Île de la Cité and Île Saint-Louis

At the very heart of the capital, not far from the Parc Saint Séverin Hotel, these two natural islands in the Seine each have their own particular charm. The first is above all the home of famous monuments and administrative buildings, the second is a quieter district with private mansions, cafés and ice-cream makers.

Île de la Cité

Bigger than its neighbour to the left, the island is at the heart of the 1st arrondissement and connected to the city by nine bridges. Three of the bridges cross to the right bank: the Notre Dame, Change and Arcole bridges. Four others cross to the left bank: the Archevêché, Double, Saint Michel and the Petit-Pont. Pont Neuf is unique in giving access to both banks. The Saint-Louis bridge is the only one connecting the two islands. The island is the home of numerous monuments, such as the Conciergerie, the Sainte-Chapelle, the Hôtel-Dieu Hospital, the oldest hospital in Paris, the flower and bird market and, of course, the famous Notre Dame Cathedral.

Île Saint-Louis

Often described as the haven of poets and artists, the island has a residential function above all, unlike its neighbour. Originally a bare island used by washerwomen, the island was named in homage to King Louis XIII, during whose reign the quiet district of Paris began to be urbanised.

Rue Saint-Louis de l'Ile is the island's main thoroughfare and marks the separation between two distinct areas. Along the quayside, also nicknamed "le quai des balcons" ("the quay of balconies"), stands a series of private mansions with wrought-iron balconies. In the centre of the island are more humble dwellings and a large number of shops bringing pleasure to gourmets with many cafés, restaurants, baker's or ice-cream makers like Berthillon.

One of the island's jewels is without doubt the Hôtel de Lauzun, the property of the city of Paris: it is notable for its highly rich interior decoration, and can only be visited after reservation.