paris - monuments - ile de la cite

Notre Dame
Pont Neuf (neuf as in new and not nine) is one crossing point onto the Ile. Near the end of the bridge is the grand department store Samaritaine. Excellent for shopping but also for its café terrace and the panoramic views up and down the Seine

Notre Dame is Paris's metropolitan church. It is an unmissable piece of gothic architecture with rose windows that glow with a warmth reflecting the exuberance of the 13th century. Climb the west facade and see the Seine from above and be reminded of the Hunchback by the twisted gargoyles. The square Jean XIII behind gives a great view of the flying buttresses - a view still popular with any film directors who chooses Paris as a location. By day it is a bustle of people. By night it is unduly quiet.

Conciergerie
At the opposite end of the Ile is the Palais de Justice, seat of government since Roman days. On site is also the Conciergerie, the palace that became a prison with many of the victims carted off across Paris's cobbles to Place de la Concorde and the guillotine. Be horrified by Marie-Antoinette's chamber and uplifted by the gothic jewel of Sainte Chapelle. Built in the mid 13th century it was to house what was thought to be the crown of thorns. The intense decoration and brilliant stained glass almost hide the walls from view.