Île de la Cité
Île de la Cité
4.5
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The area
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Neighbourhood: Ile de la Cité / Ile Saint-Louis
Two islands sit in the middle of the Seine at the very heart of Paris. The more majestic one, Ile de la Cité, sparkles with history. This is the birthplace of Paris, the home of the Gothic Sainte-Chapelle, and the site of the prison where Marie Antoinette was held before her execution. Tourists flock to see the iconic Notre Dame and the beautiful bridges that straddle the Seine. Ile Saint-Louis, the more provincial island, welcomes you with cozy traditional eateries, small boutiques, and what some people say is the best ice cream in the city. This is essential Paris from its very beginnings to its modern appeal.
How to get there
- Cité • 2 min walk
- St-Michel – Notre-Dame • 4 min walk
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
5,332 reviews
Excellent
3,397
Very good
1,674
Average
230
Poor
24
Terrible
8
Neil K
Liverpool, UK6,18,857 contributions
Jun 2023 • Friends
There are two little islands in the middle of the River Seine Île Saint Louis and Île De La Cité both amazing islands to visit with Île De La Cité probably the most famous ,certainly the most visited .
Île De La Cité ( City Island ) is such a great place to visit ,my twin brother Stephen and I had just enjoyed beers in Le Mistral and we then decided to walk over Pont Au Change onto the Île De La Cité,love it here ,the architecture is amazing ,the Conciergerie,Palais De Justice De Paris,Tour De L'Horloge Du Palais De La Cité, Profecture De Police ,Sainte Chappelle and of course Cathedrale Notre Dame De Paris,a landmark building on the island .
We wandered around this island in the centre of the River Seine , dropped into a couple of cafe bars to enjoy some beers ,all in all it's a great area of the city to enjoy of you're planning a holiday go Paris.
Île De La Cité ( City Island ) is such a great place to visit ,my twin brother Stephen and I had just enjoyed beers in Le Mistral and we then decided to walk over Pont Au Change onto the Île De La Cité,love it here ,the architecture is amazing ,the Conciergerie,Palais De Justice De Paris,Tour De L'Horloge Du Palais De La Cité, Profecture De Police ,Sainte Chappelle and of course Cathedrale Notre Dame De Paris,a landmark building on the island .
We wandered around this island in the centre of the River Seine , dropped into a couple of cafe bars to enjoy some beers ,all in all it's a great area of the city to enjoy of you're planning a holiday go Paris.
Written 11 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Angelo Z
Evant, TX281 contributions
May 2023
Notre Dame and Sainte Chapelle are reasons enough to visit IIe de la Cite but delve a little deeper. This is the historical center of Paris, The palace of Justice, the flower market, shops, bars, restaurants, a nice little square and Pont Neuf. So much to enjoy. .
Written 9 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Traveler O
Washington DC, DC1,001 contributions
Dec 2022
This is the historical center of Paris, but with the exception of the Palais de Justice between Sainte Chapelle and the Conciergerie, it's now mostly a small island with mostly tourist attractions-all historic though. Best to take at least a day or two if you really want to explore it. There are the bridges, Notre Dame, Sainte Chapelle, and the Conciergerie - all of which are must-sees. Best to get combination tickets for Sainte Chapelle and Conciergerie. Notre Dame can be seen from the outside and will hopefully open in the spring of 2024 before the Olympics begin.
Best to take the metro, bus, or a taxi to get here as driving here on your own makes no sense, unless you have access to private parking as it's very limited.
Best to take the metro, bus, or a taxi to get here as driving here on your own makes no sense, unless you have access to private parking as it's very limited.
Written 6 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vadim
Murmansk, Russia26,557 contributions
Aug 2022
The location of the island of Cite is such that a city could not have arisen around. an island in the middle of the river is an ideal place to hide from invaders, robbers and other enemies. Therefore, Cite is the cradle of the city. True, a burnt-out cradle... The only problem is that apart from Notre Dame de Paris, only the oldest prison in Paris, the Conciergerie Castle and the Sainte-Chapelle, built in 1245-1248, remained from medieval buildings here. With Notre Dame, sung by Hugo, restored by Violette-Le-Duc and burned under Macron, everything is clear. A fence, a photo of a fire on it and unclear prospects for opening, despite generous donations from global concerns and local nouveau riche. A symbol of France, which has become its shame. The Conciergerie Castle is famous for the oldest operating city clock (more than 600 years old) and its prisoner, Marie Antoinette. The one who, in response to the message that the French poor have no bread, advised them to eat cakes. The Sans-Culottes did not appreciate the Austrian humor (she was the daughter of Maria Theresa) and sent Marie Antoinette to the guillotine six months after her husband Louis XVI. The Queen's chamber is the main attraction of the Conciergerie, although Charlotte Corday, who killed Marat in the bathtub, the chemist Lavoisier and the leaders of the Jacobins Danton and Robespierre, went to the guillotine from here. in general, so-so attraction. Opposite the Sainte-Chapelle is a masterpiece of French high Gothic. 70% authentic. Unfortunately, not only you will know about this, so get ready for queues. there is nothing else medieval on the island. Pompous Palais de Justice, built in the XIX century on the site of the old royal palace. The western part of the island boasts the place Dauphine and the monument to Henry IV. A copy, the original was broken during the revolution. The pretty square du Vert-Galant is located behind the monument. The epithet in the title - "gallant" - refers to the same Huguenot Henry IV, a famous womanizer, but at the same time the most sympathetic of the French kings. But the kindest pope left a mark on the eastern part of the island in the square of John XXIII. You will be surprised, but the bronze pope who looks at Rive Gauche is not him, but the Pole John Paul II. Why is that? There are a lot of oddities in Paris... Next to the square there is a semi-underground Deportation Memorial, a monument to 200,000 Frenchmen sent to German concentration camps.
