The Tour Jean-sans-Peur, a medieval treasure in Paris

There are places in Paris steeped in history: the Tour Jean sans Peur is one of them. Entering the Tour Jean-sans-Peur, located in the heart of Paris, you're instantly transported six centuries back in time. Open throughout July, including the 14th, from 1.30 pm to 6 pm, this medieval tower invites visitors to discover the fascinating history of the Dukes of Burgundy and the daily life of the period.

This architectural treasure, the last vestige of the Parisian palace of the Dukes of Burgundy, tells the story of centuries of history. The Tour Jean-sans-Peur, built in 1409, stands proudly, harboring the mysteries of medieval life. When you step inside, you don't just gain access to a monument, but a truly immersive experience.

From its narrow façade to the sumptuous staircase topped by a plant canopy symbolizing the family tree of John the Fearless, every element of the tower is a treasure to be explored. Discover its astonishing central staircase and the secrets of its construction, from the choice of materials to the engraved details that reveal the ambitions and power of its owners.

At the time, the tower was part of the fortified ramparts of medieval Paris. You'll be amazed to discover how the tower provided strategic access for John the Fearless, enabling him to avoid the crowded streets.

It is also amazing to see how functional and modern the tower was for its time:

• Rooms spread across five floors
• Chambers furnished with fireplaces
• Narrow windows with stained glass
• Privies equipped with a drainage system
• Heating system
   

This edifice, narrowly saved from destruction, is now a dynamic museum where you can (re)learn about medieval history. Preserved from destruction over the centuries, the Tour Jean sans Peur was rediscovered in 1866 during work in the town. It was soon classified as a historic monument and restored in 1891.

Thanks to a playful itinerary, young and old alike can immerse themselves in this fascinating period. Children can enjoy a game trail with riddles to decipher, and all visitors can admire custom-made objects and reconstructions of medieval settings.

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Don't miss the temporary exhibitions open until September 10, 2023:

• "Health in the Middle Ages"
  What were contemporary perceptions of the human body during the Middle Ages? On what theoretical bases did medical practices of the time rely? What procedures and ingredients were employed to create remedies? How did a medical consultation unfold? Was anesthesia in use? What ailments were most commonly encountered? Exploring six key areas—foundations of health, medical interventions, public health, diseases, practitioners’ tools, and surgery—this exhibition, featuring nearly a hundred documents, invites visitors to immerse themselves in the roles of doctors and patients in medieval Western Europe.
  
• "Kids and Poppets", on childhood in 19th-century Paris
  Regarded as an era marked by melancholy, enforced labor, and venereal diseases, the 19th century nonetheless saw significant progress. Building on its exhibition "Youth in the Middle Ages," the Tower of Jean Sans Peur takes visitors into the century of industrial revolutions—an era bustling with change due to rural exodus and demographic shifts—from the lively "poupard," a noisy, eager infant, to the wandering older "gamin." Using your oil lantern, follow the walls of the tower to briefly illuminate archives, lithographs, paintings, and photographs; climb endlessly up the stone spiral staircase and lose yourself in the winding corridors of history…

Practical information:

A tour of the tower's five levels, including two temporary exhibitions and access to the garden, takes around 1h30. Reservations are essential for groups, while individuals can visit the tower on a self-guided basis or during a guided tour at 3pm on Sundays (please arrive at 2:30pm to reserve your place).

As for children, they're not to be outdone. For 4-6 year-olds and 7-12 year-olds, a game trail is available for family visits. Allow around 1 hour for a 6-year-old and 1.5 hours for a child over 7. What's more, the opportunity to enjoy a snack in the small garden, as well as a reading and play area on the first floor, makes the visit even more enjoyable for the little ones.

In conclusion, the Tour Jean-sans-Peur is a fantastic escape back in time, in the heart of medieval Paris, where history, architecture and culture mingle. It's a hidden gem that deserves to be discovered and shared. A wonderful discovery for the whole family.

To Discover:

Medieval Fashion: an exhibition exploring medieval dress at the John the Fearless Tower
At the Tour Jean Sans Peur, medieval life unfolds in the exhibition "La mode au Moyen Âge," on view until March 7, 2027. As the last remaining relic of the Palais parisien des Ducs de Bourgogne, the venue provides a striking setting to explore medieval dress, from silhouettes and accessories to social codes, all enhanced by a rich program of activities and events tied to the exhibition. [Read more]

Please note that it's been over 4 years since our last visit, so the place and experience may have changed.