Île de la Cité
Île de la Cité
4.5
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Neighborhood: Ile de la Cité
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 • 1 min walk
- St-Michel – Notre-Dame • 3 min walk
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
5,339 reviews
Excellent
3,402
Very good
1,675
Average
230
Poor
24
Terrible
8
Herbert C
1,762 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 November 9, 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.
MidwestKathM
Detroit, MI1,086 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 January 1, 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.
Dimitris L
Sydney, Australia50,924 contributions
Oct 2019
We spent quite a lot of time around Ile de la Cite. We visited several wonderful sights, such as Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Conciergerie, Sainte Chapelle and others. There are plenty of cafes and restaurants in the area too, as well as other lovely shops. It is in the middle of the River Seine so you would be surrounded by the water. This is a great place to visit and spend a lot of time in.
Written September 14, 2020
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.
SylvieFrancois444
Ontario Canada1,336 contributions
May 2014 • Couples
Point Zéro where it all started, this is the center of Paris! Île de la Cité is a great place to just wander around. Notre-Dame is the main attraction, but the Conciergerie, Sainte-Chapelle, Palais de justice and the Deportation Memorial is also on the Île. A truly magical place in the evening!
Written July 13, 2014
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.
I visited this place🇫🇷🇺🇸🇬🇷🇨🇭🇬🇧
Israel35,134 contributions
Apr 2024 • Solo
PROS
* Picturesque and beautiful island in the center of Paris
* Quaint and charming- scenic
* An amazing island with lots of attractions and activities
* A great place to stroll and explore
* Many restaurants and cafes and other food stuffs
* Many scenic bridges cross the island
CONS
* It can be crowded, busy and confusing
"I VISITED THIS PLACE"...
... because it's a great place- the center of Paris. I loved walking onto and exploring the island. I walked pat the (closed) Cathedral of Notre Dame several times, visited the Memorial to the Deportation and its adjacent park and went inside Saint- Chapelle and the Conciergerie. I also crossed many of its bridges.
WAS IT WORTH THE COST?
Yes- it is free
WOULD "I VISIT THIS PLACE" AGAIN?
For sure
ADVICE
You must go there
* Picturesque and beautiful island in the center of Paris
* Quaint and charming- scenic
* An amazing island with lots of attractions and activities
* A great place to stroll and explore
* Many restaurants and cafes and other food stuffs
* Many scenic bridges cross the island
CONS
* It can be crowded, busy and confusing
"I VISITED THIS PLACE"...
... because it's a great place- the center of Paris. I loved walking onto and exploring the island. I walked pat the (closed) Cathedral of Notre Dame several times, visited the Memorial to the Deportation and its adjacent park and went inside Saint- Chapelle and the Conciergerie. I also crossed many of its bridges.
WAS IT WORTH THE COST?
Yes- it is free
WOULD "I VISIT THIS PLACE" AGAIN?
For sure
ADVICE
You must go there
Written August 26, 2024
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.
JAYDenver
Denver524 contributions
Sep 2018 • Business
Ile de la Cite is a wonderful place to explore. There is so much history from Notre Dame Cathedral, the Conciergerie, Palais de Justice de Paris, Sainte Chaplle, Prefecture de Police, Marché aux Fleurs Reine Elisabeth II, General Hospital, Place Dauphine and so much more.
I have been coming here since my first trip in 2005. Since I have been staying in the 5th Arrondissement from 2007, it is a short walk to Ile de la Cite or one Metro stop on Line 4 if I am returning to my neighborhood and want to enjoy a nice walk.
There is always so much to explore and revisit. It offers many great scenes to photograph and is a great place to people watch or just relax.
I have been coming here since my first trip in 2005. Since I have been staying in the 5th Arrondissement from 2007, it is a short walk to Ile de la Cite or one Metro stop on Line 4 if I am returning to my neighborhood and want to enjoy a nice walk.
There is always so much to explore and revisit. It offers many great scenes to photograph and is a great place to people watch or just relax.
Written November 21, 2018
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, CA916 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 March 30, 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.
Brad
Hong Kong, China174,810 contributions
Dec 2018 • Couples
As a visitor to Paris, you'll likely end up visiting Île de la Cité at some point during your stay. This is is one of two natural islands in the River Seine and the place with a long history of civilisation dating back over 2000. It is also the location of some of the most important sightseeing in Paris.
Today, Île de la Cité is where you find the historic Notre Dame Cathedral, St. Chapelle and Conciergerie, the remains of Palais de la Cité - the First Royal Palace in Paris. You'll find impressive statues, small parks, squares and famous bridges such as Pont Neuf and Pont St. Louis which connects the island to Île de la Saint Louis.
