Audio GuideConciergerie
Gothic, riverside fortress & French Revolution prison, housing Marie Antoinette's former cell.
Museum
Paris, France
Welcome to the Conciergerie, an iconic historical site nestled on Île de la Cité in Paris. Originally a royal palace that hosted monarchs such as Philip the Fourth, this remarkable structure later transformed into a prison during the French Revolution. Its Gothic arches and sturdy stone walls reflect the skill of medieval craftsmen and the splendour of royal heritage.
Take note of the unique features like the Clock Tower, the Tour Bonbec, and the towers of César and d'Argent. These towers have stood sentinel over Paris for centuries, quietly witnessing the passage of time. Within its walls, expansive halls such as the Salle des Gens d'Armes and the Salle des Gardes served as gathering spaces for knights and royal guards, now inviting you to delve into their rich history.
In the upheaval of the Revolution, the Conciergerie earned a grim reputation as a notorious detention centre. Thousands of prisoners, including the renowned Marie Antoinette, were held and condemned within its confines before their executions. Today, the museum presents carefully recreated cells and exhibits, like the Hall of Names, which honours the numerous individuals who faced the revolutionary tribunal.
Situated at two Boulevard du Palais in the first arrondissement, this monument embodies Paris’s transformation from its ancient Gallo-Roman origins to a medieval fortress and eventually a backdrop for revolutionary change. A visit here offers an evocative journey through the profound layers of French history.
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