Ile de la Cite – a small island that sits in the middle of the River Seine – is home to some of Paris’ most incredible sights. The Notre Dame Cathedral, Sainte-Chapelle and the Conciergerie Prison are all located on the 56-acre islet.
The walkable island welcomes visitors to explore its awe-inspiring attractions – and its nooks and crannies. Our Ile de la Cite Self-Guided Walking Tour highlights the best places to see in an easy-to-follow route.
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Drenched in history, Ile de la Cite has been the center of Paris since the Middle Ages – and discovering it is an absolute must on your Paris vacation! We also feature Ile de la Cite sights on Day 2 of our Paris 1-Week Itinerary.
Planning a Self-Guided Walking Tour in Paris
Before setting off on any of our Free Paris Self-Guided Walking Tours, it’s best to understand how they work.
To ensure you get proper directions, we provide a map link for each sight. Of course, for navigation to work, you will need connectivity.
Over the years we have used eSims, international data plans and a Pocket Wifi Device – we like GlocalMe.
Want to be off-line and ad-free? Buy the PDF version of this tour for a small fee.
ILE DE LA CITE SELF-GUIDED WALKING TOUR PARIS
Grab your favorite travel shoes and let’s get started! The map below will help you get oriented with the route – which is always helpful before setting off on a walking tour.
The walk itself is a little over 1 mile and could easily be completed in less than an hour. That said, many of the sights along the route are accessible (either for free or with a ticket).
If you plan on visiting any attractions, we strongly recommend booking timed tickets online to avoid waiting in long lines.
#1 Pont Neuf
Free | Map
Pont Neuf – or New Bridge – is ironically the oldest bridge in Paris – and it’s the ideal place to begin your Ile de la Cite walk. It was built more than 400 years ago and spans the Seine River, crossing the tip of Ile de la Cite.
Decorating the bridge are 381 stone face masks of ancient mythology; each one is unique – but none are original. An equestrian statue of Henry IV marks the spot where the bridge crosses the islet.
Note: Just downstream from Pont Neuf is Pont des Arts, the once-famous “Paris Love Lock Bridge”. It no longer has locks because the weight threatened the stability of the bridge!
Top Tip: Find the steps behind the statue of Henry IV that lead down to the water. Walk through the park to the very tip of the islet for a different vantage point of Paris.
#2 Palais de la Cite (Conciergerie and Sainte Chapelle)
View of Facade is Free | Map
Home of the royal Kings of France from the 10th to the 14th centuries, Palais de la Cite is steeped in history.
While most of the residence now serves as the Palais of Justice (housing the Court of Appeals), two areas are open to visitors: Conciergerie and Sainte Chapelle.
The Conciergerie (Ticket Required; Included with Museum Pass | Map) was built in the 14th century as a dining hall. After the royal family moved to Louvre Palace, the Conciergerie was transitioned into a jail.
During the French Revolution, the prison was used to hold suspected traitors, counter-revolutionaries and the last Queen of France, Marie Antoinette.
Sainte Chapelle (Ticket Required; Included with Museum Pass | Map) is a Gothic architectural gem. Built in the mid-1200s to house Christ’s Crown of Thrones, the chapel is decorated with vibrant and beautiful stained-glass windows. In our opinion, it’s one of the Best Museums in Paris to visit!
#3 Place Louis Lepine
Free to Visit | Map
A spacious, tree-lined square located between Palais de la Cite and Notre Dame Cathedral, Place Louis Lepine is an undeniably scenic spot.
On the north side of the square is the Marché aux Fleurs Reine-Elizabeth-II Flower Market, which is well worth a look. Dating to the year 1830, the plant and bird market is open daily for trading.
#4 Parvis Notre Dame
Free to Visit | Map
Parvis Notre Dame – or Place Jean Paul II – is the large square that fronts the Notre Dame Cathedral. Not only does it offer a prime view of the church façade, but it marks the very center of Paris.
Look on the ground in front of the church and you will find the Zero Kilometer marker. It is the point from which all distances in the city are measured.
#5 Notre Dame Cathedral
Free to Visit Church; Reserve a timeslot for entry | Map
Finally reopened after a long renovation following the devastating fire, Cathedral Notre-Dame de Paris (Our Lady of Paris) is a landmark sight and a highlight of our walking tour of Ile de la Cite.
The history of the famous church stretches back to the year 1163. It took almost 200 years (from 1163 to 1345) to complete the massive structure.
The key features of the French Gothic design are the rib vaulting, flying buttresses, stained-glass rose windows, façade sculptures and menacing gargoyles. Inside is a treasure trove of artwork and artifacts – including the enshrined Crown of Thorns.
#6 Notre Dame Towers
Ticket Required; Included with Museum Pass, timed reservation required | Map
NOTE: The Tours de Notre Dame have been closed since the fire in 2019; they are currently scheduled to reopen Summer 2025.
Standing at 226 feet, the double towers of Notre Dame Cathedral reigned as the tallest structure in Paris from when they were built in the 13th century.
They were not surpassed in height until the Eiffel Tower was finished in 1889. Visitors who climb the 422 steps to the top are greeted with the most beautiful view in all of Paris.
#7 Square Jean XXIII
Free to Visit | Map
Notre-Dame Cathedral is stunning from every angle – even from the back! The Square Jean XXIII Gardens situated at the back of the church offer fine views of the Flying Buttresses, South Rose Window and dazzling Gargoyles.
Furthermore, the pretty garden features shade trees, a beautiful fountain and blooming flowers.
#8 Memorial des Martyrs de la Deportation
Free | Map
The somber, subterranean Memorial des Martyrs de la Deportations is a moving monument. Even though it is located just a stone’s throw from Notre Dame, it is still a Paris Hidden Gem.
It pays tribute to the more than 200,000 people who were sent to German concentration camps during World War II. In addition to the poignant memorial, there are a few exhibits and artifacts on display that are well-worth a closer look.
#9 Ile Saint-Louis
Free to Visit | Map
Want to go island hopping in Paris, France? Ile Saint-Louis – which is just upstream from Ile de la Cite – is easy to reach; the two islets are connected by a bridge.
Evoking the air of a bucolic village, Ile Saint-Louis is elegant in an understated way. Rather than attracting visitors with magnificent monuments, the appeal of Ile Saint-Louis lies in its cobblestone lanes, boutique shops and riverside walks.
#10 Berthillon Glacier
€3.50 for a small single scoop | Map
The final stop on our Self-Guided Ile de la Cite Walking Tour is the perfect place to savor a refreshingly sweet treat: Berthillon Ice Cream Shop.
Berthillon Glacier is the most raved-about ice cream shop in Paris. Opened by the Berthillon family in 1954 as Le Bourgogne Café, Berthillon remains a family-run operation.
The ice cream is made on-site using only fresh products to create both standard and unique flavors. Guests can get a cone to-go or take a seat in the Tea Room next door.
Map of Paris Self-Guided Walking Tour Ile de la Cite
Use this Google Map for an interactive version of our Ile de la Cite Paris Self-Guided Walking Tour Map below.
More Paris Walks
Paris is such a fun city to explore on foot! Check out all of our Paris Walking Tours – or choose from the list below.
- Iconic Paris Attractions
- Walking the Marais District
- Tour the Latin Quarter on the Left Bank
- Best of Paris City Center
Paris Trip Planning Resources
- Paris Travel Tips
- 1 Week Paris Itinerary
- Visit Palace of Versailles or Chateau de Fontainebleau
- Craft Beer Bars in Paris
- Trip to London, Paris, Rome
Start planning your trip to France! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want additional tips? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for more advice – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
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