Ile de la Cité is the historic cradle of Paris. The western portion of the island would house the Gallo-Roman palace which was reconstructed in the 14th century and used as a house of parliament by King Phillipe le Bel. The opposite side of the island was dedicated to religious worship. In 362, a cathedral already occupied the site of Notre Dame. Construction of the cathedral as we know it today would begin in 1163 and end in 1345. An entire religious community occupied all the land immediately surrounding the cathedral. However, everything but the church itself would be completely removed by Baron Haussman during the modernisation of Paris in the 19th century. In its place he would create two institutions of public order, the ministry of justice and prefecture de police. A bit further upstream is Ile Saint Louis. The urbanisation of this island began in the 17th century. Stone structures along the quays and a central road date from 1614 to 1646.
By walking along the picturesque banks of these islands one can witness firsthand the tremendous cultural heritage of the French Capital. Examples include Notre Dame Cathedral, immortalized by Victor Hugo, the Palace of Justice which houses the Conciergerie and Sainte Chapelle and Pont Neuf, the oldest bridge in Paris. Other points of interest include the famous flower markets and a multitude of private mansions such as the well-known Hotel Lambert.
Only one address to remember : Berthillon, Paris’ famous ice creamery.
