Tour Saint-Jacques

The last remaining vestige of the Church of Saint-Jacques-la-Boucherie, constructed in the 16th century and destroyed during the French Revolution, the St James Tower is an architectural gem of a flamboyant Gothic style. The starting point for the ancient pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela, the church drew its name from its original location in Paris’ butchers guild district.

Major fashion brands have long replaced the butcher shops, and in their midst, the St James Tower represents a medieval incongruity well-deserving of a detour. At the foot of the tower, enjoy the garden in the small square built in 1856, and get a closer look at the impressive gargoyles and statues of saints, the delicate, stained glass windows and exquisitely carved patterns decorating the façade of the tower. Have fun finding the hidden symbols of the four Evangelists.

Secrets and mysteries of the Tour Saint-Jacques

Numerous legends have shaped the tower’s mysterious allure over the centuries, and every year from May to November the company, MagmaCultura, shares some of those secrets in guided tours of this memento of medieval Paris.

Give it your all, and climb to the top of the tower’s 300 steps! From its summit, 54 meters above ground, Paris spreads out before you, offering an unrestricted panorama taking in the Sacré-Coeur, the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame.

Discover the Tour Saint-Jacques through one of the treasure hunts in the Paris Region Adventures application specially designed for families and downloadable free of charge.