Discover the secrets of Parisian history in a place where many events were played out. Visit the Conciergerie: a complete guide to make sure you don’t miss a thing.
There are many ways to enjoy Paris: a morning croissant dipped in steaming coffee; timeless little black dresses floating down the street; the smell of warm bread; a bottle of wine on a checkered tablecloth; a few accordion tunes on the subway; carefree love on the banks of the Seine. Then there are the historic monuments, the jewels of our heritage.
Scattered across the heart of the City of Light, neither time nor hardship can mar their beauty and strength. The Eiffel Tower, theArc de Triomphe, the Sainte-Chapelle, Notre-Dame de Paris and many more.
Among them: the Conciergerie. A monumental historic building that has been through a lot. Gothic palace and royal residence, court house, prison: it’s been so many things. Let’s take a closer look at this enigmatic and fascinating national treasure. Visit the Conciergerie: history and practical information to help you prepare.
The history of the Conciergerie
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Kiev.Victor
It’s impossible to miss its dancing reflection in the Seine, its pointed grey roofs and medieval facades. The Conciergerie is a real eye-catcher. What is it? To tell the truth, it’s a long story. Here are a few snippets.
It all began in the 10th century, when it was built as a splendid Gothic waterside palace. It was the seat of power for the kings of France. Its Gothic architecture dates back to this period. An architectural feat magnified by record exposure to the sun. Even more beautiful, its turrets contain the royal treasury and a base of Roman foundations.
At the time, the site was immense: it included today’s Palais de Justice and the Sainte-Chapelle. Renowned throughout Europe, this Gothic palace had everything going for it. It remained so until the 14th century.
At this time, Charles V decided to move the seat of power. The present-day Conciergerie became a state prison. For hundreds of years to come, it would house prisoners awaiting trial before execution. The poorest piled up on the floor of their cells, the richest stretched out on straw mattresses.
If you wish to visit the Conciergerie, you will have the « privilege » of visiting the last place where Marie-Antoinette and Robespierre stayed. It was in the heart of this state prison that the legendary Revolutionary Court was held during the French Revolution. In 1914, the prison was definitively closed and transformed into a national monument open to the public.
What to see and do at the Conciergerie?
Photo credit: Facebook – La Conciergerie
Ready to visit the Conciergerie? It all starts outside. Situated on the banks of the Seine, bathed in rare light, the building offers a most photogenic panorama. The four imposing, elegant towers will immediately catch your eye. Among them, the famous Tour de l’Horloge. Standing at the corner of the Conciergerie, this tower boasts the oldest clock in Paris. When it was built in 1371, its main function was to chime the births and deaths of sovereigns and their families.
Two hundred years later, it became part of history, marking a turning point in the lives of its inhabitants. An external dial was added. Prior to this addition, the hours were marked only by the sound of bells. The arrival of large hands indicating « the King’s time », as it was known in those days, transformed not only Parisians’ relationship with time, but also the symbolic place of the Church.
The symbolism is powerful: the bells are no longer the conductors of the orchestra, and the monarchy is a little more emancipated from religious power. The current sundial you can admire on your visit dates back to 1685. Take time to appreciate its fine details and allegorical figures representing Law and Justice.
Much more than just visiting the Conciergerie and entering its intimidating halls, you’ll be going back in time and replaying the history that unfolded within its walls. You’ll be surprised to discover that, despite its prison past, there’s nothing dark and gloomy about the Conciergerie. There are no filthy dungeons or cold corridors: everything has been redone, renovated and recreated.
Today, the Salle des Gardes, the kitchens and the Salle des Gens d’Armes, inherited from the days of the Royal Palace, remain in their medieval glory. The Salle des Gardes, with its Cyclopean dimensions accentuated by impressive vaults, will undoubtedly be the highlight of your visit. As for Marie-Antoinette’s cell, it has given way to a commemorative chapel that still stirs emotions and is sure to hold your attention.
Are combined tours available?
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Pani Garmyder
The twin of the Conciergerie, the Sainte-Chapelle is another of Paris’s must-see monuments. And just as well, since there’s a combined ticket for both monuments. The Sainte-Chapelle is a Gothic masterpiece built by Saint-Louis, originally intended to house the relics of Christ’s Passion. Today, it houses one of the world’s finest collections of stained-glass windows.
The combined tour starts exclusively at the Sainte-Chapelle, which is subject to a time-slot booking system.
