A quirky\u00a0relic of medieval\u00a0Paris\u00a0still considered one of the most dangerous places to visit in the city is enjoying a new lease of life thanks to the Notre Dame Cathedral fire.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Hundreds of British tourists are among those on a waiting list to go up the Saint-Jacques Tower \u2013 the sole remains of a church that was otherwise demolished during the 1789 Revolution.<\/p>\n
Following the blaze that almost destroyed Notre Dame in April, Saint-Jacques has become the tallest bell tower in the city that is open to the public.\u00a0<\/p>\n
This makes it the best vantage point in the heart of the historic capital for a bird\u2019s eye of view national treasures below, but because of the dangers involved only 17 people can go up at a time.<\/p>\n
Potential dangers include 300 slippery stone steps, limited handrails, a gloomy and claustrophobic spiral staircase, and a sheer drop of 171ft (52 meters) from a small zinc roof space.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThere are great risks involved, and that\u2019s why every party has to be accompanied by a security manager,\u201d said Laure Benacin, of the Mots et des Arts (Words & Arts) company that now organises visits.<\/p>\n
\u201cDespite this, there is huge interest in the tower, with enquiries coming from all over the world, including many from Britain.\u201d<\/p>\n