Ile de la Cité

 
The Ile de la Cité is the historical and geographical center of Paris. Here, on the little island protected by two arms of the Seine, a Celtic tribe, the Parisii, established a settlement in the third century B.C. Here too the Romans built the Gallo-Roman city of Lutetia, and here the inhabitants of the city sought refuge during raids by Germanic tribes, Norsemen and Huns.

Must-see attractions nearby:
It was only in the High Middle Ages that the city was able to establish a durable presence on the two banks of the Seine and a center of power and authority. From the sixth to the 14th century the kings of France resided on the island, on which were the secular palace and its religious counterpart, Notre-Dame, the "Cathedral of France". When the royal residence was transferred elsewhere the aspect of the Ile de la Cité changed, since it was no longer necessary to have spacious streets and squares for the festivities of the court.
Transit: Metro: Cite; RER: St-Michel-Notre-Dame; Bus: 21, 24, 27, 38, 47, 81, 85, 96.

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More France Resources
Ile-de-la-Cité in Paris.Ile-de-la-Cité in Paris.
View to Ile de Cite in Paris.View to Ile de Cite in Paris.
Architecture of Ile de la Cite, Paris.Architecture of Ile de la Cite, Paris.
Pont Neuf and Ile de la Cite in Paris.Pont Neuf and Ile de la Cite in Paris.
A night view of the west front of Notre Dame in Paris.A night view of the west front of Notre Dame in Paris.
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