Reopening of the Jean-Sans-Peur Tower in Paris

There are places full of history in Paris: the Jean sans Peur Tower is one of them. Closed because of the coronavirus like all the places of the capital, this historical monument reopens its doors on July 11, 2020.

Barrier gestures are essential: wearing a mask, physical distance greater than 1m and hand washing at the entrance of the place with hydroalcoholic gel. Attendance is limited to 15 people at a time in the circuit.

Built in three years, from 1409 to 1411, by John ^I of Burgundy, known as " John the Fearless ", this fortification tower was intended to assert his power in the capital after an offensive by the Duke of Orleans.

Preserved from destruction over the centuries, the Jean sans Peur tower was rediscovered in 1866 during work in the city. It was quickly classified as a historical monument and restored in 1891.

It contains unique architectural elements, such as a magnificent staircase vault with exceptional plant decoration. Hop, oak and hawthorn, plants that symbolize respectively John the Fearless, his father Philip the Bold and his mother Margaret of Flanders. Another interesting element: The throne of John the Fearless and the meeting room.

• To be read
• What to visit in Paris this summer 2023? Discover the top monuments not to be missed!
• Post-lockdown exhibition: New Beginnings at the Montparnasse Tower Top of the City
• The Saint-Jacques Tower and its sublime view of Paris opens to the public this summer

If the Tower of John the Fearless is not very well furnished, it remains a very beautiful architectural element to discover. Moreover, the tower often offers small exhibitions to learn more about life in the Middle Ages.

For its reopening, from July 11, 2020 to the end of August 2020, we go to the discovery of the arts of the table. We learn that the table is not a fixed element but rather an element mounted on trestles at each meal, hence the expression "to set the table" or "to dress the table". Also, the seats are all different, and a certain hierarchy is made, the high-backed chairs being reserved for the most prestigious guests.

Treatises of good manners were written at this time and insisted on not encroaching on the space of one's neighbor and on paying homage to the host even if the dishes were overcooked or too salty. It states that the number of dishes served will not be the same depending on the location on the table, with the guests of honor having the privilege of seeing all the dishes in front of him.

Note the new opening hours: Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday 1:30 pm - 6 pm

A very nice discovery to make with your family.