Saint-Jean Tower

This tower, built in the 12th century, was added to the Saint-Germain Abbey next door to replace an older tower constructed a century earlier.

The abbey was rebuilt later, making the Saint-Jean Tower the only surviving part of the original abbey that once stood here.

Standing 51 meters tall, it’s one of the tallest structures in the city, after the Saint-Étienne Cathedral and Saint-Pierre Church. This impressive medieval relic adds an extra layer of charm to the abbey behind it. Originally part of the abbey’s façade, the bell tower retained its Romanesque design until it was rebuilt in 1812.

The tower boasts a striking octagonal spire and showcases traditional Romanesque elements like pearls, capitals, and sculptures with plant and animal motifs.

Its design was inspired by the bell tower of Chartres Cathedral, but the Saint-Jean Tower has since influenced other bell towers in the region.