Conciergerie, Paris - This is an aerial view of a portion of central Paris, France on a partly sunny December day. In the foreground the sunlight is illuminating the Church of Saint-Sulpice (Église Saint-Sulpice) in the 6th arrondissement on the left bank of the Seine. And in the background is the brightly colored Pompidou Center (Centre Pompidou) in the 4th arrondissement on the right bank. Also visible in the center is Palace of Justice (Palais de Justice) containing the Conciergerie and Sainte-Chapelle.
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Conciergerie Paris

4.4
·11k reviews·Paris, France

Step into the dramatic past of Paris at the Conciergerie, a former royal palace turned infamous French Revolution prison, where Marie Antoinette spent...

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Avoid peak crowds, especially from Sainte-Chapelle visitors.

CrowdLow
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Conciergerie, Paris - This is an aerial view of a portion of central Paris, France on a partly sunny December day. In the foreground the sunlight is illuminating the Church of Saint-Sulpice (Église Saint-Sulpice) in the 6th arrondissement on the left bank of the Seine. And in the background is the brightly colored Pompidou Center (Centre Pompidou) in the 4th arrondissement on the right bank. Also visible in the center is Palace of Justice (Palais de Justice) containing the Conciergerie and Sainte-Chapelle.

Conciergerie Paris

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Avoid peak crowds, especially from Sainte-Chapelle visitors.

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Step into the dramatic past of Paris at the Conciergerie, a former royal palace turned infamous French Revolution prison, where Marie Antoinette spent her final days. An immersive journey through history awaits.

4.4
(11k reviews)

"The Histopad is a 'time-traveling device' that makes the Conciergerie's history come alive, especially for teens! Reddit"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎫 Book Combined Tickets

Save time and money by booking a combined ticket for Conciergerie and Sainte-Chapelle online , .

🚶‍♀️ Prepare for Security

Expect separate security checks for Conciergerie and Sainte-Chapelle, even if visiting both , .

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Marie Antoinette's Cell

Marie Antoinette's Cell

Prisoner's Corridor

See the reconstructed cell where the infamous queen spent her final days, a poignant glimpse into French Revolution history.

The Histopad Experience

The Histopad Experience

Throughout the museum

Engage with history using an interactive tablet that brings the Conciergerie's past to life with augmented reality and virtual reconstructions,Reddit.Reddit

Salle des Gens d'Armes

Salle des Gens d'Armes

Ground Floor

Explore the vast, impressive Gothic hall, once a refectory for the palace guard and a key part of the medieval Conciergerie.

Planning Your Visit

Navigating Security & Combined Tickets

Plan for separate security checks if visiting both Conciergerie and Sainte-Chapelle, even with a combined ticket. While the Conciergerie usually has shorter lines, Sainte-Chapelle often has significant waits. Booking a combined ticket online is highly recommended to streamline your entry and save time,Reddit,Reddit.Reddit

Optimizing Your Visit Duration

Most visitors find 1.5 to 2 hours sufficient to explore the Conciergerie, especially with the interactive Histopad. It's not a super popular attraction, so you can often get in without a long wait, even if you haven't pre-booked a specific time for the Conciergerie itself,Reddit.Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Avoid peak crowds, especially from Sainte-Chapelle visitors.
Crowd
Low
When
Late Afternoons (after 3 PM)
Why
Tour groups thin out, offering a more peaceful experience.
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

I hated my first trip to Paris… but now i LOVE IT! #paristravel #paristips #paristraveltips #francetravel
@raimeetravel
347.2K likes • 4.6M views

🎫 Book Combined Tickets

Save time and money by booking a combined ticket for Conciergerie and Sainte-Chapelle online,Reddit.Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Prepare for Security

Expect separate security checks for Conciergerie and Sainte-Chapelle, even if visiting both,Reddit.Reddit

Five Things to do in Paris 🇫🇷 #paristhingstodo #traveltips #visitparis
@jyptravels
224.9K likes • 5.1M views
PARIS TOUR GUIDE TIPS NUMBER SIX : visit La Conciergerie ✨ 📍2 Boulevard du Palais, 75001 @conciergerie.paris . . . . . #paristourguide #paristips #paristour #parishistory #parisguide #pariscityguide ...
leparisdesophie
428 likes • 9.1K views

