Located on the Ile de la Cité (island of the city), in the very heart of Paris, la Conciergerie was part of the royal castle during the 10th century, until the French kings moved their residence to Le Louvre on the right bank of the Seine at the end of the Middle Ages (14th century). Shortly after, the building was converted into a jail, hosting wealthy prisoners in their own cells with often their own furniture or poor ones sleeping on damp straw.

La Conciergerie was used a lot during the French revolution, and many famous people were jailed there before being beheaded with the guillotine, like Marie Antoinette, the queen of France in 1793. Still serving as a court, part of this building is open for visits.

The beautifully lit arches of the hall of the guards, the Conciergerie, Paris

Marcella & Claire

Travel tips:

• A combo ticket gives you access to both La Conciergerie and the stunning Sainte Chapelle on the same day.
• Guided tours in French, English and Spanish make the interior come alive as history is rich between these walls.
• Check out this interactive map for the specific details to help you plan your trip and more articles and photos (zoom out) about the area!!

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