It’s the small island in the very center of Paris. It has Notre Dame (I bet you know all about the stories and probably the book, yes, it’s the very same building all the stories are about), La Conciergerie (the first royal palace and later on used as a prison) and Sainte-Chapelle. They are the oldest buildings left on the island, the remains of medieval ages in Paris. Well, not the only remains in the entire Paris, but on the island definitely. Keep in mind that the Cité is small; you can easily walk across the island.

And so we did. We approached the island from Pont Neuf (oldest standing bridge in Paris). I must admit the sight is somewhat immense. It was probably the rain that made it a bit blurry and not as shiny, but it was remarkable nevertheless. First thing we visited was La Conciergerie, the former prison and palace, which is partly opened to public now. There isn’t a long queue usually so getting in isn’t quite as much as headache as for Louvre for an example. Probably because there’s not much to see and the entrance fee is not worth it in my opinion. Yes, you get to see some old stones, four settings of situations and a few historic items along with them. If you have time and some money and you have already done the other 78 things to see and do in Paris, it’s probably an option for you, but don’t say I did not warn you.

Notre Dame in Paris is not as big as you might expect after visiting other cities and even small towns in France, but I guess it’s the aura of the place and the legends that make it so special. Anyhow, you will have the opportunity to enter both towers which give you access to the roofs and from there to the view to the most of the city. But be prepared for a queue almost as long as the cathedral itself. Plus you have to pay for it, whereas Paris itself is situated also on mountains so you can get a free access to this view as well. Anyways, the cathedral itself is free (apart from crypt, which you can enter from the inside and which does not have this long line of people waiting) and again, packed with loads of people. You literally have to follow the flow of people. And I must say I have seen prettier are more immense cathedrals in much quieter places. It’s not a must see if you have seen large, decorated and renovated churches and cathedrals.

In front of Notre Dame is a very small thing which practically nobody notices and thus is much more interesting – the Point Zero. It’s the place where all the distances are measured in France. I loved the fact that no one took interest into it and yet it’s important in everyday life. Noticing the small things is what gets me to tell you the truth.

The Cité has also a building called Sainte-Chapelle (a huge church with two halls), which we did not visit due to huge queue and rain which we would have had to endure if we were to visit it. I guess if such sorts of things are for you, be prepared to wait for it for a long time.

To summarize, Ile de la Cité is definitely worth the time and walk, but just not perhaps the money.