Opening hours and prices
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Opening hours
- Visits to the Conciergerie are possible all year round, from 9:30 am to 6 pm;
- The last entrance to the monument is 45 minutes before closing time;
- Annual closures May 1 and December 25.
Rates
- Full price ticket: €11.50 ;
- Group ticket: €9.50 per person;
- Under-26s, disabled people and their companions, jobseekers (on presentation of a certificate less than 6 months old) and valid Education Passes are all entitled to free admission;
- The combined Conciergerie and Sainte-Chapelle ticket costs €18.50.
How do I get to the Conciergerie?
To visit the Conciergerie, go to 2 Boulevard du Palais, 75001 Paris.
The Conciergerie is located within the perimeter of the Palais de Justice, protected by an exceptional security system from Monday to Friday. To enter the area, you’ll need your Conciergerie admission ticket. This is not subject to a specific time slot.
You can buy your ticket on the Place du Châtelet, near the Conciergerie, at the Hôtel de Sully bookshop (62 rue Saint Antoine 75004, open Tuesday to Sunday afternoons) or directly online. To get to the monument from the left bank, cross the Pont Saint-Michel and, from the right bank, cross the Pont au Change.
- Please note: at weekends, when the security zone is not deployed, it is once again possible to buy a ticket at the monument entrance and enter the site more freely.
By metro
- Take line 4 to Cité station;
- Or take lines 1, 7, 11 and 14 to Châtelet station.
By RER
Lines B and C will take you there. Get off at Saint-Michel station.
By Bus
Lines 21, 24, 27, 38, 58, 81, 85 and 96 serve the Conciergerie.
By Vélib
Go green with one of our many bicycle-friendly stations. You’ll find it easy to park your bike near the Conciergerie or any other tourist attraction in Paris.
What to do around the Conciergerie
Île Saint-Louis and Notre-Dame de Paris
Photo credit: Shutterstock – DMITRII A KUDASOV
Although still closed for restoration, it’s impossible to miss Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral. Admire its opulent exterior, track down the silhouettes of the gargoyles and… make a bet to come back a little later to visit the interior. Then, take a stroll around Ile Saint-Louis. Quiet streets, discreet charms, this beautiful islet seems to be under a bell.
The Louvre
Photo credit: Shutterstock – alice-photo
There’s a plethora of things to do in the area. But if your time is limited, you have to make a choice. Ours goes to the Louvre. As famous and fascinating as it is elusive, the Louvre’s collections are known the world over. And then there’s the famous face-to-face with Mona Lisa…
Where to eat around the Conciergerie?
Caveau du Palais
Photo credit: Facebook – Caveau du Palais
We’re not telling you anything new when we say that the chic of Paris is reflected in its gastronomic offerings. Le Caveau du Palais is one of those restaurants that perfectly reflects this taste for beauty and goodness.
Nestled in the heart of Place Dauphine, one of the capital’s most coveted squares, Caveau du Palais invites you to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the metropolis.
Stone walls and exposed beams decorate the rooms, while dishes are served on the wood and zinc counters. The menu features modern, creative French dishes, respecting seasonality and alternating finesse and authenticity.
My Dining Room
Photo credit: Facebook – Ma Salle à Manger
It’s a nugget jealously guarded by Ile de la Cité regulars. However, word is spreading fast and Ma Salle à Manger is already a tourist favorite. The restaurant is an ode to Basque cuisine and the warm ambience of bistros.
We go there as much for its decor as for its cuisine. The interior is dressed in exceptional textiles and bathed in an intimate atmosphere. On the menu, discover the house wine, onion soup, chocolate mousse made to perfection and – of course – the signature Basque cake!
L’Îlot Vache
Photo credit: Facebook – L’Îlot Vache
Did you know that Île Saint-Louis (linked to Île de la Cité by a bridge) was once called Île aux Vaches? It’s obviously from this name – which lends itself to a smile – that this restaurant takes its name.
L’Îlot Vache is renowned for its warm welcome and original decor. Halfway between a country inn and a romantic restaurant, the place blends stone, wood, candles and flowers.
We love his traditional, hearty French cuisine. Roquefort puff pastry, fillet of beef with porcini mushrooms, veal kidneys with old-fashioned mustard, Provençal scallops, lobster flambéed in Cognac, chocolate profiteroles, Berthillon ice cream: there’s no doubt about it, this is France!
Where to stay around the Conciergerie?
