Britannica AI Icon

Île de la Cité

island, Paris, France

Quick Summary

The Île de la Cité is a natural island in the Seine River and the historical heart of Paris, France. It was the site of the original settlement by the Parisii tribe around the end of the 3rd century BCE, known then as Lutetia. After Roman times, the inhabitants moved to the island for defense, and it eventually became known as Paris.123

The island is home to significant landmarks, including the Palace of Justice and the stunning Sainte-Chapelle, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. The Pont Neuf, built between 1578 and 1604, is the oldest bridge in Paris and connects the island to both banks of the Seine. The Île de la Cité is linked to the smaller Île Saint-Louis by a ninth bridge.1

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.