Location: Île de la Cité
Top Things to do in Île de la Cité
The 10 Best Things to do in Île de la Cité, Ile-de-France
Lingering over pain au chocolat in a sidewalk café, relaxing after a day of strolling along the Seine and marveling at icons like the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe… the perfect Paris experience combines leisure and liveliness with enough time to savor both an exquisite meal and exhibits at the Louvre. Awaken your spirit at Notre Dame, bargain hunt at the Marché aux Puces de Montreuil or for goodies at the Marché Biologique Raspail, then cap it all off with a risqué show at the Moulin Rouge.
Restaurants in Paris
1. Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Paris
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 71,255 reviews
This famous cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture on which construction began in the 12th century, stands on the Île de la Cité and is the symbolic heart of the city.
Reviewed By ashwathramr - Kochi (Cochin), India
A must visit landmark Cathedral in Paris, I turned up at 7:45 AM.. early and entered inide at 8 : 00 AM, the exterior architecture is amazing magnificent , the cathedral is stunning with ornate and intricate statues and two bell tower , he facade of the Cathedral is well designed in Gothic architectural style, the interiors of the cathedral is impressive with high column and glass works ,as i walked inside the cathedral i was just lost in the era of the Gothic Period. This is one of the best cathedral that i ve ever visited in my life. You can capture some of the stunning views of the cathedral . My suggestion to visit the cathedral is enter the cathedral in the morning early hours , when the crowd is less, the entry is free, but you have to stand in line to enter and security check is there. the touristic crowd and group tour pours in so visit at early is always the best to enjoy your visit to this marvelous masterpiece.. At evening hour the views of the cathedral is also stunning...there is a huge open space in front of the cathedral for capturing beautiful views.
2. Sainte-Chapelle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 27,113 reviews
The Sainte-Chapelle is the finest royal chapel to be built in France and features a truly exceptional collection of stained-glass windows. It was built in the mid 13th century by Louis IX, at the heart of the royal residence, the Palais de la Cité. It was built to house the relics of the Passion of Christ. Adorned with a unique collection of fifteen glass panels and a large rose window forming a veritable wall of light,the Sainte-Chapelle is a gem of French Gothic architecture. Designated world heritage site by UNESCO. Open:> 1st March to 31st October: Monday to Friday: from 9.30 a.m. to 12.45 a.m. and to 2.15 p.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday: from 9.30 a.m. to 6 p.m.> 1st November to 29th February: Monday to Friday: from 9 a.m. to 12.45 a.m. and to 2.15 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday: from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Last admission 30 minutes before closing time. The best time to visit is in the morning from Tuesday to Friday. Closed:> 1st January, 1st May and 25th December and in case of negative temperatures.
Reviewed By KVirgils - London, United Kingdom
Glorious and uplifting to walk around this beautiful chapel Every time I visit I marvel at the windows especially if you visit when the sun is shining !
3. Memorial des Martyrs de la Deportation
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 384 reviews
Located on the Île de la Cité, this memorial is dedicated to the 200,000 French citizens who died in concentration camps during World War II.
Reviewed By dharding4 - Smyrna, United States
We happened to stumble across this memorial site. The surface looks like a small, peaceful park, and overlooks the Seine. Once you are inside, the weight of the memorial will come down on you. An extremely moving site, and something to see for all.
4. Pont-Neuf
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,222 reviews
This bridge, depicted in a famous painting by Renoir, is the oldest remaining bridge in Paris.
Reviewed By Ivisitedtheplace - Israel, null
According to my understanding of French, it is both the New Bridge (as in unused) and the Nine Bridge. Either way, it is a nice structure to cross on foot (includes the western end of the Ile de la Cite) and also an impressive structure to pass under (which I did three or four times on the amazing Batobus. When one goes under this bridge, one can see and photograph (as I did), the massive letter N on the sides.
5. Place Dauphine
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 269 reviews
Reviewed By TV2451
One of Paris' most serene and romantic places, this square features harmonious architecture. Built during the Renaissance and somewhat altered, it's still gorgeous. Come and sit on a bench on a sunny day and let your heart sing.
6. Quartier de l'Ancien Cloitre
7. Square du Vert-Galant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 175 reviews
A small park on the Île de la Cité.
Reviewed By SuperTed19 - Madison, United States
It’s tiny speck of grass on the western tip of Ile de la Cité. There is a huge tree, under which one can sit comfortably and watch the city go about its business.
8. Ile de la Cite
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,310 reviews
Reviewed By Johnnythemanatee - Penetanguishene, Canada
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.
9. Towers of Notre-Dame Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8,534 reviews
A visit of the Towers of Notre Dame de Paris, built from 1160 in the Flamboyant Gothic style, gives visitors a close-up view of the Cathedral's flying buttresses, spires and roofs. Gargoyles and chimeras adorn the outer gallery of the North Tower with its ribbed vaulting and spiral staircase, while the South Tower houses the belfry and Emmanuel, the great bourdon bell. The upper gallery provides magnificent views of Paris, the Seine and the succession of bridges across the river. Designated world heritage site by UNESCO.Open:> 1st April to 30th September: from 10 a.m. to 6.30 p.m.> From July to August on Saturday and Sunday: until 11 p.m. (evenings).> 1st October to 31st March: from 10 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. Last admission 45 minutes before closing time.Closed:> 1st January, 1st May and 25th December.Admission fees: Adults : 8,5€; Concessions (18 to 25) = 5,50 €; Free admission: minors under 18*; Free admission: 18-25 years old* (citizens of one of the 27 countries of the EU or are non-European permanent residents of France) * excluding school groups
Reviewed By csaduck - Winchester, United States
I loved seeing this wonderful old church and the beautiful stained glass works, stone carvings, and the overall beauty of this fine historical icon.
10. Fontaines Wallace
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 47 reviews
Reviewed By JnVSydney - Greater Sydney, Australia
These fountains are ubiquitous, just adding to the architectural beauty of Paris, the ladies holding up the fountain, (the four caryatids), represent kindness, simplicity, charity and sobriety. It was quite fun seeking them out during our travels.
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