The Tour Saint-Jacques is a 52-meter-tall Flamboyant Gothic tower located in the 4th arrondissement of Paris, on the Right Bank of the Seine. It stands alone in the Square de la Tour Saint-Jacques, between Rue de Rivoli and Rue Nicolas-Flamel. This tower is the only remaining part of the 16th-century Church of Saint-Jacques-de-la-Boucherie, which was demolished in 1797 during the French Revolution. Historically, the church served as a starting point for pilgrims heading to Santiago de Compostela along the via Turonensis route. The tower's rich history includes its use as a lead shot factory in the 19th century and as a weather observation station until the 1990s. Notably, a statue of the mathematician Blaise Pascal stands at its base, commemorating his experiments on atmospheric pressure conducted here. The tower is adorned with statues of the four evangelists and Saint James at its pinnacle. After extensive restorations, it is now open to visitors, offering panoramic views of Paris from its summit.
Paris FranceTour Saint-Jacques is a historic Gothic bell tower located in the 4th arrondissement of Paris, France, on the Right Bank (Rive Droite). Specifically, you'll find it at the intersection of Rue de Rivoli and Rue Nicolas-Flamel, near the Châtelet area. This 52-meter-tall tower is all that's left of the 16th-century Church of Saint-Jacques-de-la-Boucherie, which was demolished in 1797 during the French Revolution. The tower is surrounded by a charming park, Square de la Tour Saint-Jacques, where you can stroll, rest on a bench, and admire the tower's external statues and architecture. The nearby Seine River adds to the tower's charm. You'll also find the Hôtel de Ville and the bustling Rue de Rivoli nearby, with plenty of cafes and shops to explore. Some notable nearby landmarks include: Nearest Metro Stations: Châtelet: A short walk from the tower Rambuteau (Line 11): About 7-minute walk Hôtel de Ville (Lines 1 and 11): Approximately 10-minute walk Nearby Bus Stops: Bus Line 38: Stops directly at Saint-Jacques Tower Bus Line 72: Stops at Hôtel de Ville Other Landmarks: Notre-Dame Cathedral: About a 15-minute stroll Seine River.