

Palais de Justice
The Basics
The former Royal Palace is now home to the Paris judicial courts. Since it’s a working judicial building, the building isn’t open for tours, but visitors are free to wander the public halls or just admire the stunning architecture from the outside. Opt for a walking tour the of Île de la Cité to learn more about the history of the Royal Palace and see other famous landmarks like the Conciergerie, Sainte-Chapelle, and the Notre-Dame cathedral.
Things to Know Before You Go
Palais de Justice is the former royal residence of the French monarchy.
The site is must-see for French history buffs.
The Palais de Justice is a working judicial building, so access to the building is limited.
Purchase admission tickets to other Île de la Cité sights in advance to save time in lines.
How to Get There
The Pont Neuf, Paris’s oldest bridge across the River Seine, provides access to Île de la Cité from the center of Paris. Metro line 4 will take you directly the island, and the Palais de Justice is only a few moments walk from the Cité station.
Trip ideas
When to Get There
Attractions along Île de la Cité are some of the most visited in Paris, so start your morning early to avoid the crowds. There really is no bad time to visit Paris, but spring and fall see vastly smaller crowds than mid-summer, and winter can be a delightful time to visit as long as you pack plenty of layers.
Visiting the Conciergerie and Sainte Chapelle
Although tours of the Palais de Justice are unavailable, you can, in fact, tour neighboring La Conciergerie and Sainte-Chapelle. La Conciergerie is most notable as the principal prison during the French Revolution, when it was used to detain famous revolutionaries like Marie-Antoinette and Robespierre. Admission is required to enter both sights, but a combination ticket will save you money.
- Things to do in Île-de-France
- Things to do in Marne-la-Vallée
- Things to do in Blois
- Things to do in Deauville City
- Things to do in Lille
- Things to do in Dijon
- Things to do in Brussels
- Things to do in Bruges
- Things to do in Zaventem
- Things to do in Luxembourg City
- Things to do in Horley
- Things to do in Nantes
- Things to do in London
- Things to do in Normandy
- Things to do in Nord-Pas de Calais
- Sainte Chapelle
- Conciergerie
- Île de la Cité
- Archaeological Crypt of Notre Dame
- Caveau de la Huchette
- Fontaine Saint-Michel
- Place Dauphine
- Shakespeare and Company Bookstore
- Notre-Dame Cathedral Towers (Tours de la Cathédrale Notre-Dame)
- Notre Dame Cathedral
- Pont Neuf
- Hotel de Ville
- Latin Quarter (Quartier Latin)
- Paris Mint Museum (Musée de la Monnaie de Paris)
- Cluny Museum (Musée de Cluny)