Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
hands-on art workshops, afternoon tea, early-evening aperitifs and so on (€6 to €10, reserve
in advance) - add to the playful experience.
MONUMENT
BOURSE DE COMMERCE
At one time the city's grain market, the circular Trade Exchange was capped with a copper
dome in 1811. The murals running along internal walls below the galleries were painted by
five different artists in 1889 and restored in 1998. They represent French trade and industry
through the ages.
TOWER
TOUR JEAN SANS PEUR
2e; adult/7-18yr €5/3;
1.30-6pm Wed-Sun Apr-early Nov, 1.30-6pm Wed, Sat & Sun early Nov-Mar;
Étienne Marcel)
This 29m-high Gothic tower was built during the Hundred Years' War by the Duke of Bour-
gogne so that he could take refuge from his enemies - such as the supporters of the Duke of
Orléans, whom he had assassinated. Part of a splendid mansion in the early 15th century, it
is one of the few examples of feudal military architecture extant in Paris. Climb 140 steps
up the spiral staircase to the top turret (no views).
TOWER
TOUR ST-JACQUES
Just north of place du Châtelet, the Flamboyant Gothic, 54m-high St James Tower is all that
remains of the Église St-Jacques la Boucherie, built by the powerful butchers guild in 1523
as a starting point for pilgrims setting out for the shrine of St James at Santiago de Com-
postela in Spain. Recently restored, it should open to the public in the near future, allowing
visitors to climb 300 stairs up to an expansive panorama.
