Tour Saint-Jacques
Tour Saint-Jacques
4.5
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Top ways to experience Tour Saint-Jacques
The area
Neighbourhood: Saint-Merri
How to get there
- Hôtel de Ville • 2 min walk
- Châtelet • 3 min walk
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4.5
465 reviews
Excellent
216
Very good
176
Average
65
Poor
4
Terrible
4
These reviews have been automatically translated from their original language.
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Thomas V
Oakland, CA17,830 contributions
Jul 2021
You can't miss this tall tower in this part of town as it is one of the tallest things around. It is all that is left of an ancient church, the remnant of big urban renewal. Nice square around it.
Written 10 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SopiNepi
Kawasaki, Japan9,176 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
While I was walking, I saw a very tall tower in a small square! There was a long text in French that seemed to be a commentary under the tower, so I knew there was something there. Originally, a church was built here, but it was destroyed during the French Revolution, and only this tower remained. In the Middle Ages, when the church was there, it was the starting point of the Santiago de Compostela pilgrimage route in Spain, and in 1998, it was registered as a World Heritage Site as a pilgrimage route-related heritage. It is a World Heritage Site! In addition, at the bottom of the tower is a statue of the philosopher and mathematician Pascal. It is a historic tower where Pascal performed experiments on atmospheric pressure. (Although there are apparently some who disagree.) So even now, there is a weather observatory on top of the tower. I noticed it because other tourists happened to be looking intently at the tower. It's amazing how Paris doesn't seem to care about World Heritage Sites at all.
Written 26 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Giorgio T
Monleale3,962 contributions
May 2024 • Couples
The beautiful Gothic tower of Saint-Jacques is in the center of the square that takes its name from it, along rue de Rivoli. The tower is characterized by narrow mullioned windows that alternate with niches within which numerous statues are located. At the top, above a pinnacle, is the statue of St. James. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It is located near Paris Châtelet metro station.
It is located near Paris Châtelet metro station.
Automatically translated
Written 22 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
amarina
Brisbane, Australia144 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
When we booked this tour we had a feeling it would be in French but we are in France so it was. We understood some of the information and a lovely young French lad gave me a summary of the talking parts so all good there. The main reason for our visit was to check out the view from the top - 300 steps up and it was brilliant - so even if you don’t understand French the view is worth the effort. Maybe the information people could have an English brochure for those keen to attend still speak French but have a brochure - just a thought. Great afternoon really enjoyed ourselves.
Written 15 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dimitris L
Sydney, Australia50,924 contributions
Oct 2019
Tour Saint-Jacques was one of the first things we saw when we arrived in Paris, as our hotel was in the area. This 16th century tower is all that remains of the Church of Saint-Jacques-de-la-Boucherie. The views from the top are quite good too.
Written 19 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brad
Hong Kong, China176,333 contributions
Dec 2018 • Couples
The Saint Jacques Tower (Tour Saint-Jacques) is a stand alone medieval structure 52 metres in height located within a small square by the same name in the middle of the 4th district along Rue de Rivoli.
The tower was originally part of the Saint James of the butchers Church constructed between 1509-23. Unfortunately, the church was destroyed near the end of the 18th century and not rebuilt. What is left standing is this single tower structure.
This is a peculiar but attractive tower, Flamboyant Gothic in style, it is worth spending a few minutes to view when passing through this area of the city. The tower is highly decorative from the base to the top, featuring various statues of saints, gargoyles and other elaborate ornamentation. There is also statue of 17th-century French mathematician, philosopher and physicist Blaise Pascal at the base of the tower that is interesting to see as well.
Note: It seems you can arrange visits (€10 per person) within Saint Jacques Tower (Tour Saint-Jacques) during parts of the year. Unfortunately, the tower wasn't open on the days we passed by in late December so it would seem this may be a seasonal visitation option only at this time.
The tower was originally part of the Saint James of the butchers Church constructed between 1509-23. Unfortunately, the church was destroyed near the end of the 18th century and not rebuilt. What is left standing is this single tower structure.
This is a peculiar but attractive tower, Flamboyant Gothic in style, it is worth spending a few minutes to view when passing through this area of the city. The tower is highly decorative from the base to the top, featuring various statues of saints, gargoyles and other elaborate ornamentation. There is also statue of 17th-century French mathematician, philosopher and physicist Blaise Pascal at the base of the tower that is interesting to see as well.
Note: It seems you can arrange visits (€10 per person) within Saint Jacques Tower (Tour Saint-Jacques) during parts of the year. Unfortunately, the tower wasn't open on the days we passed by in late December so it would seem this may be a seasonal visitation option only at this time.
