June in Paris: About the Tour Saint-Jacques

Standing gracefully amidst the serene confines of its namesake garden, the Tour Saint-Jacques holds a unique position. Constructed in the flamboyant Gothic style, this tower was meticulously built between 1509 and 1523, representing the sole surviving remnant of the Eglise Saint-Jacques-de-la-Boucherie, which met its demise in 1797.

This sacred site served as a pivotal gathering point along the Via Toronensis, known as the Tours route, for pilgrims embarking on their spiritual journey to Santiago de Compostela, also known as Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle.

At the tower's base, you find the statue of Blaise Pascal, serving as a testament to the location where he conducted his influential barometric experiments in Puy-de-Dôme. On the tower's northwest corner, an imposing statue of Saint Jacques le Majeur commands attention, presiding over the platform where a small meteorological station was established in 1891. This station belongs to the esteemed Observatoire de Montsouris.

The corners of the tower boast intricately sculpted symbols representing the four evangelists: the lion, bull, eagle, and man.

These statues and the embellishing 18 statues of saints adorning the tower walls were meticulously restored during the previous century, breathing new life into their intricate beauty.

Consider taking on a journey up the 300 steps of the St. Jacques Tower, and enjoy the capital at a different angle, approximately 360° view. To ensure a comfortable ascent, you can climb the tower in multiple stages, allowing you to pause and catch your breath until finally reaching 55 meters atop this remarkable Gothic monument.

As you climb, you will encounter flights of stairs comprising approximately 80 steps, leading you to a captivating level where the ceiling serves as the tower's apex. This unique vantage point unveils a fascinating glimpse into the tower's history.

Once home to a splendid carillon adorned with 12 tower bells, the St. Jacques Tower boasted one of Paris's finest carillons, second only to that of Notre Dame Cathedral. The bell tower was spared from demolition during the tumultuous period of the French Revolution, preserving its historical significance for generations to come.