{"id":7113,"date":"2018-07-13T03:25:57","date_gmt":"2018-07-13T03:25:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.headout.com\/?p=7113"},"modified":"2023-07-12T14:24:24","modified_gmt":"2023-07-12T10:24:24","slug":"ile-de-la-cite-paris","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.headout.com\/blog\/ile-de-la-cite-paris\/","title":{"rendered":"\u00cele de la Cit\u00e9: Explore the Heart of Medieval Paris"},"content":{"rendered":"

\u00cele de la Cit\u00e9 has deep roots in Parisian history \u2013 not only is it one of the two remaining natural islands on the river Seine (the other being \u00cele Saint-Louis), but it is also where the medieval city of Paris<\/a> was refounded. It is also home to the oldest standing bridge in Paris, Pont Neuf<\/a>; one of the earliest city-planning projects of Henry IV, Place Dauphine<\/a>, and many others. It is the heart of Paris, with all road distances calculated from the 0km point near the Notre Dame. With quaint caf\u00e9s, lush parks and gardens, and well-preserved monuments, the \u00cele de la Cit\u00e9 is definitely worth a visit!<\/p>\n

History of \u00cele de la Cit\u00e9 Paris<\/h2>\n

The history of the \u00cele de la Cit\u00e9 began with the Parisi Tribe around the 3rd century, who created one of the oldest settlements in Paris on the island. After being plundered by the Romans, the newly named city of Lutetia was constructed.<\/p>\n

\"ile<\/p>\n

From the 6th to the 14th centuries, the island saw the construction of the famous Notre Dame Cathedral, as well as the Palais de la Cit\u00e9, now largely occupied by the Palais de Justice. The latter made the \u00cele de la Cit\u00e9 an important political center throughout the medieval ages. Today, the island is the site of some of Paris\u2019s most important landmarks, and plays a very important role in the lives of the French people.<\/p>\n

What to See in \u00cele de la Cit\u00e9 Paris<\/h2>\n

1<\/p>\n

Notre Dame<\/h2>\n

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\"\u00cele<\/span>\"ile<\/span><\/p>\n

The Notre Dame Cathedral, located on the island of \u00cele de la Cit\u00e9, is particularly famous for its stunning French Gothic design. Translated as \u2018Our Lady of Paris\u2019, it is also one of the first buildings to use a form of architecture called the flying buttress, making it a haven for architecture enthusiasts. The monument became even more popular after its central role in Victor Hugo\u2019s \u2018The Hunchback of Notre Dame\u2019. With 13 million visitors per year, the Cathedral sees more tourists than the Eiffel Tower<\/a>!<\/p>\n

Recommended Experiences<\/b><\/p>\n

Notre Dame Cathedral: Priority Access with Audio Guide<\/p>\n

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Notre Dame Cathedral 1 hour Guided Tour<\/p>\n

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Notre Dame Cathedral with Skip The Line Towers Access<\/p>\n

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2<\/p>\n

Sainte Chapelle<\/h2>\n

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\"\u00cele<\/span>\"ile<\/span><\/p>\n

Another stunning example of French Gothic architecture, the Sainte Chapelle was originally a part of the Palais de la Cit\u00e9, and it is famous for its elaborate stained-glass panels that depict the entire history of Christianity from Genesis to the crucifixion of Jesus. It is also home to the famous Rose Window. Built on the orders of Louis XVI to house religious relics, this incredible building was completed in just five years!<\/p>\n

Recommended Experiences<\/b><\/p>\n

Sainte Chapelle Skip The Line Tickets<\/p>\n

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Sainte-Chapelle & Notre Dame Cathedral Tour Tickets<\/p>\n

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3<\/p>\n

Palais de Justice<\/h2>\n

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\"\u00cele<\/span>\"ile<\/span><\/p>\n

The Palais de Justice or Palais de la Cit\u00e9 is an important landmark on \u00cele de la Cit\u00e9 for two reasons. Firstly, it houses the Sainte Chapelle and the Conciergerie, and second, it was the seat of the Parlement de Paris, or the equivalent of the Supreme Court, from the 16th century to the French Revolution. It is also home to the residential quarter, or the Ancien Clo\u00eetre Quartier.<\/p>\n

4<\/p>\n

Conciergerie<\/h2>\n

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\"\u00cele<\/span>\"ile<\/span><\/p>\n

La Conciergerie is the oldest part of the Palais de Justice, and is known for having housed Marie Antoinette<\/a>, the infamous French queen during the weeks leading up to her execution. You can visit a recreation of her cell room and view other relics and documents from the 18th century \u2013 there are even rooms where other prisoners were held before they were led to the guillotine.<\/p>\n

Recommended Experiences<\/b><\/p>\n

Conciergerie and Sainte Chapelle Priority Access Tickets<\/p>\n

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5<\/p>\n

Pont Neuf<\/h2>\n

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\"\u00cele<\/span>\"ile<\/span><\/p>\n

The name \u2018Pont Neuf\u2019 actually means \u2018new bridge\u2019, which is rather misleading, as Pont Neuf is actually the oldest bridge in Paris, having been built in the late 16th century. It did not have any houses on it, unlike other bridges of the time, and was also known as a hub for street performers and criminals. Today, it serves as a charming reminder of the city\u2019s rich heritage and fascinating past.<\/p>\n

Where to Eat in \u00cele de la Cit\u00e9 Paris<\/h2>\n

Au Bougnat<\/span><\/a>Dating back to the 18th century, Au Bougnat was started by a coal-seller from Aveyron who moved to Paris to start his own caf\u00e9. It still retains its historical charm, with a low-ceiling and open beams. Pick from a variety of foods including brioche bread, duck shepherd\u2019s pie, whiting fillet, and even apple crumble and tiramisu, amongst many others. Directions<\/a><\/span>La R\u00e9serve de Quasimodo<\/span><\/a>Named after the hunchback bell-ringer of Notre Dame from Victor Hugo\u2019s famous novel, this wine bar is located in the shadow of the cathedral and serves a variety of exquisite wines, cheese boards, charcuterie, and even some delectable French food if you\u2019re in the mood to eat. La R\u00e9serve de Quasimodo was built in the 12th century, and was a favoured hangout of notorious French criminal Cartouche. With its charming views of the Seine and its old-timey feel, this restaurant is a must-visit when on the \u00cele de la Cit\u00e9!Directions<\/a><\/span>Les Deux Palais<\/span><\/a>This old-fashioned brasserie is known for its salads, roast chicken, and its beautiful d\u00e9cor, dating from the 19th century. Steeped in culture and sophistication, it was (and still is) a prime hangout for people of all walk of life, from magistrates, to lawyers, to business-owners, and now, tourists. Take a seat on the terrace and enjoy your French meal as you gaze down into the square below!Directions<\/a><\/span>Restaurant Paul<\/span><\/a>Located on Place Dauphine, Restaurant Paul used to be a popular meeting place for artists and intellectuals to have heated discussions over platters of delicious French food. Having seen both times of wealth, and times of restriction during the war, today, Restaurant Paul serves the best of French cuisine with an international touch \u2013 come here to enjoy salmon tartare, foie gras terrine, mimosa eggs, and many more!Directions<\/a><\/span>Sur Le Pouce<\/span><\/a>Located close to the Hotel de Ville, Sur Le Pouce is a great place for a quick bite, with a menu of sandwiches, paninis, and crepes. It also serves charming French dishes like tripe, steamed apples, braised duck leg, and others.Directions<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

How to Get There<\/h2>\n

The \u00cele de la Cit\u00e9 Paris is well connected by multiple modes of transport, including metro, RER, and bus.<\/p>\n