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

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.

La Conciergerie, 2 Boulevard du Palais, 75001, Paris

On the edge of the Île de la Cité, a cluster of green metal pavilions houses one of Paris’s most well-known flower markets. Weave between racks of postcards and shelves of planters to find the perfect bouquet or pick out a few seed packets so you can grow your own. In addition to gardening accessories, many of the flower shops sell souvenirs, such as bags of lavender from Provence and small music boxes. Whether you’re passionate about gardening or just looking for a gift, wandering through this flower market is a pleasant way to spend an afternoon.

Marché aux Fleurs, Place Louis Lépine – Quai de la Corse, 75004, Paris

Pont Neuf, meaning “new bridge,” is ironically the oldest remaining bridge in Paris. First built in 1578, the bridge was once the center of activity in the city. At the time, Pont Neuf was the only bridge that did not have houses on it, distinguishing it from older bridges. During the 17th and 18th centuries, the bridge was a hub for street performers and criminals. Today Pont Neuf is primarily a backdrop in tourist photos, but the bridge’s elegant arches and bastions serve as a reminder of the city’s past.

Pont Neuf, 75001, Paris

Located on Île Saint-Louis, Berthillon is easy to locate: just look for the long line of people eager to taste the shop’s legendary ice cream. Many of the island’s cafés and shops sell Berthillon ice cream, but head to the original location for the full range of ice creams and sorbets. Flavors are relatively traditional and portions are small, but one taste of Berthillon’s rich, soft ice cream and you’ll understand why the line stretches down the block. Try a scoop of créole, potent rum ice cream studded with plump yellow raisins, or rich salted caramel.

Berthillon, 31 Rue Saint-Louis en l’Île, 75004, Paris

Café Saint Regis is the epitome of a classic Parisian café. The café offers well-executed, reasonably priced traditional French food such as French onion soup and croque monsieurs. Tiled walls and checkered floors add an old-school ambiance to the bustling café. During happy hour, try an absinthe cocktail. On warm nights, sit outside and enjoy views of both Île Saint-Louis and Île de la Cité.

Open every day 6:30 am-2:00 am

Café Saint Regis, 6 Rue Jean du Bellay, 75004, Paris

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.

Place Dauphine, 75001, Paris

This quiet street on Île Saint-Louis is ideal for souvenir shopping. The street’s quaint little shops offer everything from perfumes to puzzles to puppets. Kitschy souvenir shops and art galleries stand side by side, while Parisian chains like La Cure Gourmande and Pylones also have locations on the street. When you grow weary of shopping, grab an ice pop from La Paleteria or an ice cream cone from the iconic Berthillon.

Rue Saint-Louis en l’Île, 75004, Paris