Iconic sights aren’t hard to come by in Paris. But if you’re interested in getting beneath the surface and discovering Medieval Paris off-the-beaten-path, pay a visit to the tallest medieval civil tower in Paris, the ‘Tour Jean-Sans-Peur’.
Here’s my quick guide to the Tour Jean-Sans-Peur.
Little History
Initially, the site was the first residence of the Counts of Artois. The original hôtel particulier, the “Hôtel of Artois”, was built by Robert of Artois, in 1270. Then, in 1369, the Hôtel passed to the Burgundy family when Philip the Bold, Duke of Burgundy, married the Countess of Artois.
In 1404, after Philip the Bold’s death, the hotel became the residence of Jean de Bourgogne, known as Jean Sans Peur (John the Fearless), the King’s cousin and new Duke of Burgundy. In 1407, Jean Sans Peur had the King’s brother, the Duke of Orleans, murdered. This led to a terrible war between the Armagnacs and the Burgundians. Fearing for his life, Jean Sans Peur built a fortified residence attached to a tower (the actual “Jean Sans Peur Tower”) as a stronghold to protect him. His bedroom was located at the top of the tower.
Eventually, in 1419, Jean Sans Peur was murdered by the Armagnacs, far from his tower.
The hôtel occupied about 1 hectare of land. Today, the only vestige left of the Hôtel de Bourgogne is the ‘Tower Jean Sans Peur’.
Why visit?
• First of all, this site is completely off-the-beaten-path. I don’t think many Parisians know about this tower. If you want to visit a secret place in Paris, this is it.
• The Tour Jean-Sans-Peur (John the Fearless’ Tower) is all that’s left of the Hôtel de Bourgogne, former residence of the wealthy Dukes of Burgundy. This visit will give you a taste of Medieval Paris and the life of the Parisian nobility.
• John the Fearless’ Tower is the tallest medieval civil tower in Paris.
• The Tower has two particular interesting features: the latrines, which are the oldest toilets in Paris, and a unique beautiful vaulted ceiling.
• The Tower holds regularly exhibitions on life during the Middle Ages (when I visited the Tour Jean Sans Peur, the exhibition was about the “Crimes and Justice in the Middle Ages”).
• The site is very well located (2nd arrondissement in the heart of Paris, near Rue Montorgueil) and the visit is quite short (maximum 1 hour), so it allows you to visit other attractions nearby as well (including the quartier des Halles – Montorgueil, the Jardin des Tuileries, the Palais-Royal and the Marais).
Price? 6€. Free for children up to 6 years old.
Where? In the 2nd Arrondissement – The entrance is located at 20, rue Etienne Marcel.
Access? Etienne Marcel station (Metro 4) or RER A, B and D (Les Halles station) or Bus 29.
When? Wednesdays to Sundays from 1:30pm to 6:00pm.
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