Initiate yourself to the secrets of Parisian history in a place where many events have taken place. Visit the Conciergerie: a complete guide to not miss anything.
Paris is enjoyed in many ways: a morning crescent dipped in a smoking café; timeless black dresses floating in the street; the smell of hot bread; a bottle of wine placed on a tiles table; a few tuning airs in the subways; a careless love by the edge of Seine . Then... historical monuments, these flowers of heritage.
Disseminated in the heart of the City of Light, neither time nor trials can entice their beauty and strength. The Eiffel Tower , Arc de Triomphe , Sainte-Chapelle , Notre-Dame de Paris and many more.
Among them is Conciergerie. A monumental historic building that has experienced many bounces. Gothic palace and royal residence, Courthouse, prison: it was so much. Let's think more about this enigmatic and exciting national treasure. Visit the Concierge: history and practical information to prepare well.
The History of the Conciergery
It is impossible to miss its dancing reflection in the Seine, its pointed grey roofs and medieval facades. The Conciergerie catches the eye and asks. Who is she? In fact, history is long. Here are a few bits.
It all began in the 10th century when it was built as a splendid Gothic Palace erected by the water. It then houses the seat of power of the kings of France. It draws its successful Gothic architecture from this time. An architectural prowess magnified by a record sun exposure. Even more beautiful, its turrets contain the royal treasure and a base of Roman foundations.
At that time, the place is immense: it includes the current Palaces of Justice and the Holy Chapel. Known throughout Europe, this Gothic Palace had everything for him. It remained until the 14th century.
At that time, Charles V decided to move the seat of power. The current Concierge then becomes a state prison. It thus welcomes, and for the hundreds of years to come, the defendants await their judgment before execution. The poorest ones piled up to the ground in their cell, the richest ones spread over paillasses.
If you would like to visit the Conciergerie, you will have the "privacy" to visit the last place where Marie-Antoinette and Robespierre stayed. It was even at the heart of this state prison that the legendary revolutionary court settled during the Revolution. In 1914, the prison closed permanently and turned into a national monument open to the public.
What to see and what to do at the Conciergerie?
Ready to visit the Conciergerie? Everything starts outside. Located on the banks of the Seine, bathing in a rare light, the building offers a panorama of the most photogenic. Your eyes will immediately be hung by its four imposing and elegant towers. Among them, the famous Tour de l’Horloge . Dressed at the corner of the Concierge, this tower has the oldest watch in Paris . During its construction in 1371, its main function was to ring the births and deaths of the sovereigns and their families.
Two hundred years later, she entered history and marked a turning point in the lives of the inhabitants. It is enriched with an exterior dial. Before this addition, the hours were only rhymed to the bell sound. The arrival of the great needles indicating “the King’s hour” as was said at the time, transformed the relationship to the time of Parisians but also the symbolic place of the Church.
The symbol is strong: the bells are no longer conductors, the monarchy emancipates a little more from the religious power. The current dial you can admire during your 1685 passage. Take the time to appreciate its details and allegorical figures representing the Law and Justice.
Much more than visiting the Conciergery and entering its intimidating rooms, you will go back to time and replay the story between its walls. You will be surprised to see that despite her prison liability, the Conciergerie has nothing dark and glaucose. Point of cachots and cold corridors: everything has been restored, renovated and restored.
Today, the Guards Chamber , kitchens and room des Gens d’armes inherited from the time of the Royal Palace remain in their medieval juice. The Guards Hall, with its cyclopean dimensions accentuated by impressive vaults, will undoubtedly mark the culmination of your visit. As for the cell of Marie-Antoinette, she left room for a commemorative chapel that still raises emotion and will, of course, remember your attention.
Are there combined visits?
Jumelle de la Conciergerie, la Sainte-Chapelle is another unmistakable monument in Paris. This falls well since there is a combined ticket to enjoy the two monuments. The Sainte-Chapelle is a Gothic masterpiece, built by Saint-Louis, originally intended to house the relics of the Passion of Christ. It now houses one of the most beautiful sets of stained glass windows in the world.
The beginning of the combined visit is done exclusively by the Sainte-Chapelle, subject to a system of reservation by time slot .
