As early as during the 6th century, the French king Clovis decided to install his capital in Paris, and more specifically on the Ile de la Cité (island of the city), in its very heart. Between the 10th and the 14th centuries, the Palais de la Cité was the residence of the kings. When Charles V decided to move the royal residence to Le Louvre, La Conciergerie which was part of the royal palace was partially turned into a jail. It hosted wealthy prisoners in their own cells with their own furniture or poor ones sleeping on damp straw in oubliettes (“forgotten places”).

La Conciergerie was used a lot during the French revolution, and many famous people were jailed there before being beheaded by guillotine, like Marie Antoinette, the queen of France in 1793. Still serving as a law court, part of this building is open for visits where one can marvel at the majestic Gothic halls.

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.
• heck out this interactive map for the specific details to help you plan your trip and more articles and photos (zoom out) about the area (short tutorial)!

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