Written 15 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MidwestKathM
Detroit, MI910 contributions
Sep 2022
We always stay within blocks of the Ile de la Cite while visiting Paris so have walked around and across it many times in the course of a single visit. Home to the Notre Dame cathedral, Saint Chapelle, and the Palais de Justice. Walk through the Place Dauphine. Visit the flower and bird markets. Enjoy some time in or around the Square du Vert Galant accessible via the Pont Neuf! Nice view of the sunset over the Seine from here! Easily could spend a whole day here...or see a site and return another day for more.
Written 1 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Herbert C
819 contributions
Oct 2022 • Couples
One of the two islands sitting on the Seine River, the Ile de la Cite is the birthplace of Paris, and little wonder that you will be surrounded by many historic buildings and structures dotting the island - most notably the Notre Dame Cathedral, Ste-Chapelle, Conciergerie and the Pont Neuf bridge. Some of these buildings date back to 13th century. The best way to immerse yourself in such history is to stroll the island. Don’t forget to sit at the scenic point on the western tip of the island (Saule Pleureur de la Pointe) as you while your day away watching the Seine flow along both sides of you. C’est la vie!
Written 9 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stewy C
Brampton, Ontario, Canada86 contributions
Jun 2022
The Île de la Cité looks spectacular from afar, and lots to see and do there ... Sainte-Chapelle, Concergerie, Palais de Justice, Notre-Dame de Paris, Archeological Museum. Quite nice to stroll around as well.
Written 6 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TheShis
Tel Aviv, Israel39,605 contributions
Mar 2022
This lovely island is the home to the famous (and not burnt) Notre Dame cathedral.
Other than that, the island on the Seine river is great for a 2-hour stroll.
Other than that, the island on the Seine river is great for a 2-hour stroll.
Written 1 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mrt1955
Healdsburg, CA947 contributions
Mar 2022 • Couples
Amazing to have Notre Dame and Saint-Chappele so near to each other...the downside now is Notre Dame is being repaired and you have to have an online purchase only ticket to get through the military guard lines around the Saint- Chappele
Plan ahead and you'll do just fine
Plan ahead and you'll do just fine
Written 30 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thomas V
Oakland, CA16,403 contributions
Sep 2021
This was where the city was founded in Roman times, although the Romans built most of their structures over on the left bank. But in medieval times this was the defenseable space. Lots of monuments here especially Notre Dame and Hotel Dieu. Don't miss Place Dauphine.
Written 25 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Martie-Ada T
Tallahassee, FL
Beside the Eiffel Tower and the Love what other sites do you suggest I visit when coming to Paris?
MidwestKathM
Detroit, MI910 contributions
Depends on your interests. If you enjoy art, I recommend the Musee d'Orsay since it highlights French art of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. If you enjoy history, the Musee de la Carnavalet is a wonderful look at Parisian history. Strolling the streets of Montmartre is enjoyable; visit the Musee de Montmarte to learn about the area and the artists who lived there. Walking is a great way to enjoy Paris. Start at the Arc de Triomphe, walk down the Champs Elysees to the Place de la Concorde, through the Tuileries Gardens, to the Place du Pyramide outside Le Louvre. VIsit the Place de Vosges in the Marais district. Enjoy the Luxembourg Gardens. Walk through the Latin Quarter filled with restaurants and places to enjoy live music. Be sure to check out all of these sites here in TripAdvisor for recommendations. And go to the museum websites for more information. Timed tickets are the way to go! Good luck with your tour prep! And enjoy your time in Paris.
Hi :)
Does anyone know if we can visit the square in front of Notre Dame or is the bridge still closed off? We are going at the end of February.
Thanks!
delilah62
Northern Virginia, VA294 contributions
We were there last May and the fire was only a month old so I am not up on whether they have opened the square. Maybe some recent pics of Notre Dame would show it OR you could write a travel bureau to find out.
GoPlaces56540708831
Manhasset, NY
Littlestatueonendoflittleislandinseine has
rcarp626
Christiansted, St. Croix552 contributions
Not I’ll de la cite ; rather it is between the 15th and 16th arr. Small but walkable little isle in the middle of the River, south of Eiffel Tower.