Relais Christine
Photo credit: Booking
Nestled on the Left Bank, a favorite of artists and romantics since 1979, Relais Christine is a rather confidential address. This guesthouse embodies the philosophy of preserved space-time and attentive service. It blends a friendly, convivial atmosphere with the refinement and attention of a luxury hotel. This atypical, discreet refuge also stands out for its cosy, friendly lounges, its vaulted Spa and its flower-filled garden.
Cheval Blanc Paris & Dior
Photo credit: Booking
If you want to visit the Conciergerie on a trip of luxury and exception, you need a hotel that lives up to your expectations. Cheval Blanc Paris & Dior is probably one of the best placed to fulfill your wishes.
A passion for beauty, exceptional expertise, sublime spaces: this hotel is a veritable jewel box of voluptuousness in the heart of Paris. This oasis of splendor also stands out for its philosophy of well-being and relaxation, as expressed in its spa. An unparalleled, deeply rejuvenating immobile voyage.
Relais Hôtel du Vieux Paris
Photo credit: Booking
This poetic hotel has an incredible charm. First of all, it enjoys a unique location, in the shadow of the Paris islands, in the Latin quarter-village.
This 4-star boutique hotel is a veritable cocoon of softness and boldness, combining art de vivre and French savoir-faire. To love this vibrant refuge of colors and patterns, you don’t need to look for a contemporary pied-à-terre, but rather a resolutely vintage place.
Notre Dame Romantic
Photo credit: Airbnb
An invitation to the vibrant heart of Paris, this elegant two-storey apartment is a veritable showcase for exceptional places. The gentle caress of the sun shines through the bay windows, designed in the style of an artist’s studio. The elegant decor is illuminated by a palette of enveloping hues. Cosy, bold and contemporary, this Airbnb is the perfect place to visit the Conciergerie on foot. An exclusive retreat for 4.
Le Marais Romantique
Photo credit: Airbnb
Stay in the heart of the Marais, nestled in a listed 18th-century building. In this unique and refined setting, you’ll catch the Parisian day at dawn, in a trendy district just a stone’s throw from the Ile de la Cité. Linger until midday, wander from bank to bank until midnight, join the strollers on the banks of the Seine: it’s all possible.
The apartment has a warm, sparkling delicacy, with marble floors and exposed beams. For the authentic touch, there’s bistro furniture, aged paintings and original prints. An Airbnb designed for two to four travelers.
FAQ
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Kiev.Victor
How long does a visit to the Conciergerie last?
Allow 1h to 1h30 to visit the Conciergerie.
Why book your ticket online?
Although you don’t need to reserve a time slot to visit the Conciergerie, it’s always more pleasant to avoid the queue at the entrance. And on weekdays, from Monday to Friday, the site is surrounded by a security perimeter, making it compulsory tobuy tickets in advance. There are other ticket offices nearby. Nevertheless, online booking saves time and hassle.
When is the best time to visit the Conciergerie?
Even if the Conciergerie sometimes slips under the radar of tourists with little time to spend in Paris, it’s best to avoid weekends and school vacations if you want to escape the crowds.
Another tip: if you want to visit the Conciergerie in conjunction with the Sainte-Chapelle, you’ll have no choice but to start with the latter. It’s best to visit in the morning, when the light falls on the colorful stained glass windows. In this case, you’ll enter the Conciergerie in the late morning.
Is there a guided tour of the Conciergerie?
Guided tours lasting around 1 hour are available every day at various times (please enquire in advance on site or by telephone). Would you like to visit the Conciergerie with an expert? Opt for a1h30 lecture tour.
In any case, we recommend that you visit the Conciergerie with theHistopad (rental €5), available with every admission. This touch-sensitive tablet offers an immersive experience through the ages, and a reconstruction of the Palais in its heyday thanks to augmented reality. Allow 1.5 hours for the visit to fully appreciate all the information.
Are photos allowed?
Photos and videos are permitted inside the monument, as long as you respect people’s right to privacy. The use of tripods, booms or stabilizers is prohibited.
Are there changing rooms at the Conciergerie?
The building has no changing rooms.
Is the Conciergerie accessible to people with reduced mobility?
Unfortunately, visiting the Conciergerie is not possible for wheelchair users. The building has many steps, and no elevator or elevator has been installed to preserve the building.
Are pets allowed at the Conciergerie?
It is not possible to visit the Conciergerie with your pet.