Travel bucket list idea:

La Conciergerie

Paris, Ile-de-France, France
http://www.paris-conciergerie.fr
Bucket List Experience

Last updated: 10 March, 2024

Along with Sainte-Chapelle, the Conciergerie once formed part of a vast Medieval palace, with impressive, vaulted Gothic halls, that included the Sainte-Chapelle. Abandoned as a palace by the French Kings at the end of the 14th century, it took on a more judicial role, and parts were converted to prison cells.

Today, it’s most famously remembered as the ‘antechamber to the guillotine’, where nobles were held prior to execution in the bloodiest days of the French Revolution. Prisoners included the Queen at the time of the French Revolution and the last Queen of France, Marie Antoinette. She was executed by guillotine in 1793 to the cheers of the populace – one of almost three thousand prisoners, mostly from the upper classes, to be tried and sentenced at the Conciergerie.

Now a historic monument, only a small area of the building is open to the public. A small, commemorative chapel now was erected on the site of Marie Antoinette’s cell.

Logistics

Price from: £10

Minimum age: Any

Age suitable: 13+

When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

The nearest metro station is Cité. Access to the monument is via the Place Louis Lépine (next to the Flower Market). Buy tickets on the website before you go, though you can just turn up.

Visitors are given access to the Salles des Gardes, the vaulted Gothic hall, the Medieval kitchens and the Chapelle des Girondins, Marie Antoinette’s cell. There is a free one-hour augmented reality tour available on (supplied) iPads in multiple languages that reconstructs the history.

When to do it

The Conciergerie is open seven days a week, all year round.

Who to go with: organised tours

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Notre Dame Quartier Sainte-Chapelle & Conciergerie 2H Private Tour in Paris

Paris

Viator

In the heart of the Ile de la Cité, this guided tour will let you discover the history of the legendary Notre Dame Cathedral and the interiors of the wonderful Sainte Chapelle and Conciergerie. Our Art History experts will tell you the history and mysteries of the famous Cathedral where Victor Hugo set his famous Hunchback of Notre Dame. Then, you will go with the guide to see from inside the Conciergerie, the ancient court of the French Revolution, today picturesque place where you can find cells and tombs of revolutionary heroes and criminals. Later, you will go with the guide in the adjacent Sainte Chapelle, one of the most beautiful Gothic architectures in the world, with its ancient stained glass windows that will leave you in awe for their colors and their beauty. Highlights: Guided visit to Notre-Dame Cathedral (external) Guided visit to Sainte Chapelle (inside, ammission included) Guided visit to Conciergerie (external) Tour de l'Horloge History of Paris Ile de la Cité

Price €95

Min age 0

Rating 4.82 / 5 [52 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Website >

Private 3 Hour Historical Walking Tour in Paris Medieval

Paris

Viator

Get to the medieval soul of Paris with a private 3-hour walking tour in the historic heart of the city - the Ile de la Cité. Explore the gothic details and magnificent architecture of Notre Dame Cathedral. Get direct VIP access inside the vaulted stone ceilings of the Conciergerie prison and exquisite stained glass interiors of Sainte-Chapelle. Explore the key monuments of the Middle Ages a time of kings, castles, and criminals to discover the secrets of Paris’ past. Enjoy an in-depth yet relaxing tour with your private guide.

Price €400

Min age 18

Rating 4.26 / 5 [19 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Website >

SEE ALL RECOMMENDED TOURS & TICKETS

Destination guides

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Paris

Ile-de-France, France

Destination guide

Crammed with iconic buildings, world-class art and a culinary scene steeped in history, Paris is one of the world’s great capitals, overflowing with style, romance, and art de vivre.

More details >