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Square of Saint-Jacques Tower: A Gothic Sanctuary in the Heart of Paris

Discover Parisian history at the Square of Saint-Jacques Tower, a peaceful garden featuring a striking Gothic tower with panoramic city views.

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The Square of Saint-Jacques Tower is a charming green space in the heart of Paris, featuring the striking Saint-Jacques Tower, the sole remnant of the 16th-century Church of Saint-Jacques-de-la-Boucherie. It offers a tranquil escape amidst the bustling city, surrounded by gardens and historical significance.

A brief summary to Square of Saint-Jacques Tower

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon for a quieter experience and better lighting for photographs.
  • Check the opening dates and book in advance if you wish to climb the tower, as access is only available via guided tours during specific periods.
  • Take a stroll through the nearby Le Marais district or visit the Notre-Dame Cathedral, both within walking distance.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    The Square of Saint-Jacques Tower is easily accessible via the Paris Métro. Take lines 1, 4, 7, 11 or 14 to the Châtelet station, which is a short walk to the square. Alternatively, you can take Metro lines 1 or 11 to Hôtel de Ville station and walk along Rue de Rivoli. A single metro ticket costs €2.50.

  • Walking

    If you are already in central Paris, walking to the Square of Saint-Jacques Tower is a pleasant option. The square is located on Rue de Rivoli, a short distance from popular attractions like the Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Seine River. Simply follow Rue de Rivoli, and you will find the square at number 39. Allow approximately 15-20 minutes to walk from Notre-Dame.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are readily available in Paris. Simply input '39 Rue de Rivoli, 75004 Paris' as your destination. A short taxi ride from a nearby location such as the Eiffel Tower will cost approximately €11-€14 and take around 11 minutes. Keep in mind that taxi fares in Paris start at €8, with additional charges per kilometer.

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Discover more about Square of Saint-Jacques Tower

Nestled in the 4th arrondissement, the Square of Saint-Jacques Tower provides a serene oasis amidst the vibrant Parisian atmosphere. The square's centerpiece is the Tour Saint-Jacques, a 52-meter Flamboyant Gothic tower, which is the only vestige of the former Church of Saint-Jacques-de-la-Boucherie. Originally built between 1509 and 1523, the church and its tower served as an important pilgrimage site, marking the starting point of the French pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela. The church was destroyed in 1797 during the French Revolution, but the tower was spared. In 1836, the City of Paris acquired the tower and transformed the surrounding area into a public square. The square provides a peaceful retreat with manicured gardens, benches, and winding paths. Visitors can admire the tower's intricate stonework, including gargoyles, statues of the evangelists, and a prominent statue of St. James. A statue of Blaise Pascal commemorates the scientist's experiments on atmospheric pressure, which some accounts claim were conducted at or near the tower. The tower underwent extensive restoration between 2006 and 2013 to preserve its architectural heritage. Today, visitors can climb the 300 steps to the top of the tower for panoramic views of Paris, but only as part of a guided tour that is available during certain months. The square itself is open daily and provides a tranquil space to relax and appreciate this historic landmark.

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