Written 20 February 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ronak S
Paris, France2,014 contributions
Jun 2018 • Solo
Tour Saint-Jacques, or Tower of Saint James, is one of Paris' most underrated monuments. Renovated recently, and opened to the public in 2013, it offers the best views of Paris, better than the Eiffel Tower, Montparnasse, or Montmartre.
Not many know that the tower is accessible by the public. It is open from June to November 4 each year, and is accessible only by guided visits, which can be booked online at DesMotsEtDesArts or by purchasing a ticket from the kiosk in Square Saint-Jacques. The tower is the only remaining structure of the medieval Church of Saint-Jacques de la Boucherie, which was dismantled and sold during the French Revolution. The tower however, was left standing. It was then renovated during Haussmann's reign as the Prefect of the Seine. Square Saint-Jacques was in fact the first square planned by Haussmann. The tower went a facelift and got many more statues and gargoyles on its facade. It was later sold to many people, including someone who made bullets, and for experiments, before being finally bought by the city of Paris and restored and converted into a monument worth visiting.
The legend of Nicolas Flamel, the famous alchemist is associated with the place, since he was one of the people who paid large sums to build the medieval church, large enough to have a statue of him at the church, a rather unusual event for someone who wasn't a saint or king. The present day street facing the tower is named after him.
The tower has no elevators, you have to climb 300 steps. It does has 2 rest stops on the way. It is accessible only by guided tours, usually not more than 5 people at a time, so is a great place to take all your people-free photos and enjoy the monument. It has some stained glass work inside and many ornamentations outside. On the top, you'll get the best view of Paris, because the tower is located in the heart of the city, is tall but not too tall, so you get everything perfectly - Hôtel de Ville and Centre Georges Pompidou, Conciergerie and Notre Dame, Pantheon and Tour Montparnasse, Eiffel Tower, the Seine River, Montmartre and Sacré Cœur, everything! At the top are 4 huge stone animals representing 4 Saints, and at the top is a statue of Saint Jacques.
Guided tours are usually French, save the one at noon which is in English. The tour lasts 1 hour. If you are a student or someone who gets a discount, you can't get that online, so purchase tickets from the kiosk to avail the discount.
The square in which the tower is located is also nice. It used to have exotic trees during the time of Napoleon III, but now is well shaded and a good place to catch a break.
Closest metro is Hôtel de Ville on Lines 1 and 11, but Châtelet - Les Halles on lines 1, 4, 7, 11, 14 and RER A, B, D is also close.
Not many know that the tower is accessible by the public. It is open from June to November 4 each year, and is accessible only by guided visits, which can be booked online at DesMotsEtDesArts or by purchasing a ticket from the kiosk in Square Saint-Jacques. The tower is the only remaining structure of the medieval Church of Saint-Jacques de la Boucherie, which was dismantled and sold during the French Revolution. The tower however, was left standing. It was then renovated during Haussmann's reign as the Prefect of the Seine. Square Saint-Jacques was in fact the first square planned by Haussmann. The tower went a facelift and got many more statues and gargoyles on its facade. It was later sold to many people, including someone who made bullets, and for experiments, before being finally bought by the city of Paris and restored and converted into a monument worth visiting.
The legend of Nicolas Flamel, the famous alchemist is associated with the place, since he was one of the people who paid large sums to build the medieval church, large enough to have a statue of him at the church, a rather unusual event for someone who wasn't a saint or king. The present day street facing the tower is named after him.
The tower has no elevators, you have to climb 300 steps. It does has 2 rest stops on the way. It is accessible only by guided tours, usually not more than 5 people at a time, so is a great place to take all your people-free photos and enjoy the monument. It has some stained glass work inside and many ornamentations outside. On the top, you'll get the best view of Paris, because the tower is located in the heart of the city, is tall but not too tall, so you get everything perfectly - Hôtel de Ville and Centre Georges Pompidou, Conciergerie and Notre Dame, Pantheon and Tour Montparnasse, Eiffel Tower, the Seine River, Montmartre and Sacré Cœur, everything! At the top are 4 huge stone animals representing 4 Saints, and at the top is a statue of Saint Jacques.
Guided tours are usually French, save the one at noon which is in English. The tour lasts 1 hour. If you are a student or someone who gets a discount, you can't get that online, so purchase tickets from the kiosk to avail the discount.
The square in which the tower is located is also nice. It used to have exotic trees during the time of Napoleon III, but now is well shaded and a good place to catch a break.