Today, Île de la Cité is where you find the historic Notre Dame Cathedral, St. Chapelle and Conciergerie, the remains of Palais de la Cité - the First Royal Palace in Paris. You'll find impressive statues, small parks, squares and famous bridges such as Pont Neuf and Pont St. Louis which connects the island to Île de la Saint Louis.
Written February 27, 2019
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.
JRM
Penetanguishene, Canada116 contributions
Aug 2018 • Family
The historical heart of Paris has much to commend it: the splendor of both Notre Dame de Paris and the Ste Chapelle, and the medieval Conciergerie with its captivating exterior and fascinating interior being the obvious highlights. But there are other wonderful treasures and diversions: the Pont-Neuf, the oldest bridge in Paris with the statue of the ever popular King Henry IV astride his horse; the quaint Place de la Dauphine, a lovely if somewhat pricey place to enjoy a Parisian lunch; the Place de Vert Galant, peaceful today but remembered for it being the place where the head of the Knights Templar order was burned at the stake in the early 14th century (today you can board a Seine river cruise boat at the foot of the stairs leading back up to street level); the disturbing and evocative memorial of the deportation of the Jews at the very easterly tip of the island behind Notre Dame. By the time you climb the tower of the Notre Dame cathedral, pay a worthwhile visit to its crypt, nose around in the inevitable souvenir shops, take advantage of countless photo ops and enjoy one or two of the memorable views from any one of the bridges accessing the island, you will find that your day on the Ile de la Cite was complete and rewarding.
Written October 16, 2018
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.
katoche94
Saint-Mande, France432 contributions
Jun 2014 • Family
To walk along the quays of Ile Saint Louis and Ile de la Cité is one of the nicest walk in the heart of Paris , and even as a Parisian , I love to do it .
Starting from Saint Michel , follow the the Quai de la Tournelle on your right for about 400 m and cross the small bridge Pont de L'Archeveché , to reach Ile la Cité at the back of Notre Dame : from this place , you have a very nice view of Notre Dame without the crowd ! You can then reach Ile Saint Louis using a small footbrdge on your right .From there , it is nice to walk along the quay up to Boulevard Henri 4 , cross the bridge , turn left and folllow the quay of the right bank up to Pont Louis Philippe , cross to Ile Saint Louis , you can cross back the footbridge to reach Ile de la Cité , and walk along the Quai des Fleurs , up to the Pont Neuf offering a real fantastic view of the river up to Le Louvre .
Walking along the quays is more pleasant because there is less traffic there .
Unfortunately and this is a pitty , these very nice areas that are real jewels in Paris are not closed to traffic , just like most of the very beautiful places there ....!
Starting from Saint Michel , follow the the Quai de la Tournelle on your right for about 400 m and cross the small bridge Pont de L'Archeveché , to reach Ile la Cité at the back of Notre Dame : from this place , you have a very nice view of Notre Dame without the crowd ! You can then reach Ile Saint Louis using a small footbrdge on your right .From there , it is nice to walk along the quay up to Boulevard Henri 4 , cross the bridge , turn left and folllow the quay of the right bank up to Pont Louis Philippe , cross to Ile Saint Louis , you can cross back the footbridge to reach Ile de la Cité , and walk along the Quai des Fleurs , up to the Pont Neuf offering a real fantastic view of the river up to Le Louvre .
Walking along the quays is more pleasant because there is less traffic there .
Unfortunately and this is a pitty , these very nice areas that are real jewels in Paris are not closed to traffic , just like most of the very beautiful places there ....!
Written September 8, 2014
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, Florida
Beside the Eiffel Tower and the Love what other sites do you suggest I visit when coming to Paris?
Written February 23, 2023
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.
Written February 26, 2023
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!
Written January 16, 2020
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.
Written January 16, 2020
GoPlaces56540708831
Manhasset, New York
Littlestatueonendoflittleislandinseine has
Written December 27, 2019
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.
Written December 28, 2019
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).
Written July 5, 2019
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.
Written July 5, 2019
Come si fa a eliminare sta coppia di coglioni mitomani ed esibizionisti che appare in ogni foto???
Written August 5, 2018
I'm thinking we well download Rick Stevens audio guide but where is the starting point? Norte Dame?
Written August 1, 2018
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.
Written August 2, 2018
Does the hop on hop off bus stop neaarby . . . . what else is around here? Merci
Written March 23, 2018
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.
Written March 23, 2018
...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
Written March 23, 2018
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.
Written March 25, 2018
Can you still put a lock on the love lock bridge in Paris? If not is there other bridges you can do it?
Written October 25, 2017
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.
Written October 28, 2017
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