La Conciergerie :

from Medieval Royal Palace to Courthouse

Bonjour From Paris,

On "l'île de de la Cité", on the edge of the Seine river, stands the Conciergerie, an astonishing gothic building of the 10th century, former Royal Palace of the Middle-Age and residence of the Capetians, a Royal French dynasty. During the 14th century, the Kings of France left the Conciergerie behind, in favour of the Louvre and Vincennes. From that moment, the Royal Palace became an important courthouse where prisons were built. It became a high-ranking prison during the French Revolution with the Revolutionary Tribunal, in which personalities such as Marie-Antoinette or Robespierre were imprisoned.

Thanks to the multimedia tools available and a great collection, the Conciergerie offers an incredible opportunity to go back to an important moment of the French history by discovering its new revolutionary tour.

Go back in time thanks to the HistoPad, a digital mediation tool which allows you to discover medieval and revolutionary rooms of the Conciergerie with augmented reality and 3D reconstructions. You will discover thanks to the 360° reconstruction, the room "des Gens d'armes" under Philippe IV Le Bel's reign (+1314) or the cell of Marie-Antoinette (+1793), her last home before she was executed.

Steep yourself in the story of the French Revolution with a brand new tour and discover, in complete immersion, one of the most iconic moments of French History and the City of Paris. Interactive models allow you to put yourself in a prisoner's shoes, from her arrest, her trial in front of the judges, to her execution.

Visit the splendid medieval kitchens of the Conciergerie, dedicated to the servants of the "Hôtel du Roi", the only room left after the many refurnishments of the kitchen pavilion.

Not to be missed also in the same area : La Sainte Chapelle, and the Towers of Notre Dame, both managed by the CMN Centre des Monuments Nationaux, the biggest touristic institution in France. We highly recommend you to buy a combined ticket !

Discover the Official Web site

Facebook Page

Enjoy this wonderful travel through time !

Pascal Fonquernie
Chief Editor PARISMARAIS.COM