Nestled on Île de la Cité, in the heart of Paris’s 1st arrondissement, the Conciergerie is a former royal palace turned prison, whose impressive Gothic architecture and rich history make it a must-visit!
Join Captain Ulysses as he takes you on a journey through this infamous prison that has undeniably shaped the history of France!
⚠️ Note: The Conciergerie is very popular, especially during peak season. To avoid long waits, it’s best to book your visit in advance: Skip-the-line tickets for the Conciergerie or Combo tickets for Sainte-Chapelle + Conciergerie.
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A Brief History of the Conciergerie in Paris
The Origins of the Conciergerie
Although Île de la Cité has housed the Parisian residence of kings since the early Middle Ages, the palace we know today was built under the reign of Philip the Fair, between the 13th and 14th centuries.
Firmly Gothic in style, this vast royal palace symbolized the power and sovereignty of the French kings.
However, from the late 14th century, Charles V and his successors moved to the Louvre and Vincennes. Despite this, the royal administration services remained on Île de la Cité.
Why Is It Called the Conciergerie?
The Conciergerie is named after the Concierge, who was the governor of the King’s House when the Palace of the Cité was a royal residence. When it became a prison, the Concierge’s role changed to that of the prison warden.
The Conciergerie Becomes a Prison
In the late 14th century, a prison annex was established in the Conciergerie to supplement the nearby Châtelet prison.
Over time, the Conciergerie evolved into a state prison and the nerve center of judicial activity in the French capital.
On the eve of the Revolution, the Palace of the Cité housed the Chamber of Accounts, the Mint Court, the Court of Aids, and the Parliament of Paris.
The Conciergerie During the French Revolution
In the late 18th century, the Conciergerie became a symbol of the French Revolution’s destructive and bloody nature.
As a major detention center, the Conciergerie housed the Revolutionary Tribunal from 1792, where “enemies of the people” were tried before those found guilty were executed. This grim role earned it the nickname “antechamber of the guillotine.”
Many famous figures of the time stood before the Revolutionary Tribunal and were imprisoned at the Conciergerie, including Marie-Antoinette, Charlotte Corday, Philippe d’Orléans, Antoine Lavoisier, and even Robespierre, who transitioned from accuser to accused in 1794.
In 1794-95, the French, weary of the Revolution’s violent excesses, demanded an end to the Reign of Terror. The Revolutionary Tribunal was abolished on May 31, 1795, less than three years after its creation.
In the years following, the Palace of the Cité became the Paris Court of Justice.
The Conciergerie Today
The Conciergerie ceased to be a prison in 1914. Now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is a national monument open to the public, much like the nearby Sainte-Chapelle.
Visiting the Conciergerie in Paris
The Conciergerie invites visitors to delve into the rich history of the French capital.
To enhance your experience, Captain Ulysses highly recommends trying the Histopad, a touchscreen tablet that offers an augmented reality reconstruction of the Palace.
Exterior of the Conciergerie
Before entering, take a moment to admire the impressive Gothic structure from the outside.
The Clock Tower, visible from Boulevard du Palais, is a true marvel. For a stunning view of the Conciergerie, cross the Seine via Pont au Change.
The Hall of the Guards and the Hall of the Soldiers
Built under Philip the Fair (1268-1314), the Hall of the Soldiers is a magnificent vaulted room whose Gothic architecture will captivate art and history enthusiasts. It frequently hosts temporary art installations.
Constructed at the same time, the Hall of the Guards later housed the infamous Revolutionary Tribunal in the late 18th century.
The Medieval Kitchens
Opening onto the Hall of the Soldiers, the medieval kitchens were built a few years later under the reign of John II (1350-1364).
Revolutionary Rooms
Scattered across the ground floor and first floor, these rooms feature exhibitions and recreations that illustrate the Conciergerie’s role during the French Revolution..
You’ll learn all about the Reign of Terror, the Revolutionary Tribunal, and the Committee of Public Safety.
The Chapel
The prisoners’ chapel was once the King’s oratory. During the Revolution, it was transformed into a communal prison.
Marie-Antoinette’s Expiatory Chapel
Built during the Restoration on the initiative of King Louis XVI, this chapel honors the fallen queen, Marie-Antoinette.
The Women’s Courtyard
This inner courtyard was once a place of exercise for the women imprisoned at the Conciergerie.
Practical Information
Getting to the Conciergerie
The Conciergerie is located on Île de la Cité, within the Palais de la Cité complex, near Sainte-Chapelle, the Flower Market, and Notre-Dame Cathedral.
The nearest metro station is Cité on line 4 (if you’re not in the best shape, take the elevator from/to the platform to the surface).
Saint-Michel station (line 4 and RER C, connected to Cluny – La Sorbonne station with line 10 and RER B) is also a short walk from the Conciergerie. You can also stop at Châtelet station (lines 1, 4, 7, 11, and 14).
City buses (lines 21, 24, 27, 38, 58, 81, 85, 96) and hop-on, hop-off tourist buses also stop nearby.
Conciergerie Opening Hours
The Conciergerie is open daily from 9:30 AM to 6 PM. The ticket office closes at 5:15 PM.
The Conciergerie is closed on May 1 and December 25..
Conciergerie Ticket Prices
The full-price ticket for the Conciergerie is €13. If you plan to visit Sainte-Chapelle as well, it’s more cost-effective to opt for the combined ticket for €20 (instead of €26 separately).
Note that the Conciergerie and Sainte-Chapelle are very popular. To avoid wasting time in queues, Captain Ulysses strongly recommends booking your tickets online in advance:
Skip-the-line tickets for the Conciergerie or Combo tickets for Sainte-Chapelle + Conciergerie.
Insider Tip: Access to Sainte-Chapelle and the Conciergerie is also included in the Museum Pass, which offers direct entry to over 60 Parisian museums and monuments, including the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, and Centre Pompidou.
Learn more: Paris Museum Pass.
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