Conciergerie
Conciergerie is one of the narrated stops on the self-guided Paris audio walking tour in Gingerguide. Plan about ~90 min here. Press play at the spot for its two to three minute story, or ask the AI guide anything about it.
- Type historic
- Suggested visit ~90 min
- Paris Paris guide
About Conciergerie
The medieval royal palace turned Revolutionary prison where Marie Antoinette was imprisoned before her execution in 1793, and from which 2,780 people were sent to the guillotine.
The Conciergerie is a formidable medieval building on the Île de la Cité, its towers reflected in the Seine since the 14th century. Originally part of the royal palace complex (the Palais de la Cité), it became a prison in the late 14th century when the French kings moved to the Louvre. During the French Revolution's Reign of Terror (1793-94), it became the antechamber of death, 2,780 prisoners passed through on their way to the guillotine at the Place de la Révolution.
Its most famous prisoner was Marie Antoinette, who was held here from 2 August 1793 to 16 October 1793, when she was led to the guillotine in the Place de la Révolution (today's Place de la Concorde). Her cell, with its simple furniture and the crucifix she prayed before, is preserved and can be visited. The building's 14th-century Salle des Gens d'Armes (Hall of the Men-at-Arms) is the largest surviving medieval hall in France. Revolutionary leaders including Robespierre himself were briefly imprisoned here before their own executions.
Did you know? Robespierre, who sent 2,780 people to the guillotine from the Conciergerie, was himself imprisoned here and guillotined the very next day after his arrest.
How long should you spend at Conciergerie?
Plan about ~90 min at Conciergerie. That is enough to take it in and hear its narrated story; stay longer if it grabs you. The tour is self-guided, so there is no rush.
Is Conciergerie worth visiting?
Conciergerie is one of the 44 sights the Gingerguide team researched and narrated in Paris, so it earns a place on a self-guided walk. Its story explains why it matters, and you can ask the AI guide anything the story leaves open.
Nearby stops in Paris
Hear the story of Conciergerie
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