Ile De La Cite Tours, Paris

The Île de la Cité is a natural island located in the middle of the River Seine, between the Right and Left Bank. It is considered the historic heart of Paris that is renowned for being home to three splendid mediaeval masterpieces, like the Notre Dame Cathedral, Sainte Chapelle, and the Conciergerie. This island is divided between the 1st and 4th Arrondissements of Paris, making it a central and significant location in the geography and history of the city.

• Notre Dame Cathedral- Notre Dame Cathedral is one of the famous landmarks that you must visit on an Île de la Cité Tour. Its grandeur and historical significance make it an iconic symbol of Parisian architecture and culture.
• Saint Chapelle- Also known as Palais de la Cité, Sainte Chapelle is renowned for its stunning Gothic architecture. It features the Crown of Thorns, where you can experience its awe-inspiring beauty and rich history. 
• Conciergerie- The Conciergerie offers a glimpse into the mediaeval past of Paris. As a former royal residence and prison, it fascinates you with its historical significance on the tour for Île de la Cité.
• Mémorial des martyrs de la Déportation- Mémorial des martyrs de la Déportation pays tribute to the victims of the Third Reich. It is an underground museum that serves as a poignant reminder of the darkness of human history.
• Marché aux Fleurs et aux Oiseaux- Located close to Notre Dame and the Conciergerie, Marché aux Fleurs et aux Oiseaux is a charming flower market where you can explore and shop for a wide variety of seasonal and exotic flowers.

The history of Île de la Cité dates back to the ancient times around 200 BC when the Parisii Celtic tribe settled on the island, which was then a natural defensive position in the middle of the Seine River. However, in 52 B.C., the Romans conquered the area and established the town of Lutetia on the island. Over time, Lutetia grew and flourished, eventually becoming the capital of the Frankish empire in 508. It was during this period that the island was renamed Cité.

Throughout the Middle Ages, Île de la Cité played a significant role in the history of France by being a bustling centre of trade, culture, and spirituality. The island was constantly under threat from Viking raids and faced numerous attacks. Despite the challenges, Île de la Cité thrived and became an important hub for political and religious activities, housing notable institutions such as the royal palace and the Notre Dame Cathedral. Today, the island stands as a testament to its rich historical past, with its mediaeval architecture and iconic landmarks attracting visitors from around the world.

• By Metro- To get to Île de la Cité, you can use Metro Line 4 and get down at the Cité Station, from where you can take a walk to your ideal destination.
• By Boat- If you wish to travel by boat, it is advisable to take the picturesque cruise along the Seine River, with stops that include Île de la Cité.
• By Bus- Hop on bus no. 21, 38, 47, 58, 70, 75, and 96 and reach the nearest stop of Saint-Michel stop which is 83 metres away from the attraction. You can cover the distance with a two-minute walk to your final destination, 
• By RER- Take the RER B line from Charles de Gaulle and disembark at Saint-Michel Notre-Dame. From there, you need to take a short walk for about 90 metres across the bridge to reach Île de la Cité in just three minutes.

No, Île de la Cité is not a pedestrian-only area. While the island does have pedestrian-friendly areas and streets, it also allows vehicular traffic. You can explore the island on foot and enjoy the pedestrian zones, but you should also be mindful of the presence of vehicles.

Yes, there are guided tours available on Île de la Cité, such as the Île de la Cité Walking Tour, which takes you through the famous landmarks and highlights of the island. It generally starts at 11 am until 3 pm, while the tour duration lasts for about 45 minutes. Within this time frame, you can gain ample information about the two most ancient and impressive historical monuments, the Conciergerie and the Sainte Chapelle.

No, the Cathedral of Notre Dame is currently closed to visitors due to the extensive fire damage it suffered in 2019. The restoration and reconstruction efforts are underway, and it is expected to reopen to the public by December 2024. However, you should note that the timeline may be subject to change, so it is always best to check for updates before planning a visit.

Originally a royal palace, the Conciergerie is a historic building on the Île de la Cité in Paris. It has served various purposes throughout history, including as a parliament and now as part of the Paris Law Courts. You can visit a section of the building that serves as a museum, showcasing mediaeval architecture, artefacts, and relics. You can also get a glimpse into the past and the grandeur of the Middle Ages on your visit to this attraction during your Île de la Cité Tour.

• Boutary- Located on Île de la Cité, Boutary is a restaurant where you can enjoy a delightful dining experience. After your Île de la Cité Tour, you can pay a visit to this restaurant and taste delectable French cuisine that includes the delicious caviars.
• Market by Jean-Georges- Market by Jean-Georges is a fashionable restaurant that allows you to indulge in Asian-French cuisine. In this restaurant, you can discover inventive dishes made with fresh market produce.
• Sacré Frenchy !- Sacré Frenchy ! is a neo-brasserie restaurant that serves a taste of traditional French cuisine crafted by a renowned chef, with options for vegan and gluten-free diets. 
• Le Choupinet- Situated in the Odéon district, Le Choupinet is a restaurant-bar-brasserie-café offering specialities of classic French cuisine. 
• L'Empire du 8ème- L'Empire du 8ème is a unique place where outstanding customer service and delectable flavours meet. Whether you are looking for a business lunch or a dinner with friends, this restaurant offers the gastronomic experience after your tour for Île de la Cité.
• DROUANT- DROUANT is a prestigious establishment that has been hosting the Goncourt Book Prize since 1914. It offers traditional French staples with inventive creations.
• La Coupole- Step into the historic La Coupole, an art deco brasserie that has been an iconic Montparnasse symbol since 1927. Here, you can enjoy essential dishes from Parisian brasseries, such as duck, escargot, French onion soup, moules frites, and pâté en croûte.
• Hard Rock Cafe - Paris- If you want to grab a meal or drink on the go while enjoying the Île de la Cité Walking Tour, Hard Rock Cafe is worth consideration. It offers a unique dining experience with all-American food and iconic memorabilia. 
• Mamamia- Mamamia is the first festive Italian restaurant in Paris that offers specialities from Puglia to Tuscany and lets you experience the flavours of Italy.
• Le Basilic- Le Basilic is an authentic Art Deco bistro where you can relish quality traditional French cuisine and immerse yourself in the charming Parisian ambience of the place.