Travel bucket list idea:

La Conciergerie

Paris, Ile-de-France, France

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: 0

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

Sainte-Chapelle and 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 Notre Dame Cathedral from outside 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) Guided visit to Conciergerie (inside) Tour de l'Horloge History of Paris Ile de la Cité

Price €95

Min age 0

Rating 4.80 / 5 [67 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Private Tour: Sainte Chapelle, Conciergerie & Cluny, through the Latin Quarter

Paris

Viator

Discover striking Gothic architecture, mediaeval artifacts and centuries of history on this private morning or afternoon Paris walking tour. Visit the Sainte Chapelle and the Conciergerie on the Ile de la Cité before crossing the Seine in front of the now partly burnt facade of Notre Dame Cathedral, which will soon start its 10 year restoration; admire at length the joyful Latin Quarter, centre of student life around the Sorbonne a university started in the 13th Century, and sited in the medieval quarter of Paris among medieval houses, churches and institutions and where you will visit CLUNY, the Museum of the Moyen Age (Middle ages) which among the Medieval treasures has the 6 Tapestries of La Dame a la Licorne (The Lady of the UNICORN).

Price €361

Min age 6

Rating 4.52 / 5 [46 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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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:

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