The Top 10 Things To Do On Île de la Cité In Paris

Notre Dame is one of the most well-known cathedrals in the world. The church, which was constructed between 1163 and 1345, has a checkered past. During the 16th century, the Huguenots destroyed some features of the cathedral. The French Revolution and World War II saw further defacement and destruction of parts of the church. Victor Hugo’s celebrated tome, The Hunchback of Notre-Dame, emphasised the value of the church’s Gothic architecture and elevated its status in popular culture. The cathedral’s most distinctive features include flying buttresses, gargoyle and chimera statues. Visiting the famous cathedral is free and audio guides are available near the entrance. Following the devastating fire in 2019, the Parisian icon is now fully renovated and open once again.

This stunning medieval chapel was originally part of the Palais de la Cité, the first royal palace in Paris. The chapel’s exterior is a perfect example of French Gothic architecture. Inside the chapel, intricate stained glass panels relate biblical stories. For a truly magical experience, attend a chamber music concert at Sainte Chapelle. Listen to a small group of musicians play the works of Bach or Vivaldi as your eyes wander to the chapel’s high, arched ceilings and patterned walls. The combination of visual and auditory stimuli creates an experience that will thrill the senses.

La Conciergerie is the oldest part of the Palais de la Cité. During the French Revolution, the palace was turned into a prison that housed Marie Antoinette in the weeks leading up to her execution. Although her original cell is no longer intact, visitors to the museum can see a recreation of the room as well as documents, keys and other relics from the 18th century. The fascinatingly morbid museum also includes recreations of the rooms where prisoners were prepared for their executions.

Marche aux fleurs | Rachel McCarthy / © Culture Trip

La Seine | Rachel McCarthy / © Culture Trip

Marche aux fleurs | Rachel McCarthy / © Culture Trip

Marche aux fleurs | Rachel McCarthy / © Culture Trip

Despite its proximity to Pont Neuf, this small, sandy square feels pleasantly removed from Île de la Cité’s major tourist attractions. Get lost in a good book on a park bench or sip rosé at one of the surrounding cafes. A long rectangular strip at the end of the park is the perfect place to play a game of pétanque or bocce ball.

Rue Saint-Louis en l’Île | Rachel McCarthy / © Culture Trip

Located at the tip of the Île de la Cité, this beautiful park is a must-see attraction. On some afternoons, an accordion player provides ambiance while Parisians and tourists alike stretch out on the grass. The park’s overhanging trees provide a respite from the heat even at the height of summer. Grab a popsicle from a nearby ice cream cart and enjoy the square’s gorgeous views of the Seine.