Schedules and rates
Schedule
- Visit the Concierge is possible throughout the year de 9.30 a.m. to 6 p.m. ;
- The last access to the monument is made 45 minutes before closing ;
- Annual closures 1 May and 25 December.
Rates
- Full-rate ticket: 11,50 € ;
- Group ticket: 9,50 € by person;
- free is permitted to persons under 26 years of age, persons with disabilities and their assistant, job seekers (on presentation of a certificate of less than 6 months of age), Education Pass (in progress of validity);
- The twin ticket Conciergerie et Sainte-Chapelle costs 18,50 €.
How to go to the Conciergerie?
To visit the Conciergerie, appointment 2 Boulevard du Palais, 75001 Paris .
The Conciergerie is located in the perimeter of the Justice Palace, protected by a exceptional safety device Monday to Friday. In order to enter the area, you will need to be equipped with your entrance ticket to visit the Conciergerie. Which is not not subject to a specific time slot .
You can buy your ticket place du Châtelet, near the Concierge, at the bookshop of the Hotel de Sully (62 rue Saint Antoine 75004, open the afternoon from Tuesday to Sunday) or directly online . To go to the monument by the left bank, cross the river Saint-Michel bridge and, by the right bank, cross the bridge to Change .
- Note : on weekends, when the security zone is not deployed, it is again possible to buy its ticket at the entrance of the monument and thus enter the site more freely.
By metro
- Borrow the line 4, station Cité ;
- Or the lines 1, 7, 11 and 14, station Châtelet.
RER
The lines B and C I'll take you there. You'll have to go down to the station. Saint-Michel .
Bus
The lines 21, 24, 27, 38, 58, 81, 85, and 96 serve the Conciergerie.
In Vélib
Go green thanks to the many bike terminals. You can very easily park your two wheels near the Conciergerie and even any other tourist place in Paris.
What to do about the Conciergerie?
Île Saint-Louis and Notre-Dame de Paris
Although it is still closed for restoration, it is impossible to pass next to Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris. Admire its exterior with opulent volumes, trace the silhouettes of the gargouilles and... make the bet to come back a little later to visit the interior. Then follow the island of Saint-Louis. Quiet streets, discreet charms, this beautiful island seems like a bell.
Le Louvre
There are many things to do in the area. But if your time is counted, you have to make a choice. Ours goes to the Louvre. Also famous, exciting and elusive, it retains collections that radiate around the world. And then there's the famous face-to-face with Mona Lisa...
Where to eat around the Conciergerie?
Caveau du Palais
We do not teach you anything by saying that the chic of Paris is read in its gastronomic offers. The Caveau du Palais is one of those restaurants that perfectly reflects this taste of beautiful and good.
Nestled in the heart of Dauphine Square, one of the most cozy squares in the capital, the Caveau du Palais invites you to an atypical stopover and away from the bustle of the metropolis.
Stone walls and exposed beams dress the rooms while the dishes scroll on the wood and zinc counter. On the map you will find French, modern and creative dishes, respecting seasonality and alternating finesse and authenticity
Ma Salle à Manger
It is a jealously guarded peril by the regulars of the island of Cité. However, the news spreads quickly and Ma Salle at Manger is already one of the favorite places of tourists. This restaurant is an ode to the Basque cuisine and the warm atmosphere of bistros.
We go as much for his decor as for his kitchen. The interior is dressed in exceptional textiles and bathed in an intimate atmosphere. On the menu side, discover the homemade wine, the onion soup, the chocolate mousse perfected and – of course – the signature Basque cake!
Isle Vache
Did you know that the island of Saint-Louis (linked to the island of Cité by a bridge) was once called the island of Les Vaches? It is of course this appellation – which is ready to smile – that this restaurant holds its name.
Islet Vache is renowned for its friendly welcome and original decoration. Halfway between a campagnard inn and a romantic restaurant, the place mixes stone, wood, candles and flowers.
We're happy for her. traditional French cuisine and copier. Leaft of Roquefort, beef fillet with ceps, veal kidneys with old mustard, Saint-Jacques walnuts with Provencal, lobster flambé au Cognac, enjoy the chocolate, ice cream of the Berthillon house: no doubt, it is France!