TravellingCouple
Fairfax, IA156 contributions
Whats the current situation on Ile de la Cite? I know Notre Dame is closed (and probably the crypt), but are the other attractions on the island accessible? (Sainte Chapelle, bridges, etc).
milliesmum2016
Christchurch, New Zealand1,811 contributions
I was there until 11 May and the ND half of L'Ile is cordoned off but Sainte Chapelle and all around that area was open for business as usual. You can get a very good view of Notre Dame from the river on a cruise boat or Batobus. The work continues apace. And the river banks and Quais , of course, afford very goof close vantage points. I think you can go quite close behind the Cathedral and see the little garden but not enter it. Bridges are all in operation, I think.
@ndre@
milano483 contributions
Come si fa a eliminare sta coppia di coglioni mitomani ed esibizionisti che appare in ogni foto???
Joel Barish
Montauk, NY1,495 contributions
Ahahahahahahah
Meg S
Little River, SC1 contribution
I'm thinking we well download Rick Stevens audio guide but where is the starting point? Norte Dame?
pumpkinj2017
Short Hills, NJ256 contributions
I would recommend starting at Notre Dame, regardless. There is also a café across from the plaza if you want to sit and wait for someone or have an early croissant and coffee.
Dorothy B
Palm Springs, CA16 contributions
Does the hop on hop off bus stop neaarby . . . . what else is around here? Merci
harry c
Sebastian, FL65 contributions
There's lots on Ile de la CIte, The medieval palace (le Conciergerie), Louis IX (St Louis) chapel (1226-1270) with beautiful stained glass (St Chapelle) next to le Concergerie both in the center of Ile de la Cite. On the west end of the iland is Square du Vert Gallant built by King Henry IV (1590-1610 ish) who also built Pont Neuf (New Bridge) which is now the oldest bridge in Paris. There is a statue of King Henry IV, the Vert Gallant, in the park. It's a great photo spot from the peak of the ile looking over the Seine towards Pont des Arts foot bridge down stream over the Seine. On the east end of the ile is Notre Dame cathedral. Directly in front of Notre Dame is a small block that says "0,0" meaning it is the point from which all points in France are measured. Also in front of Notre Dame next to the Seine on the Left Bank side is a statue of Charlemagne, King of the Franks circa 800. Connecting Ile de la Cite with Ile St Louis is a nice little bridge with cafes on the Ile St Louis side. Lots of street entertainers on the bridge. Ile St louis was created from 2 islands in around 1600 by King Henry IV. The shops and streets were part Henry's "urbanization" projects at the time. He was the only protestant King of France. He was also assassinated by an extreme Catholic in 1610. It was the period of France's religious wars. Both islands are worth a leisure day full of beauty and history.
Dorothy B
Palm Springs, CA16 contributions
...so no more putting locks on the bridge,but there are gates right there to put them on,right? Did you take a pic of the gates I can see, pls? What else is there to do right around there? Merci
Tamim H
Marietta, GA16 contributions
They removed all padlocks on the metal/wood footbridges but there’s still panels to use on other stone bridges. Sorry I didn’t take any pics of the locks. You may want to look into getting tickets for an evening classic concert in the Sainte Chapelle -it’s a fabulous jewel of a chapel built in 1248 originally to house the crown of thorns, but it is worth a visit in daytime as well. On the other side of the island you can visit the Conciergerie where Marie Antoinette was held during the revolution before she was beheaded. If you like exotic flowers try the marché aux fleurs with birds also on Sundays, it is located between Notre Dame and the Sainte Chapelle.
Beth
Worthing, UK60 contributions
Can you still put a lock on the love lock bridge in Paris? If not is there other bridges you can do it?
Daoni Nguyen
Hanoi, Vietnam161 contributions
No you can't put love locks on Pont des Arts anymore, in fact they removed them all. But you can try Pont Bir-Hakeim or some bridges aroumd Île de la Cité or Île Saint Louis, i saw quite some locks there.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Île de la Cité
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Île de la Cité:
- See 30+ Top Paris Sights with a Fun Guide (Walking & Metro Tour) (From ₹ 5,904.47)
- Notre Dame quartier & Ile de la Cité Private 2-Hour Walking Tour in Paris (From ₹ 4,396.47)
- The Darkest Secrets of Paris (From ₹ 3,012.67)
- Paris by Night City of Lights Sightseeing Guided Bike Tour (From ₹ 4,542.35)
- Eiffel Tower Experience with Dinner at the 1st Floor and Seine River Cruise (From ₹ 37,644.21)
- Hotels near Île de la Cité:
- (0.25 km) Relais Hotel du Vieux Paris
- (0.29 km) Hotel Britannique
- (0.28 km) Hôtel Albe Saint Michel
- (0.31 km) Hotel Villa d'Estrees
- (0.28 km) Hotel le Notre Dame
- Restaurants near Île de la Cité:
- (0.06 km) Brasserie Les Deux Palais
- (0.14 km) Opus 34
- (0.06 km) L'Annexe Cafe
- (0.13 km) Soc Parisienne Restauration Rapide SP2
- (0.13 km) Father & Son
- Attractions near Île de la Cité:
- (0.02 km) Ciné-Balade
- (0.04 km) Sainte-Chapelle
- (0.14 km) Paris in Tour
- (0.16 km) Culturefish! Tours
- (0.14 km) Paseando por Europa - Paris