Trip Planner:   Europe  /  France  /  Ile-de-France  /  Paris  /  Île de la Cité

Île de la Cité, Paris

4.7
#2 of 10 in Nature in Paris
Create an itinerary including Île de la Cité
Île de la Cité is one of two natural islands in the Seine at the heart of Paris. As the place where the medieval city was founded, the island is known for its cobblestone streets and historic buildings. One important landmark is Conciergerie prison, where Marie Antoinette awaited execution in 1793. The island’s teardrop shape makes its streets quite interesting, with buildings and bridges forced to adapt to this landscape. Small walkways and a staircase behind the statue by the Pont Neuf bridge allow you to walk down along the river’s edge. A small bridge connecting the other island, Île Saint-Louis, is a gathering place for street performers showcasing their talents. Île de la Cité is just one of the many highlights you can arrange to see using our , international travel planner Edition.
Improve this listing »
Create a full itinerary - for free!

Tours to Île de la Cité

Île de la Cité reviews

TripAdvisor traveler rating
TripAdvisor traveler rating 4.5
5,328 reviews
Google
4.7
TripAdvisor
  • 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... 
    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...  more »
  • 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... 
    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...  more »
  • 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... 
    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...  more »
Google
  • It's Paris everywhere you go, walk everywhere History. It's a beautiful place. You can only can stop to rest a bit there are bathroom very clean.
  • Very cool. Doesn’t seem like an island. We visited Sainte-Chapelle. So beautiful. Smaller than I thought it would be. And very hot. Walked around Notre Dame as much as possible. Visited the Deportation Memorial.
  • Impossible for me to stand before the towers of Notre Dame and not see in my 12 year old mind the shadow of Quasimodo scrambling under the bells and Victor Hugo exhorting all of us to help restore this symbol of France. Work proceeds perhaps open for the Paris Olympics. Be sure to see "Notre Dame De Paris" opening this week at Lincoln Center.
  • Ile de la Cité is easily accessible through Notre Dame cathedral or Pont des Arts where you will find the Square du vert-calant and the famous “love-lock”. You know that famous place where locals and tourists attach a “lock” to make a wish or demonstrate their love forever … or something like that! We first noticed l'île de la Cité on the Bateaux-Mouches tour. Passing in front, the island gave us this peaceful impression and we instantly wanted to visit. We saw people sitting on the edge of the concrete basking in the sun and imagined ourselves there. After a long day of sightseeing around Paris, our opportunity struck and we accepted. We consider ourselves fortunate for the experience since we came very close to missing out. Just moments before arriving on the island, we were searching for a patio to have a few drinks. What we discovered on that island that day was far greater than any patio ! Everyone seemed to be having a drink, either wine or beer and we felt like we missed out. We found a nice quiet spot under the trees at the far end of the island. We sat and felt blessed with a beautiful view. At this point, we were just missing the drinks. And what do you know, all of a sudden we had first class service, a couple of Heineken beers for the both of us by an anonymous fellow ! Just sitting there after a long walking day and be able to relax it was a kind of insight and meditation saying “OK … Let's enjoy Paris!”. Great things in life are free, and we were just thankful to experience this spot. We could rest and reconnect with nature after a long day of sightseeing. For those looking for a more vibrant or exciting interaction, we found musicians near the main entrance entertaining the crowd. According Wikipedia the “Ile de la Cité” is one of two remaining natural island in the Seine river within the city of Paris (the other being the Ile Saint-Louis) and it’s the centre of Paris and the location where the medieval city was refounded. Really interesting. Our Ratings Serge: 5 Eli: 5 Recommend: Yes, even better on a sunny day ! It’s a really beautiful place to relax get to know Paris!
  • Nice vibes on the island! I felt it s less crowded here

Plan your trip to Paris

  • Get a personalized trip
    A full day by day itinerary based on your preferences
  • Customize it
    Refine your trip. We'll find the
    best routes and schedules
  • Book it
    Choose from the best hotels and activities. Up to 50% off
  • Manage it
    Everything in one place. Everyone on the same page.