Fodor's Expert Review Tour Saint-Jacques

Around the Louvre Fodor's Choice

For centuries, this 170-foot bell tower guided pilgrims to a starting point of the Chemin de St-Jacques (Way of Saint James). Built in 1508 in the Flamboyant Gothic style, it's all that remains of the Église St-Jacques-de-la-Boucherie, which was destroyed in the French Revolution. Purchased by the city in 1836, the tower languished until a three-year renovation, completed in 2009, restored 660 tons of stone and statues, including the gargoyles hanging from the upper reaches and the figure of Saint James gracing the top. Blaise Pascal was among the medieval scientists who conducted experiments here (his involved gravity), which is why his statue sits at the base. If you wish to enter the tower, guided tours are occasionally offered in summer and fall by reservation only.

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Quick Facts

39 rue de Rivoli
Paris, Île-de-France  75002, France

boutique.toursaintjacques.fr

Sight Details:
Rate Includes: Tours €12, Closed Mon.–Thurs. and mid-Nov.–Feb.

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