Closest metro is Hôtel de Ville on Lines 1 and 11, but Châtelet - Les Halles on lines 1, 4, 7, 11, 14 and RER A, B, D is also close.
Written 24 June 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Eli B
Sydney, Australia3,550 contributions
Aug 2013 • Couples
Sadly, this flamboyant gothic tower located in the 4th arrondissement is all that remains of the former 16th century church of Saint-Jacques the Butcher,which was levelled after le Revolution.
A great place to appreciate this superb white edifice,stand at the Conciergerie and view it alongside the Victory Column of Place du Chatelet. For those short of breath or weak kneed,the dizzying 330 degree vista of Paris from the top,is one of Paris's best kept secret. So keep it under your hat.. Considering its been closed for most of its 500-year history, we were lucky to be here in August climbing the 300 steps up the spiral staircase. Amazing!
The site was the landmark for pilgrims heading for the Santiago de Compostela and an interesting fact,was that the church was bought for the value of its building material,however, the preservation of the tower was a prerequisite written into the contract.. I,for one, am glad its around.
There is a statue of the saint, which was popped on top of the tower in the 1800's. During this time,Rue de Rivoli and Avenue Victoria were constructed. Check out the base of the tower where there is a statue of Pascale,who single- handedly added to our knowledge of atmospheric pressure.. Yes, there is no shortage of gargoyles to keep the purists happy, up there and did you know ,that it was used as a watchtower to spot the capital's deadly fires.
Your nearest Metro station is Chatelet. This attraction is the best 6 euros i have ever spent,considering the bird's eye opportunity it offers. Beating claustrophobia ,is another challenge this edifice offered me. The other attractions that compete for attention are Ile- Saint-Louis,Notre-Dame,Pompidou,Eiffel Tower,monmartre and La Defense. Every monument is seen clearly and with all those rooftops, its like looking at an impressionist painting.
A great place to appreciate this superb white edifice,stand at the Conciergerie and view it alongside the Victory Column of Place du Chatelet. For those short of breath or weak kneed,the dizzying 330 degree vista of Paris from the top,is one of Paris's best kept secret. So keep it under your hat.. Considering its been closed for most of its 500-year history, we were lucky to be here in August climbing the 300 steps up the spiral staircase. Amazing!
The site was the landmark for pilgrims heading for the Santiago de Compostela and an interesting fact,was that the church was bought for the value of its building material,however, the preservation of the tower was a prerequisite written into the contract.. I,for one, am glad its around.
There is a statue of the saint, which was popped on top of the tower in the 1800's. During this time,Rue de Rivoli and Avenue Victoria were constructed. Check out the base of the tower where there is a statue of Pascale,who single- handedly added to our knowledge of atmospheric pressure.. Yes, there is no shortage of gargoyles to keep the purists happy, up there and did you know ,that it was used as a watchtower to spot the capital's deadly fires.
Your nearest Metro station is Chatelet. This attraction is the best 6 euros i have ever spent,considering the bird's eye opportunity it offers. Beating claustrophobia ,is another challenge this edifice offered me. The other attractions that compete for attention are Ile- Saint-Louis,Notre-Dame,Pompidou,Eiffel Tower,monmartre and La Defense. Every monument is seen clearly and with all those rooftops, its like looking at an impressionist painting.
Written 15 October 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ryan Otto Ulrich
370 contributions
Jul 2024 • Solo
Finally found the opportunity to visit Tour Saint-Jacques. The park is terrific - an ideal escape from the din and hum of the surrounding city. Walking through the gates, a gentle quiet descends, and you only hear the breeze, a few stray conversations, birdsong, and your own thoughts. I hadn’t planned on going there that afternoon; I just happened to be walking by and decided to take the time. I'm glad I did.
Written 18 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Barbara W
Paris, France47 contributions
Nov 2017
This is an especially beautiful tower, but there is nothing of interest inside it, so if you can see it from a distance no need to go into the park to visit it unless you're a Saint Jacques buff. I would avoid the park at the moment (2017) because not only is it a hangout for unfortunate individuals with drinking problems, but there are often rats in the underbrush!
Written 10 November 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Can I walk my dog around there?
Written 12 December 2018
Not sure, maybe a little sacreligious.
Written 28 February 2019
can i get the top of the tower in February? someone says it opens only at summer.
Written 24 January 2016
We were there in December, and from what I was able to Guage, it doesn't look like your allowed up weather it be summer or winter. It was definitely shut up pretty well when we were there.
Written 26 August 2016
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