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Ile de la Cité and Ile St-Louis : Overview & Top 10

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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.

  • Taverne Henry IV

    A fine wine list accompanies simple plates of pâté or cheese.

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