Saint-Jacques Tower, Paris

Saint-Jacques Tower, a Gothic architectural jewel, pierces the sky of the 4th arrondissement of Paris, France. This solitary bell tower, all that remains of the former 16th-century Church of Saint-Jacques-de-la-Boucherie, serves as a historical monument and a beacon for those with a penchant for Parisian history and panoramic views.

The tower stands at 52 meters high and is renowned for its intricate sculptures and flamboyant Gothic features. It was constructed between 1509 and 1523 and later spared from destruction during the French Revolution due to its use as a geographic landmark for French cartographers.

Today, Saint-Jacques Tower is open to the public during specific periods, particularly in the summer months. Visitors can climb the 300 steps to the top, where they are rewarded with a breathtaking 360-degree view of the city, including landmarks such as Notre-Dame, the Pantheon, and, on clear days, the distant silhouette of the Eiffel Tower.

The tower also holds historical significance as the starting point for pilgrims embarking on the Camino de Santiago, the famous pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela in Spain.