Famous Towers in France

Famous Towers in France

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In addition to boasting many examples of natural beauty, France is also famous for its architecture. There is no better example of this than the Eiffel Tower, which is a structure that for many has become synonymous with the country itself. What many may not realize is that there are a number of famous towers in France that attract large numbers of tourists each year. These towers are located all over the country.

The Eiffel Tower

The most famous and recognized tower in all of France is the Eiffel Tower. Constructed in the 19th century, it is located in the heart of Paris along the Champ de Mars (a large, heavily populated open area). It is made entirely of iron and bosts a recognizable lattice design. The Eiffel Tower boasts not only the honor of being the most visited monument in the world, but it is also the tallest building in the city of Paris. Originally constructed to mark the opening of the World's Fair in 1889, the Eiffel Tower is now home to millions of visitors each year.

Saint-Jacques Tower

Another famous tower in France is the Saint-Jacques Tower. The tower was built in conjunction with the Church of Saint Jacques-la-Boucherie, but the church has been long since demolished and the tower is all that remains. The tower is 52 meters (156 feet) tall and features a Gothic design. Due to its association with Saint Jacques (translated as "Saint James of the Butcher"), the nearby Les Halles market features a number of wholesale butchers specializing in various types of meat. A statue of Saint Jacques is located at the very top of the tower. The tower was officially classified as a historical monument by the city of Paris in 1836.

Belvedere Tower

The Belvedere Tower is another famous tower in France. It is 20 meters tall (60 feet) and located in Alsace, France. The tower itself was actually built on the Belvedere mountain, which is how the tower got its name. Though they were designed by different architects, the Belvedere Tower bears a heavy resemblance to the Eiffel Tower.

Article Written By Stephen Lilley

Stephen Lilley is a freelance writer who hopes to one day make a career writing for film and television. His articles have appeared on a variety of websites. Lilley holds a Bachelor of Arts in film and video production from the University of Toledo in Ohio.

Write for Trails.com
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