Conciergerie

Suggested Duration: 1-2 hrs

Conciergerie: A Gothic Masterpiece with a Revolutionary Past

Standing proudly on the Île de la Cité, the Conciergerie is one of Paris’s most captivating historical landmarks. Originally part of the Palais de la Cité, this medieval royal palace later transformed into a notorious prison during the French Revolution. Its imposing Gothic architecture and rich history make it a must-visit for travelers seeking to delve into France’s tumultuous past.

A Royal Residence Turned Revolutionary Tribunal

Constructed in the 14th century, the Conciergerie served as the residence and seat of power for French kings during the Middle Ages . Its grand halls and chambers bore witness to royal ceremonies and governance. However, during the French Revolution, it gained infamy as the Revolutionary Tribunal’s headquarters, where thousands, including Queen Marie-Antoinette, were imprisoned and sentenced to death .

Architectural Highlights

• Salle des Gens d’Armes: This vast Gothic hall, once a dining area for the king’s guards, showcases impressive vaulted ceilings and is one of the largest surviving medieval halls in Europe .
• Marie-Antoinette’s Chapel: A solemn space dedicated to the queen, marking the cell where she spent her final days before execution .
• Historic Towers: The Conciergerie’s distinctive towers, including the Tour de l’Horloge, add to its majestic silhouette along the Seine.

Visitor Information

• Opening Hours: Daily from 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM; closed on May 1st and December 25th .
• Admission: €13; free for EU residents under 26 .

Explore the Conciergerie to experience a poignant chapter of French history, where regal grandeur meets revolutionary fervor.