📱 Use the Histopad

Don't skip the free Histopad; it's a 'time-traveling device' that enhances the visit,Reddit.Reddit

⏱️ Allot 1.5-2 Hours

Most visitors find 90 minutes to 2 hours sufficient to explore the entire Conciergerie.Reddit

Reply to @risikatshon I flew into CDG airport idk anything about Orly #solotravel #paris #traveltips #Vlog
@jazzminenotjasmine
187.7K likes • 1.8M views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎫 Book Combined Tickets

Save time and money by booking a combined ticket for Conciergerie and Sainte-Chapelle online,Reddit.Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Prepare for Security

Expect separate security checks for Conciergerie and Sainte-Chapelle, even if visiting both,Reddit.Reddit

📱 Use the Histopad

Don't skip the free Histopad; it's a 'time-traveling device' that enhances the visit,Reddit.Reddit

⏱️ Allot 1.5-2 Hours

Most visitors find 90 minutes to 2 hours sufficient to explore the entire Conciergerie.Reddit

📍 Check Location

The Conciergerie is at 2 Boulevard du Palais, 75001 Paris, on Île de la Cité.Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.4
(11k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors generally find the Conciergerie to be a fascinating and historically rich site, offering a poignant look into the French Revolution. The interactive Histopad is frequently praised for making the experience engaging and accessible, especially for younger audiences. While not as grand as some other Parisian landmarks, its unique history and immersive elements leave a lasting impression.

"If you love history and is fascinated by Marie Antoinette’s journey then definitely go here. They have various books about Marie Antoinette and the French Revolution in different languages and good souvenir items as well. The pad they give you before you start your tour was helpful."

Kamille DG

"They have a visual guide shows you how the life was like in the past, which is very interesting to learn, it is easy to use and very informative. I am too busy playing it and totally forgot to take pictures. With museum pass, you can skip the line. Strongly recommend."

金兰吕

"The jail where Marie Antoinette was held before her execution and Kongs Palace from 14th century. Amazing history to be seen with a tablet guide, that shows images from the time... it's actually larger than ot seems. There is a toilet inside unlike most of tourist attractions. This place is a must!!"

DNA K

What People Like

Interactive Histopad
French Revolution history
Marie Antoinette's cell

What People Dislike

Separate security checks
Can be a quick visit

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There & Around

The Conciergerie is centrally located on the Île de la Cité, at 2 Boulevard du Palais, 75001 Paris, France. It's easily accessible and close to other major attractions like Notre Dame and Sainte-Chapelle.Instagram

You can reach the Conciergerie via Metro Line 4 (Cité station), RER B or C (Saint-Michel Notre-Dame station), or numerous bus lines. Its central location makes it a convenient stop for any Paris itinerary.

While efforts are made for accessibility, as a historic building, some areas may present challenges. It's advisable to check the official Conciergerie Paris website for the most up-to-date accessibility information before your visit.

Yes, they are very close, on the same site, and many visitors combine them. You can purchase a combined ticket for both attractions. Be aware that you will go through separate security checks for each,Reddit,Reddit.Reddit

The Conciergerie is just a short walk across the Île de la Cité from Notre Dame Cathedral, making it easy to visit both as part of a walking tour of the island.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

You can purchase tickets directly at the Conciergerie entrance or online through the official Monuments Nationaux website. Booking online, especially combined tickets with Sainte-Chapelle, is often recommended to save time,Reddit.Reddit

Yes, the Conciergerie is included in the Paris Museum Pass. If you plan on visiting multiple museums and monuments, the pass can offer significant savings and convenience.Reddit

Generally, no. If you have a combined ticket or the Paris Museum Pass, you typically don't need a separate timed entry for the Conciergerie itself. You can visit anytime before or after your Sainte-Chapelle slot.Reddit

The Conciergerie is usually open daily, but it's always best to check the official website for the most current opening hours, as they can vary by season or for special events.

