We all have this negative image of the Middle Ages, a picture of a dark time when people didn't wash, lost their teeth left and right, and passed on endless fleas. And for good reason: cinema and other media have helped keep this dark and dirty imagery alive, shaping our perception of the medieval period.
However, the Middle Ages are a rich period of 10 centuries, a time when science and arts had their moments of brilliance. To debunk some of these clichés lodged in our heads, the Tour Jean Sans Peur invites us to explore an exciting exhibition that focuses specifically on the theme of hygiene in the medieval era.
The Largest Medieval Tower in Paris
Located in the heart of Paris, on rue Étienne-Marcel, the Tour Jean Sans Peur is a true architectural testimony of medieval Paris, and is one of the last remnants of the grand palace of the Dukes of Burgundy, who played a significant role in the 15th century. The building bears the name of Jean I of Burgundy, known as "Jean Sans Peur", an influential duke at court, who was responsible for the assassination of the king's brother in 1407, thus contributing to the destabilization of the Kingdom of France and leading it into civil war.
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The tower is now open for visits and holds a grand ceremonial staircase inside, beautifully adorned with sculptures of oak, hops, and hawthorn. It has been a living space largely unchanged for over six centuries, and this year celebrates 25 years of opening to the public.
The exhibition that sets the record straight on hygiene in the Middle Ages
The Tour Jean Sans Peur highlights this historical period that is still quite misunderstood and uncovers some historical truths with a new exhibition focused on hygiene in the Middle Ages, opening on March 12th. Through illuminations, paintings, and period artworks, the exhibition showcases a variety of sanitary and aesthetic practices of the time, divided into six themes: water supply, waste management, personal cleanliness, baths, latrines, and hygiene medicine. Because contrary to...about the received ideas, the population of the time took care of their bodies, despite the difficult living conditions.
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To accompany the exhibition, the Tour Jean Sans Peur is planning an exciting lineup, featuring conferences, concerts, dance, creepy puppets, and a journey through medieval Paris starting from Notre-Dame. The full schedule will be published at the beginning of the expo on March 12th!
Hygiene in the Middle Ages
Tour Jean Sans Peur
20, rue Étienne-Marcel – 2nd
From March 12 to December 28, 2025
More info