Conciergerie
2 Blvd. du Palais, Île de la Cité, Paris, Île-de-France, 75001
Located on the Île de la Cité—just steps from Sainte-Chapelle and Notre Dame Cathedral—the Conciergerie is a major Paris landmark with both a royal pedigree and a dark history. Once a wing of the former Palais de la Cité, the 14th-century building housed doomed prisoners (including Marie Antoinette) during the French Revolution.
The basics
The storied Conciergerie has had many official roles since its medieval origins. Renowned for its Gothic architecture, the palace was eventually abandoned by French kings in the 14th century before being used as a judicial building and later a prison during the Reign of Terror. Today, the landmark is a popular tourist attraction and the home of Parisian law courts.
The Conciergerie can be seen from the outside on numerous tours, including hop-on hop-off bus tours, Seine River cruises, and Île de la Cité walking tours. Admission to the interior museum is also included in the Paris Pass.
Things to know before you go
Discounted combination tickets are available for the Conciergerie and Sainte-Chapelle.
Due to its heritage architecture, the monument is not wheelchair accessible.
Visitors can take a self-guided tour using a booklet in 10 languages or join a free French-language tour.
For an interactive experience, rent a Histopad—a digital tablet that includes augmented-reality and 3D views of the palace.
How to get there
Poised on the Île de la Cité (one of two major Seine islands within Paris), the Conciergerie can be reached by Métro line 4 to Cité station or the RER train B or C to Saint-Michel Nôtre-Dame station. The area is also served by numerous city buses including the 21, 27, 38, 58, and 81.
When to get there
The Conciergerie is open daily from 9:30am–6pm, barring annual closures on January 1, May 1, and December 25. The last admission is 30 minutes prior to closing time. Admission is free on the first Sunday of the month from November–March.
Sainte-Chapelle
Another highlight of the Île de la Cité, Sainte-Chapelle also was once part of the Palais de la Cité. Today, the chapel is renowned for its extraordinary stained-glass windows and Gothic splendor. Combination tickets make it easy to visit both landmarks in one day.
Ways to explore
You can explore the Conciergerie on your own with a standard admission ticket, which includes access to permanent exhibits and immersive multimedia displays. Entry is timed, so it’s best to reserve tickets in advance—especially during peak seasons. Admission is also included with the Paris Museum Pass.
Several walking tours of central Paris include a stop at the Conciergerie, often in combination with nearby sites like Sainte-Chapelle or Notre-Dame. These guided tours help contextualize the building’s layered history, from royal residence to revolutionary tribunal. Some also offer skip-the-line entry, making it easier to maximize your time in the city.
Accessibility
The Conciergerie is not wheelchair accessible. However, travelers with disabilities and one companion are eligible for free admission with valid ID or documentation.
Age limits
None
What to pack
ID, portable charger, umbrella
What to wear
Comfortable shoes for walking on stone floors and visiting nearby sites like Sainte-Chapelle
Not allowed
Bulky luggage/bags, scissors, scooters, skateboards or inline skates, motorcycle helmets, glass bottles, aerosols
Amenities
Restrooms, Wi-Fi, gift shop, digital tablets with interactive exhibits
Address
The Conciergerie is on the Île de la Cité in central Paris, just steps from Notre-Dame and Sainte-Chapelle. It’s easy to reach on foot, by bike, or using public transportation, and many walking tours of historic Paris include a stop here, often in combination with nearby landmarks.
Driving
While driving in central Paris is possible, it is generally discouraged due to heavy traffic and limited parking. If you choose to drive, nearby paid parking options include the Notre-Dame parking lot at 6 Rue de la Cité and the Lutèce parking lot at 3 Boulevard du Palais.
Public transportation
The easiest way to reach the Conciergerie is by taking the RER B or C train to Saint-Michel Notre-Dame or Métro Line 4 to Cité station. Both stops are a short walk from the entrance. Buses and hop-on, hop-off tours also stop nearby.
Best times to visit
Early is better if you’re looking for a quieter experience. If you arrive right after the Conciergerie opens and before tour groups arrive, you’ll have a better opportunity to explore without the crowds.
Best days to visit
The Conciergerie is closed on Mondays. Weekdays are typically less busy than weekends, so consider going on a Wednesday or Thursday.
Best months to visit
For sightseeing in Paris, the spring and fall offer mild weather and fewer crowds compared to the summer high season, but you can visit the Conciergerie year-round.
Special events
The Conciergerie occasionally hosts temporary exhibitions and nighttime events such as Histoires & Lumières, a multimedia experience inside the building.
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