Yes, it's often possible to buy tickets on-site, as the Conciergerie is not as crowded as some other Paris attractions. However, pre-booking, especially for combined tickets, can still save you time and ensure entry,Reddit.Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience & History

The Conciergerie served as a royal palace before becoming a notorious prison during the French Revolution, earning its place in history as the 'antechamber of the guillotine.' It housed thousands of prisoners, including Marie Antoinette.Instagram

The Histopad is an interactive tablet provided free of charge, offering an augmented reality experience. It allows visitors to see virtual reconstructions of the Conciergerie's rooms as they appeared in different historical periods, making the history come alive,Reddit.Reddit

Most visitors find that 1.5 to 2 hours is a good amount of time to explore the Conciergerie thoroughly, especially if you engage with the Histopad.Reddit

Yes, a reconstructed version of Marie Antoinette's cell is one of the key exhibits, offering a somber look into her final days before execution. It's a powerful part of the Conciergerie experience.

While the Histopad provides an excellent self-guided experience, you can also find independent Paris tour guides who specialize in the Conciergerie and French Revolution history, offering deeper insights.Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Conciergerie offers a surprisingly engaging experience for families, largely thanks to the Histopad. This interactive tablet is a huge hit with children, bringing the history to life through augmented reality and virtual reconstructions. Kids as young as 8 and 11 have found it 'dope af' and a 'cool virtual reality' experience, keeping them entertained and interested in the historical context,Reddit.Reddit

While Sainte-Chapelle might lose their attention quickly, the Conciergerie's focus on prison life and the French Revolution, combined with the Histopad, can capture their imagination. Plan for about 1.5 to 2 hours, and encourage them to fully utilize the tablet for a memorable and educational visit.

📚 History Buffs & French Revolution Enthusiasts

For those deeply interested in French history, particularly the tumultuous period of the French Revolution, the Conciergerie is an essential stop. It offers a tangible connection to the lives of thousands of prisoners, including the most famous, Marie Antoinette. The exhibits delve into the judicial system of the time, the conditions of imprisonment, and the dramatic events that unfolded within its walls.Instagram

The detailed historical information, combined with the visual aids of the Histopad, provides a comprehensive understanding of its role as the 'antechamber of the guillotine.' You'll gain profound insights into the human stories behind the revolution, making it a powerful and moving experience for any history enthusiast.

💰 Budget Travelers

Budget travelers can make the most of their Conciergerie visit by considering a combined ticket with Sainte-Chapelle, which often offers better value than purchasing individual entries. If you plan to visit multiple museums and monuments in Paris, investing in a Paris Museum Pass is a smart financial move, as the Conciergerie is included.Reddit

While the Conciergerie isn't typically a budget-buster, being strategic with ticket purchases can help manage costs. The free Histopad also adds significant value without any extra charge, enhancing the experience without impacting your wallet.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Histopad: A Journey Through Time

The Histopad is a standout feature of the Conciergerie, transforming a historical site into an immersive, interactive experience. This digital tablet, provided free with admission, uses augmented reality to overlay virtual reconstructions of the palace and prison onto the actual spaces you're exploring. Imagine seeing the grand royal halls as they were in the 14th century, then witnessing the grim transformation into a revolutionary tribunal and prison cells. It's particularly engaging for younger visitors and those who appreciate a modern twist on historical interpretation,Reddit.Reddit

This 'time-traveling device' allows you to manipulate 3D models, view historical documents, and understand the daily life of both royalty and prisoners. It's a brilliant way to visualize the dramatic changes the Conciergerie underwent, from a medieval palace to the 'antechamber of the guillotine' during the French Revolution. Don't just walk through; actively engage with the Histopad to unlock the full story of this iconic Parisian landmark.

Conciergerie and Sainte-Chapelle: A Combined Visit

Many travelers choose to visit the Conciergerie and the nearby Sainte-Chapelle together, as they are located on the same historic Île de la Cité. While both are managed by the same organization and combined tickets are available, it's crucial to remember that they have separate entrances and security checks,Reddit.Reddit This means you'll go through security twice, which can add to your overall visit time, especially at Sainte-Chapelle, known for its long lines.

When planning your day, allocate sufficient time between your Sainte-Chapelle timed entry and your Conciergerie visit. Redditors suggest that the Conciergerie typically has shorter wait times and doesn't usually require a separate timed entry if you have a combined ticket or a Paris Museum Pass,Reddit.Reddit This flexibility allows you to visit the Conciergerie before or after your Sainte-Chapelle slot, making it easier to manage your schedule on the island.

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