Tour de Sassenage, Grenoble Travel Guide

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Explore Grenoble's medieval past at the Tour de Sassenage, a historic watchtower near the Notre-Dame Cathedral.

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Tour de Sassenage

The Tour de Sassenage, a medieval watchtower, stands in Grenoble near the Notre-Dame Cathedral. Built in 1268, the 22-meter tower features a masonry base and pink brick upper section, offering a glimpse into the city's medieval past.

A brief summary to Tour de Sassenage

Grenoble, 38000, FR

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Tour de Sassenage.

Visit the nearby Notre-Dame Cathedral to see other examples of medieval architecture in Grenoble.
Explore the old town surrounding the tower for a glimpse into Grenoble's history.
Take photos of the tower's unique pink brick exterior, a hallmark of 12th-century Grenoble architecture.

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Getting There

Walking

The Tour de Sassenage is located in the heart of Grenoble, near the Notre-Dame Cathedral. From the cathedral, walk north on Rue Saint-Hugues, then turn right onto Rue du Pont Saint-Jaime. The tower will be on your left. The walk is short and easy.
Public Transport

The nearest tram stop is 'Cathédrale-Musée'. From the tram stop, walk north on Rue Saint-Hugues, then turn right onto Rue du Pont Saint-Jaime. The tower will be on your left. A single tram ticket costs €1.67 and is valid for one hour.

Discover more about Tour de Sassenage

The Tour de Sassenage, formerly known as the Tour du Verdaret, is a 22-meter-high medieval watchtower located on Rue du Pont-Saint-Jaime in one of Grenoble's oldest neighborhoods, near the Notre-Dame Cathedral. Constructed in 1268, the tower's base is made of masonry, while the rest of the structure is built from pink bricks, a material also found in other 12th-century buildings in Grenoble, such as the Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Évêché.The Tour de Sassenage is a testament to the fragmented nature of seigniorial power in the city during the Middle Ages. These types of towers, with their vénerie status, signified the presence of lords within the city, each capable of monitoring activities and levying taxes. The Tour de Sassenage belonged to the Chaulnais family, one of the most prominent families in Grenoble during the 12th and 13th centuries.Today, the Tour de Sassenage stands as a historical landmark, inviting visitors to step back in time and imagine the medieval world of Grenoble. While it may not be open for interior visits, its imposing presence and architectural details offer a tangible connection to the city's rich past.