekers.

Vibe: medieval, exclusive, intimate, set in an urban green oasis.
Ideal for: healthy adults, history buffs, panoramic seekers, and students aged 12+.
Fun fact: The tower stood above a 19ᵗʰ-century clothing market, and Pascal’s experiments on air pressure may explain why it survived the Revolution .

Practical tips: Book online or at the kiosk (card payments). Wear sturdy shoes, carry water, and ensure health clearance. No toilets, baby facilities, or parking on site. Nearest metro: Châtelet/Hôtel de Ville.