Overview:
Use a combined ticket to gain entrance to both the Conciergerie and Sainte-Chapelle. Explore the stunning architecture and illustrious cultural history of these two special places.
Highlights
- Learn about medieval Paris by seeing the beautiful Conciergerie, where you can also view the stunning architecture of the revolutionary court and the jail where Marie Antoinette is said to have been imprisoned.
- Visit the tombs of French Revolution heroes while admiring Gothic buildings from the 14th century, prison cells, and dungeons.
- Admire the Gothic architecture and magnificent 13th-century stained glass windows of the Sainte-Chapelle at your own pace.
- Learn more about the precious artifacts and relics stored here in the past, including the Crown of Thorns and the Image of Edessa
I didn't really know what to expect. We went because the admission was included in the ticket to Sante-Chappelle. But I was glad we did. The Marie Antoinette exhibit was very interesting, although it got a little bit weird by the end when it got into modern fashion and pop culture references to Marie Antoinette. The tour of the rest of the building was fascinating to me, and I learned a lot more about the French Revolution as well as the history of the building. I'm fascinated with old buildings, and this one has a very interesting history. It's worth seeing.
During our visit there was a exhibit for Marie Antoinette and this made my trip to this museum. If you plan to also see Sainte Chapelle visit here first and you can get a combo ticket for both locations. Chances are there will be little or no line here- unlike at Sainte Chapelle. We visited during the strikes and part of the museum was closed so they gave us a discount on the tickets. Anyone interested in Marie Antoinette- or the French Revolution should come here. It gives a good overall education about the revolution and what was happening in Paris before, during, and after. You can see the locations prisoners were held and lived which is interesting. It's a self led tour so you can go as slow or as fast as you want. Information is written in French and English.
We waited in a small line to visit the conciergerie (we bought a combined ticket with Sainte-Chapelle). Once inside you could go at your own pace so it didn't seem too crowded. Our kids really liked this as they have all heard of Marie Antoinette. Most of the museum was "History's Interpretation of Marie Antoinette". It was really interesting to walk around the conciergerie and think about the events of the French Revolution. If you like history, this is a really great museum.