Location: Ile de la Cité / Ile Saint-Louis
Top Things to do in Ile de la Cité / Ile Saint-Louis
Things to do in Paris, Ile-de-France: The Best Historic Sites
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. Hotel de Lauzun
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 32 reviews
Splendid example of baroque architecture, this mansion is now a museum of art and artifacts of 19th century French literary and art figures.
Reviewed By sjhankoff - Paris, France
I always enjoy tours with Thierry Heil because they are frequently "off the beaten path" and not the places every tourist has on their list. This was definetly the case with Hotel de Lauzen, a private home dating from the 17th Century located on the Isle Saint-Louis If you walked past this imposing building you might never imagine the glories hidden inside! Entering from the street was like stepping back in time. Theirry made the rooms come alive with his stories of the families who lived in this amazing place, including the legendary parties attended by Victor Hugo and Baudelaire!
5. 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.
6. Tour de l'Horloge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 21 reviews
Reviewed By Taxidevil - Glasgow, United Kingdom
You can find this lovely clock on the corner of a building not far from the Conciergerie so you can stop by for a look on your way there. Nice for a photo.
7. Conciergerie
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 2,143 reviews
The present monument forms only a part of the former palace of the Capetian dynasty. Charles V ceased using the palace in the 14th century and decided to house his law courts here. The Concierge, or keeper, was appointed by the king and was responsible for policing within the palace walls. At the end of the 18th century, many prisoners detained by the Revolutionary Tribunal were held in the Conciergerie, including Marie-Antoinette. Designated world heritage site by UNESCO.Open:> 2nd January to 31st December: from 9.30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Last admission 30 minutes before closing time. Closed:> 1st January, 1st May and 25th DecemberAdmission 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 Kka174
Get the histopad for the kids to make the experience more interactive and enjoyable - very interesting - used our paris museum pass and hardly any cue to get in eexcept for small security check.
