From Pont Neuf to Notre-Dame: Exploring Paris's Heart of the Île de la Cite
Immerse yourself in the history of Île de la Cité, believed to be Paris's first settlement when the Parissii tribe lived there in 52 BC. Your expert guide will meet you next to the equestrian statue of Henry IV in the middle of the Pont Neuf Bridge.
Your journey begins on Pont Neuf, the oldest bridge in Paris. Inaugurated by Henry IV in 1607, it was named "Pont Neuf" ("New Bridge") to distinguish it from older bridges lined with houses on both sides.
Turn left, and you'll find yourself on the left bank of the beautiful River Seine, walking past the area of the bouquinistes, or booksellers, who have sold books here since the 15th century.
Make a quick stop at the corner to admire the famous Clock Tower. Housing Paris's oldest clock since 1371, it helped early Parisians regulate their daily activities.
Continue up the street to the Conciergerie, adjacent to the stunning golden gates of the Palais de Justice. Built in the 14th century as a prison, it's now used for law courts but is remembered as the final holding place for hundreds of prisoners during the French Revolution, including Marie Antoinette.
Next, you'll pass by and learn about Sainte-Chapelle, renowned for its extensive collection of stained glass windows depicting over a thousand biblical stories.
Step back for a grand view from the center of Place Louis Lépine, home to a beautiful flower market. Originally named Marché aux Fleurs, it was renamed Marché aux Fleurs Reine Elizabeth II in honor of Queen Elizabeth II after her state visit in 2014.
Your final stop is next to the geographic center of Paris, Point Zero, located just outside Notre-Dame Cathedral. Here, your guide will share stories of how this Gothic masterpiece survived wars, pillaging, and the devastating fire of April 15, 2019.
Before parting ways, your guide will escort you around the corner to Sainte-Chapelle, a gem renowned for its breathtaking stained glass windows that narrate more than a thousand biblical tales. Here, you'll be handed your tickets for an awe-inspiring self-guided tour through this marvel of stained glass artistry. Additionally your journey includes a self dguided ticket to explore the Conciergerie at your own pace, located just a stone's throw away.
Practical Information:
- Starting Point: Equestrian statue of Henry IV on the Pont Neuf.
- Ending Point: Saint Chapelle.
- Duration: Approximately 1.5 hours.
- Schedule: Tours are available Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday starting at 10am.
Tour Itinerary
1. Pont Neuf Bridge
- Start your journey at the "New Bridge," the oldest bridge across the River Seine. Marvel at its unique structure that has connected the left and right banks of Paris for centuries, serving as a silent witness to the city's evolution.
2. River Seine
- Stroll along the banks of the River Seine, the lifeblood of Paris. Learn about the history and significance of the 37 bridges that arch over its waters, each with its own story and architectural charm.
3. Clock Tower at the Conciergerie
- Visit the historic Clock Tower, part of the Conciergerie, which has marked the passage of time since the 14th century. Discover the tales behind this iconic timepiece and its role in Parisian history.
4. Conciergerie
- Explore the Conciergerie, a former prison turned law court. Delve into its dark past and its connection to the French Revolution, including its most famous prisoner, Marie Antoinette, before her execution.
5. Palais of Justice
- Witness the grandeur of the Palais of Justice, a site of power and judgment since Roman times. Understand its continuing importance as a judicial center in the heart of Paris.
6. Place Louis Lepine
- Wander through Place Louis Lepine, renowned for hosting the city's most enchanting flower market. Experience the vibrant colors and fragrances that make this spot a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
7. Notre Dame and Point Zero
- Point Zero, the geographic heart of Paris, situated in front of the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral. Reflect on the historical and cultural significance of this point as the origin from which all distances in France are measured.
8. Sainte Chapelle
- Conclude your tour at Sainte Chapelle, a gem of Gothic architecture. Be awestruck by its stunning collection of stained glass windows, casting colorful light that tells the biblical story from Genesis to Revelation.
Tour Highlights
Tour Highlights:
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Historic Beginnings: Start your journey at the iconic Pont Neuf, the oldest bridge in Paris, inaugurated by Henry IV in 1607 and distinguished from older bridges by its lack of houses.
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Seine River Stroll: Walk along the scenic banks of the River Seine, home to the famous bouquinistes or booksellers, continuing a tradition of selling books since the 15th century.
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Timeless Clock Tower: Make a quick stop at the Clock Tower, the oldest clock in Paris, located at the Conciergerie, to marvel at its historic timekeeping since 1371.
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Conciergerie's Dark Past: Outside exploration of the Conciergerie, a 14th-century prison turned law courts, infamous as the last holding place for prisoners before execution during the French Revolution, including Marie Antoinette.
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Palais of Justice and Golden Gates: Admire the stunning golden gates connecting the Sainte-Chapelle and the Conciergerie, part of the historic Palais of Justice complex.
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Floral Delights at Place Louis Lepine: Learn about the beautiful flower market at Place Louis Lepine, renamed in honor of Queen Elizabeth II after her state visit in 2014.
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Notre Dame and Point Zero: Discover Point Zero, the geographic heart of Paris, located outside the Notre Dame Cathedral, and learn about the cathedral's resilience through wars and the 2019 fire.
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Sainte-Chapelle's Stained Glass: End your tour with a self-guided visit to Sainte-Chapelle, renowned for its breathtaking stained glass windows depicting over a thousand biblical stories.
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