Where to sleep around the Conciergerie?
Relais Christine
Found on the Left Bank, plebisciated since 1979 by artists and romantics, Relais Christine is a rather confidential address. This guest house embodies the philosophy of preserved space-time and attentive service. It combines a friendly and friendly setting with the refinement and attention of major luxury hotels. This atypical and discreet refuge also stands out by its cosy and friendly lounges, its entire spa of vêtu arches and its flowery garden.
Cheval Blanc Paris & Dior
If you want to visit the Conciergerie on a journey under the sign of luxury and exceptional, you need a hotel to meet your expectations. Cheval Blanc Paris & Dior is probably one of the best places to enhance your wishes.
Passion of the beautiful, exceptional know-how, sublime spaces: this hotel is a true jewel in the heart of Paris. This oasis of splendor also stands out by its philosophy of well-being and relaxation in its spa. An unprecedented and profoundly resurgent immobile journey.
Relais Hôtel du Vieux Paris
This poetic hotel has an unheard charm. First of all, it enjoys a unique location, in the shadow of the Parisian islands, in the Latin suburbs.
This 4-star boutique hotel is a real cocoon of softness and boldness that combines art of living and know-how in French. To love this vibrant shelter of colours and patterns, you should not look for a contemporary foot-to-land but rather a resolutely vintage place.
Our Lady Romantic
A true invitation to the vibrant heart of Paris, this elegant two-storey apartment kills exceptional places. The gentle caresss of the sun percedes through the glazed bays thought in a style “artist’s workshop”. The elegant decoration is illuminated by a palette of enveloping shades. Cosy, bold, contemporary, this Airbnb allows you to visit the Concierge on foot. An exclusive shelter for 4 people.
The Romantic Marais
Stay in the heart of the Marais, nestled in a classified 18th century building. In this unique and refined setting, we cook the Parisian day in the early morning, in a very trendy area, just steps from the island of Cité. Languish until noon, butt from shore to shore until midnight, join the strollers on the Seine docks: everything is possible.
The apartment is warm, filled with sparkling delicacy with marble floors and exposed beams. For the authentic touch, you can find bistro furniture, old paintings and original engravings. An Airbnb designed for two to four passengers.
FAQ
What is the duration of the visit of the Conciergerie?
Count 1h to 1h30 to visit the Conciergerie.
Why should he book his ticket online?
Although it is not necessary to book a time slot to visit the Conciergerie, it is always more pleasant to avoid the queue at the entrance. Not to mention that in week, Monday to Friday , the site is framed by a security perimeter which makes it mandatory purchase of upstream tickets . There are nearby off-site ticketing facilities. However, online booking makes it a win in time and quiet.
What is the best time to visit the Conciergerie?
Even if the Conciergerie sometimes passes under the radar of tourists who have little time to devote to Paris, it is better avoid weekends and school holidays when you want to escape the crowd.
Other advice : if you wish to visit the Conciergerie coupled with a visit to the Sainte-Chapelle, you will have no choice but to start with the latter. Better to visit it in the morning, when the light falls on its colored windows. In this case, you will enter the Concierge at the end of the morning.
Is there a guided tour of the Conciergery?
Des guided tours of approximately 1 hour are available daily at various times (remember upstream on site or by phone). Do you want to visit the Conciergerie with enthusiasts? Opt for one visit-conference d 1:30 .
In any case, we recommend at least to visit the Conciergerie with the Histopad (location) 5 € ), available for any entry. This touch tablet allows an immersive experience, over the years, and a reconstruction of the Palace at its time of glory thanks to the augmented reality. Also count 1:30 visit time to appreciate all the information.
Are the photos allowed?
Photos and videos are Authorized in the monument as long as you respect the right to the image of people. The use of a tripod, perch or stabilizer is prohibited.
Are there dressing rooms at the Conciergerie?
The building does not have No lockers .
Is the Conciergerie accessible to people with reduced mobility?
Visiting the Conciergerie is unfortunately not not possible for wheelchairs. The building has many steps and no elevator and loading of people could not be installed to preserve the building.
Are pets allowed to Concierge?
He is not not possible to visit the Conciergerie with her pet.
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