Tower of Babotte, Montpellier

The Tower of Babotte, a striking remnant of Montpellier's 12th-century fortifications, stands as a testament to the city’s rich history and scientific heritage. Originally constructed as part of the Medieval walls surrounding the L’Ecusson district, the tower was repurposed in 1745 when the States of Languedoc established an observatory on its foundation. The building quickly became a hub for scientific exploration, under the auspices of the Academy of Sciences and later the Royal Society of Sciences.

One of the more intriguing stories associated with the tower is that of Sébastien Lenormand, the supposed inventor of the parachute. Legend has it that on December 26, 1783, he tested his invention by leaping from the top of the Tower of Babotte—a bold act that captured the public’s imagination and remains part of the site’s lore.

In 1832, the tower shifted from its astronomical role and was taken over by the telegraph department. Today, the Tower of Babotte is home to the Federation of Popular Amateur Astronomy, continuing its legacy as a place for stargazing and scientific inquiry.

Standing at 26 meters tall, the tower offers a unique vantage point over Montpellier’s historical center, with views of landmarks such as the Triumphal Arch, Saint Peter’s Cathedral, and the modern Arbre Blanc building. As one of the two surviving towers from the original city walls, it is an essential piece of Montpellier’s architectural and cultural landscape, open to visitors who wish to explore its storied past and gaze at the stars through guided tours like “The Tower of Babotte: Higher Towards the Stars.”