Île de la Cité

The Île de la Cité or Île de la Cité , is a natural island of the Seine and the heart of the French capital. It was the place where Paris was founded .

It lies between the districts arrondissements I and IV.

Île de la Cité in history

There is a debate among historians who argue that a Gallic settlement, called Lutetia, may have existed on the island since at least the 3rd century BC.

This is not yet proven, but it is clear that during the Middle Ages the city already had an important population center and became the political, religious and cultural center of France.

Sainte-Chapelle of Louis IX, built between 1242 and 1248, and the Notre Dame Cathedral, from the same period, are still preserved on the island.

In the following centuries, the island always retained its importance as the administrative center of Paris. Housing places like the Conciergerie, where court offices and royal prisons functioned.

Getting to Île de la Cité

To access Île de la Cité you have to do it by one of the five bridges on both sides of the river, of which the most famous is the Pont Neuf.

What to see in Île de la Cité

Here are, as we mentioned above, the Notre Dame Cathedral and other important tourist attractions such as the Sainte Chapelle and Le Conciergerie, as well as pleasant open spaces, shops and restaurants where you can enjoy the old part of the city.

It is an ideal place to start discovering Paris. You can do it without spending too much by participating in the Free tour of Paris, the most popular and best valued of the free tours in Paris in Spanish.

In addition, it is the right place to start touring Paris and board any of the boats that tour the places to see along the Seine River.

Sleep in Île de la Cité

If you want a classy and quiet place to stay in Paris , this neighborhood is the one for you.

It is undoubtedly one of the most charming neighborhoods in Paris.