Ile de la Cite, Paris

Ile de la Cite, Paris

The Île de la Cité is an island in the Seine River that is considered as the cradle of Paris, having been settled by the ancient Parisii tribe as far back as 250 BC.

The Île de la Cité is an island in the Seine River that is considered as the cradle of Paris, having been settled by the ancient Parisii tribe as far back as 250 BC. One of 2 remaining natural islands in the river within Paris, the Île de la Cité was the seat of royal and episcopal power in the Middle Ages. It still retains a medieval atmosphere, with stately Gothic landmarks and pretty squares, all within an area of approximately 22.5 hectares. Explore the historic heart of Paris on a tour of the Île de la Cité, and discover its major attractions.

At the eastern end of the island is the Square de l'Île de-France with the Mémorial des Martyrs de la Déportation which honors the 200,000 people deported from Vichy France to the Nazi concentration camps during World War II.

Across the Quai de l'Archevêché is the Square Jean XXIII, which lies behind the monumental Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Paris, one of the biggest attractions in the city. The square in front of the Cathedral has the Archeological Crypt of the Parvis of Notre-Dame, a bronze equestrian statue of Charlemagne et ses Leudes, and Point Zéro des Routes de France, the point from which distances to other cities are measured.

The Gravestone Courtyard to the north of the church behind the red door at 26 Rue Chanoinesse is paved with old tombstones which lend an eerie atmosphere.

As you walk westwards, you will come across the Hôtel-Dieu, the oldest hospital in Paris which was established in 651 by Saint Landry, and remained the city's sole hospital until the Renaissance. The adjacent Place Louis Lépine is home to the Marché aux Fleurs (Flower Market), a 19th century market with open air stalls and covered pavilions offering a huge variety of seasonal and exotic blossoms.

As you proceed further down the Quai de la Corse, you will come across the beautiful Renaissance style building of the Tribune de Commerce de Paris, built in 1860-'65 to designs by Antoine-Nicolas Bailly.

The western part of the island has the Palace de Justice with the breathtaking Sainte-Chapelle which has incredible stained glass windows, and the historic Conciergerie where prisoners of the French Revolution were confined.

The Place Dauphine is a small square that dates back to the 17th century, and is surrounded by luxury apartments, along with some shops and cafes.

The western end of the island has an equestrian statue of Henry IV on the Place du Pont-Neuf, and the Square du Vert-Galant.

The oldest bridge in Paris, Pont Neuf, connects the island to both banks of the Seine at the west end. The Île de la Cité is connected to the right bank by the Pont au Change, Pont Notre-Dame, and Pont d'Arcole. It is connected to the left bank by the Pont Saint-Michel, Petit Pont, Pont au Double, and Pont de l'Archeveche. The Pont Saint-Louis leads to the Île Saint-Louis.