On Ile de la Cité, between the two banks of the Seine river, the Parisii settled in the 3rd century B.C. Today, you can visit three historical landmarks and lovely squares:

Notre-Dame Church, a gothic masterpiece begun in 1163 and completed in 1345, witness to some of the highlights of French history. It has inspired many writers including Victor Hugo.

La Conciergerie, started as an important stronghold of the Capetians in the 14th century. Its splendid gothic rooms served as a state prison during the French revolution. See the prisoners'gallery and Queen Marie-Antoinette's cell.

Enclosed within the Palais de Justice (Law Courts), the Sainte-Chapelle was erected under the reign of Saint-Louis in the mid-13th century. It holds the most beautiful stained-glass windows in Paris.

Place Dauphine, built on the site of three converging islands, was the main royal square in the 17th century with Place des Vosges. Its enclosed triangular courtyard of brick and and white stone makes a relaxing stop.

Going down the steps behing Henri IV's statue, you reach the furthermost tip of Ile de la Cité, Square du Vert-Galant. Planted with a wide variety of trees and flowers, it commands a panoramic view on the Seine and the Louvre Museum.

Behind Notre-Dame Church, Square Jean XXIII allows you to admire its superb architecture and leads you via a picturesque bridge to Ile Saint-Louis.

One of the most pleasant places for a stroll is Ile Saint-Louis, which has retained the charm of past centuries as well as its authenticity. Noted for its provincial calm, 17th century dwellings and quaint little shops.