2 Conciergerie The building is the oldest remaining part of the Palais de la Cité, the first royal res- idence. In 1790, it was transformed into a revolutionary court and housed one of the most ruthless prisons of the period. Queen Marie-Antoinette and Robespierre were two of the most famous people imprisoned at the Conciergerie. Highlights include the Salle des Gens d’Armes (Hall of the Men-at- Arms) (1302), the medieval kitchens (1350- 1364), several cells and the poignant expi- atory chapel dedicated to Marie-Antoinette. 2 bd du Palais (1st). M Cité.o 01 53 40 60 80. Musée Daily: 9.30am-6pm, except 1 Jan, 1 May and 25 Dec. Full rate: €9. Joint ticket with the Sainte-Chapelle/full rate: €15.www.paris-conciergerie.frdu Louvre Every trip to the capital deserves a visit to the Louvre to discover the wealth of treasures it contains. The museum houses western works of art dating from the Middle Ages to 1848, in addition to collections of ancient oriental, Egyptian, Greek, Etruscan and Roman civili- 3Around the Pont Neuf zations, as well as graphic and Islamic arts. Considered to be one of the oldest stone From room to room, the former royal palace bridges in Paris, the Pont Neuf is recognizable reveals its masterpieces to the public: the by its twelve semi-circular arches, its series MonaLisa, The Raft of the Medusa, the Venus of 381 ‘mascarons’ and its equestrian statue de Milo and, The Winged Victory of Samo- of Henri IV. Built in two parts, it connects the thrace. In total, some 35,000 works! With its Right to the Left Bank, via the Île de la Cité. eight hundred year old history, the Louvre Below the bridge, at the tip of the island, the has been influenced by numerous archi- Square du Vert Galant, a popular spot for tectural trends, from the medieval fortress courting couples, offers lovely views of the of the 12th century to the glass pyramid by Seine. Continue your stroll across the Place Pei (1989). The latest addition, housing the Dauphine with its numerous restaurants. And Islamic Art Department, was designed by finish on the Quai des Orfèvres, the former architects Mario Bellini and Rudy Ricciotti. famous judicial police headquarters. The undulating glass canopy covers the Vis- conti courtyard, flooding the 2,800 m wing2 1st. M Pont Neuf.o with light. A visit to the museum is particu- larly pleasant during evening open hours: the plus… Louvre is less crowded and visitors can enjoy stunning night-time views of Pei’s glass pyr- Île Saint-Louis amid, the Cour Carrée and the Seine. The smaller of the two islands in the heart of Main entrance via the Pyramid (1st). Paris is worth a short visit. A strollalong the M Palais Royal – Musée du Louvre.o main street (Saint-Louis-en-l’Île) or the quays 01 40 20 53 17. Daily: 9am-5.45pm, except provides the visitor with breathtaking views Tues, 1 Jan, 1 May and 25 Dec. Wed and Fri: open of magnificent hôtels particuliers (mansion until 9.45pm. Full rate (permanent collections houses) dating from the 17th and 18th centu- + temporary exhibitions + Musée Eugène ries. A stop at Berthillon’s for one of their deli- Delacroix, valid 48hrs): €15. cious ice creams is also a must. www.louvre.fr 4th. M Pont Marie.o 18 HISTORIC HEART