Tour du Doyenné, Medieval fortified tower in central Chalon-sur-Saône, France.
The Tour du Doyenné is a medieval stone structure built with thick walls and an internal spiral staircase. The staircase linked various floors of the cathedral dean's residence together.
The tower dates from the 16th century and was dismantled in 1907 to be sold in Paris. American art collector Franck Jay Gould purchased it after World War I and donated it back to the city.
The tower reflects how church officials once lived close to the cathedral in the medieval period. Its presence in the cityscape shows the relationship between religious authority and daily urban life.
The tower sits on Quai Jules Chambion and is easy to reach by walking through the city center. You can view it from the outside year-round without any special access required.
The structure was completely taken apart and transported to Paris as a work of art before being reassembled. This journey made it one of the few medieval buildings to leave its original city and return home.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
