Visit the Ile Saint-Louis and the Ile de la Cité near the Eiffel Tower
Categories : Discover Paris, published on : 2/6/24
In the heart of Paris, the Île Saint-Louis and the Île de la Cité seem to float on the Seine and give the capital a peaceful and elegant atmosphere. Home to historic monuments, beautiful mansions and charming little green spaces, these Parisian islets are a favorite place for walks. Discover all the walks and discoveries to do on the Île de la Cité and the Île Saint-Louis , a stone's throw from the Eiffel Tower.
The Lambert Hotel
Built in 1640 by Louis Le Vau, the Hôtel Lambert is probably one of the most beautiful private mansions in Paris . On the banks of the Seine, it is distinguished by its magnificent facade, its rotunda and its garden. If it cannot be visited, we can imagine the gallery of Hercules , painted by Charles le Brun inside the hotel, as well as all the other works it houses. During the 18th and 19th centuries, many personalities frequented this preserved place, such as Voltaire, Rousseau, Chopin, and Balzac.
Address: 2 rue Saint-Louis en Île, Paris 4
The Barye square
Located at the tip of Île Saint-Louis, Square Barye (or Square Barry) is a small triangular green space where it is pleasant to walk. Providing access to the banks of the Seine, it bears the name of the famous animal sculptor, Antoine-Louis Barye, some of whose works can be found at the Louvre Museum. Discreet and calm, this small Parisian square offers a nice breath of fresh air in the heart of the capital.
Address: 2 boulevard Henri IV, Paris 4
The Saint-Louis bridge
The Saint-Louis Bridge is the only bridge that connects Île Saint-Louis to Île de la Cité . Often occupied by inspired artists, it offers a breathtaking view of the eastern facade of Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral, as well as the Town Hall. To ensure a peaceful walk, the bridge is exclusively reserved for pedestrians and bicycles.
Address: quai d'Orléans - quai aux Fleurs, Paris 4
The Cathedral of Notre Dame de Paris
Dominating the Île de la Cité from its height of 69 meters, Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral is a true architectural gem. Its construction took place between 1163 and 1345, offering a unique Gothic style which makes it an emblematic monument of Paris. From its forecourt, you can observe magnificent details, such as gargoyles and chimeras.
Unfortunately, Notre-Dame suffered a terrible fire in 2019. Closed to the public during the work, it should reopen its doors in 2024.
Address: 6 parvis Notre-Dame, Paris 4
The new bridge
Contrary to what its name might lead you to believe, the Pont Neuf is actually the oldest bridge in Paris . Built in 1578, it was the first bridge without houses or shops, but also the first bridge to have sidewalks for pedestrians. For a long time, the bridge was also equipped with a pump supplying water to the Louvre and the Tuileries garden. This pump, called Samaritaine , no longer exists, but it left its name to the department store located near the Pont Neuf.
In the center of the bridge, you can admire the sublime equestrian statue of King Henry IV , built at the request of his wife, Marie de Medici.
Address: quai de la Mégisserie - quai des Grands Augustins, Paris 1st
The Vert-Galant square
At the end of the Île de la Cité, below the Pont Neuf, the Vert-Galant square is a small green space preserved from tourists. Offering a sublime view of both banks, this small garden allows you to admire an unusual point of view over the Louvre Museum, the dome of the Institut de France, the Passerelle des Arts, or even the famous mascarons of the Pont Neuf, these grimacing figures carved in stone.
At sunset, the Square du Vert-Galant is a magical spot in the heart of Paris.
Address: Place du Pont Neuf, Paris 1st
The Lauzun hotel
Made famous for having housed Théophile Gautier and Charles Baudelaire, the Hôtel de Lauzun is a magnificent mansion dating from 1658. During the 19th century, it was also renowned for hosting the Haschischins club, a group bringing together writers and scientists coming to test different drugs.
It is now possible to visit the Hôtel de Lauzun, by reservation, and discover the sumptuous lounge and the magnificent 17th century architecture , admirably preserved.
Address: 17 quai d’Anjou, Paris 4
The archaeological crypt of the Île de la Cité
Overlooking the Notre-Dame square, the archaeological crypt of the Île de la Cité allows us to retrace the architectural and urban evolution of the island. Through models, numerous remains and 3D reconstructions, the crypt takes us on a long journey, from Antiquity to the 20th century.
Address: 7 parvis Notre-Dame - place Jean-Paul II, Paris 4
Rue Saint-Louis-en-l’Île and the Saint-Louis-en-l’Île church
Rue Saint-Louis-en-l'Île is the main artery of the island. There are many hotels there, but also shops and restaurants. A true nerve center of Île Saint-Louis, this street attracts tourists and particularly lovers of good ice cream, who inevitably end up at the Berthillon ice cream parlor .
From rue Saint-Louis-en-l'Île, you can admire the Saint-Louis-en-l'Île church , with its unusual clock, placed perpendicular to the facade. Built between 1664 and 1726, its architecture is sober, but it houses a remarkable baroque-inspired organ.
Address: 19 rue Saint-Louis-en-l’Île
A stone's throw from the Eiffel Tower and the Hôtel Bleu de Grenelle, the Île Saint-Louis and the Île de la Cité are in the historic heart of Paris. Enjoy your stay in our 4-star hotel to discover the riches of the 4th arrondissement.