The Scariest Places in the World
Warning: Turn on the lights before you read this.
Île de la Cité has been inhabited since the first century BC. It wasn’t until the early 17th century, that this unusual little island started to take its modern shape, spurred on by the construction of the Pont Neuf that spans the entirety of the Seine. Travelers have myriad options to explore the island on its own or as part of a half-day, full-day, group or private, walking or cycling tour that includes some of the city’s most exciting attractions.
Île de la Cité is at the center of Paris and is easy to reach from all points by taxi or the Métro. From the Left Bank, take line 4 to Saint-Michel, and from the Right Bank, take lines 1, 4, 7, 11 or 14 to Châtelet and walk over Pont Neuf to the island. There’s also the only stop (Cité) on the island itself via line 4.
Paris is a place of wonder and beauty at any time of the year, as each season brings its own charms. The best weather is from late spring through early fall, May through September. Deals on hotels may be found during the winter and early spring months. Festivals abound year-round; highlights include Bastille Day in July, and the springtime jazz and blues festival, Banlieues Bleues, and the summertime city-wide music festival, Paris, Quartier d’Été.
The teardrop-shaped Île de la Cité holds many varied treasures:xa0 Notre-Dame Cathedral, famous for its stained-glass rose window, flying buttresses, and twin towers; the Deportation Memorial, dedicated to the French deported to Nazi concentration camps during WWII; and the Palais de Justice where St. Chapelle, arguably Paris’s most beautiful church is tucked away;. Come during the day to see the sun stream through the walls of fiery-colored stained glass.