Conciergerie — Attraction in Paris

After walking across the islands came here. We were stopped prior to entrance by armed police required for Palais de Justice etc. Simply asked where we were going and they let us through once we told them. We both had shoulder bags (not rucksacks- noticed later they were searching other visitors with rucksacks). Bought tickets at door. The ipad thing was ok eventually, but as oldies took us longer to work it out. There is a free small paper guide too. The ipad thing locates u and guides you through the museum. The menus on it aren't great.. no labels on treasure items so had to keep going back& forth to main menu to get to where wanted. Scanning didn't always work. But they are free and provide more succinct details about what you're viewing as you go through the musuem. There is a sort of one way system in parts - which a couple of other tourists didn't get - had to stop them trying to force a no exit door (with a Massive picture on it of no exit!!). Didn't want them to set off some alarm/evacuation or something. There are a few toilet cubicles, which threw the ipad thing when we kept taking pit stops?!! There are some interactive displays. On one, we were looking at the large screen in front & the text/pics were whizzing through v.quickly? Noticed another tourist flicking through a standalone floor screen nearby. She was "swiping left" v. quickly & not able to see the info till we told her to look up at the largeer screen!!! She did a great job of managing the controls once she realised how to use it & we learnt a lot about the prison. No cafe, cafes in vicinity. Was a pleasant experience... but overall (in my opinion) the texts assumed we had some basic knowledge of the French revolution, which I didn't (except for reading "Tale of 2 Cities". Maybe we missed the basics explanation of the background story?? Nevertheless would recommend. Update: at the end of viewing, for a bit of fun, we took "selfies" using ipad thingy for a face-in-hole photo (old french costume background). A couple of weeks later at home, we got 1 out of 2 photos...

The Conciergerie monument (€9 per adult) and nearby St. Chapelle are part of the former Palais de la Cité (First Royal Palace in Paris) which tourists can visit while sightseeing around Paris. It is a World Heritage attraction and open from 9.30-6pm daily.

What you will first see at Conciergerie is the large and open Hall of Guards, showcasing its delightful medieval interior and appearance. The long rows of columns and low vaults are quite neat to see in this day and age.

There are upstairs rooms where you can watch a programme related to the French Revolution and learn how Conciergerie was used as a prison for ten months in what is referred to as 'Reign of Terror'. Much is also presented in regard to the most famous prisoner from the revolution, Marie-Antoinette. There is a commemorative chapel that has been created on what was the site of her cell, which you can enter and visit as well.

In the end, Conciergerie is an interesting place to visit but feels rather pricey for what is available to be seen and learned here. It is perhaps a place best suited for history buffs, those with particular interest in medieval architecture and/or events and locations associated with the French Revolution.

Note: If you have purchased a Paris Museum Pass which includes entrance to Conciergerie and are looking for things to do around Cité after your visit to St. Chapelle, this is a worthy place to visit and spend 30-45 minutes...

Visiting the Paris Conciergerie Museum is like taking a captivating journey through history. This remarkable museum, nestled within the historical Conciergerie building, offers visitors a unique and immersive experience. From the moment you step through its doors, you are transported back in time to the tumultuous era of the French Revolution.

One of the standout features of the museum is the free tablets provided to visitors. These tablets offer a truly innovative and interactive way to explore the Conciergerie's past. With a simple touch, you can dive deep into the rich history of this former royal palace turned prison.

The tablets allow you to witness the grandeur of the past, virtually transporting you to the very halls and chambers where influential figures such as Marie Antoinette were once held captive. Through vivid images, videos, and informative commentary, you can immerse yourself in the ambiance and visualize life as it was hundreds of years ago. It's a truly remarkable experience that brings history to life.

As you explore the museum, you'll encounter a treasure trove of artifacts and exhibits that shed light on the French Revolution and the role the Conciergerie played during that turbulent time. The display of historical documents, personal belongings of prisoners, and detailed reconstructions of prison cells provides a vivid insight into the daily lives and struggles of those imprisoned within...