Palais de Justice

The Basics

The former Royal Palace is now home to the Paris judicial courts. Since it’s a working judicial building, the building isn’t open for tours, but visitors are free to wander the public halls or just admire the stunning architecture from the outside. Opt for a walking tour the of Île de la Cité to learn more about the history of the Royal Palace and see other famous landmarks like the Conciergerie, Sainte-Chapelle, and the Notre-Dame cathedral.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Palais de Justice is the former royal residence of the French monarchy.

• The site is must-see for French history buffs.

• The Palais de Justice is a working judicial building, so access to the building is limited.

• Purchase admission tickets to other Île de la Cité sights in advance to save time in lines.

How to Get There

The Pont Neuf, Paris’s oldest bridge across the River Seine, provides access to Île de la Cité from the center of Paris. Metro line 4 will take you directly the island, and the Palais de Justice is only a few moments walk from the Cité station.

When to Get There

Attractions along Île de la Cité are some of the most visited in Paris, so start your morning early to avoid the crowds. There really is no bad time to visit Paris, but spring and fall see vastly smaller crowds than mid-summer, and winter can be a delightful time to visit as long as you pack plenty of layers.

Visiting the Conciergerie and Sainte Chapelle

Although tours of the Palais de Justice are unavailable, you can, in fact, tour neighboring La Conciergerie and Sainte-Chapelle. La Conciergerie is most notable as the principal prison during the French Revolution, when it was used to detain famous revolutionaries like Marie-Antoinette and Robespierre. Admission is required to enter both sights, but a combination ticket will save you money.

Ways to explore

The Palais de Justice is now home to the Paris judicial courts. Since it’s a working judicial building, the building isn’t open for tours; however, you are free to wander the public halls or just admire the architecture from the outside. Take a walking tour of the Île de la Cité to learn about the history of the Palais de Justice and see other famous landmarks on the island, including the Conciergerie, Sainte-Chapelle, and Notre-Dame Cathedral.

Accessibility

The area in front of the Palais de Justice is wheelchair accessible.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Camera, water

What to wear

Comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing

Not allowed

Touring inside the building

Address

The Palais de Justice is located right in the center of the Île de la Cité, next to the Conciergerie and Sainte-Chapelle, and a few blocks northwest of Notre-Dame Cathedral.

Driving

If you’re coming to the Île de la Cité by car, take Pont Saint-Michel (from the south) or Pont Neuf (from the north). Parking is available nearby at the INDIGO Palais de Justice parking lot.

Public transportation

The easiest way to reach the Palais de Justice is by public transportation. Take line 4 of the Paris Metro to the Cité station or bus 47, 75, N15, or N22 to the Cité - Parvis Notre-Dame stop.

Best times to visit

Visit during the day to see the architecture or after dark, when the palace is illuminated.

Best days to visit

Any day is good to see the building’s exterior architecture, but you won’t be allowed to go inside if you come on a weekend.

Best months to visit

There really is no bad time to visit Paris, but spring and fall see vastly smaller crowds than in the summer.

Special events

June 21 is a fun time to visit Paris, when free outdoor concerts take place around town as part of the annual Fête De La Musique.