Tour Jean-sans-Peur

In the lively quartier des Halles, nestled in the heart of rue Etienne Marcel, hides an exceptional monument, one of the last witnesses of medieval architecture in Paris: the Jean sans Peur tower. Last vestige of the palace of the Dukes of Burgundy (1409 - 1411), 27 metres high, it is the highest medieval civil tower visible in Paris, representative in its architecture of the great princely residences of the time.

Accessible on its five levels up to the roof structure, the interior of the building classified as a Historic Monument contains exceptional architectural elements, including a fabulous screw staircase overhung by a vault with a vegetal decoration, one of the masterpieces of 15th century French sculpture. The various reconstructions (furniture, costumes, decoration, stained glass windows) recall the comfort and decoration of a stately residence. Two high rooms, known as the Squire’s Room and the Room of Jean sans Peur (John the Fearless), are a precious testimony to this practically unchanged living space. Very luminous, they each possess a pit latrine, the oldest in Paris and an exceptional comfort for the time. On the outside gallery, you can discover the civil and religious vestiges of medieval Paris.

The monument also offers a cycle of temporary exhibitions on medieval daily life and the unusual Parisian heritage.

https://www.visitparisregion.com/en/tower-of-jean-sans-peur

Photo: MOSSOT