DK Travel : Paris : Ile de la Cité and Ile St-Louis

Paris was born on the Ile de la Cité . The first settlers came to this island on the Seine in 300 BC (see Arrival of the Parisii) and it has remained a focus of church and state power through the centuries, with the great cathedral of Notre-Dame and the law courts of the Palais de Justice commanding the island. This tiny land mass also has the honour of being the geographical heart of the country – all French distances are measured from Point Zéro, just outside Notre-Dame. While the Ile de la Cité seems overrun with tourists, the smaller Ile St-Louis, connected to its neighbour by a bridge, has a village-like feel and has been an exclusive residential enclave since the 17th century. Its main street is lined with shops, galleries and restaurants and is a wonderful place for a stroll.

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Isami

One of the best Japanese restaurants in the city, but tiny so book ahead. Good choice of sushi.
La Ferme Saint Aubin

Cheese in all shapes and sizes from all over France. An aromatic delight.
La Rose de France

Lovely terrace and a cosy dining room. Lamb with Provençale herbs is one speciality.
Lafitte

Preserved and packaged poultry products such as foie gras and goose confit are the speciality here, but there is a range of other items. A good place for gifts for foodie friends.
Le Fin Gourmet

Excellent bistro in a 17th-century building. Expect dishes such as scallops with shallots, or veal and baked apples. Bustling at lunchtime, candlelit and quieter in the evening.
Le Flore en l’Ile

Go for the views as well as the food in this tearoom, open from breakfast until 2am.
Le Vieux Bistro

This ancient bistro, full of locals, serves staple dishes such as boeuf bourguignon and lemon tart.
Librairie Ulysse

Today Paris, tomorrow the world. This eccentric travel bookshop will take you there with thousands of titles in French and English – including many on Paris itself.
L’Épicerie

This tiny shop packs in a great array of gourmet delights, from orange sauce to speciality vinegars and mustards, to chocolate “snails”, all prettily packaged.
L’Orangerie

Perfect spot for a romantic dinner with candles, flowers and relaxing music. The food is good too, with dishes such as leg of lamb.

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Restaurant price categories

For a three-course meal for one with half a bottle of wine (or equivalent meal), taxes and charges included.
- under €30
- €30–40
- €40–50
- €50–60
- over €60