The Islands of Paris: An Oasis of Nostalgia

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The Islands are the geographic center of Paris, and having an address here is truly enviable by Paris standards. Those who deal with Paris vacation rentals can help visitors choose a location that is comparable to the islands, so that they can visit them more often. Ile-de-la-Cite and Ile St-Louis are situated in the middle of River Seine. The city of Paris and even France itself was established on the Ile-de-la-Cite. The ancient buildings and baroque monuments were almost wiped out when Haussmann took up the reconstruction work during the late 1800s. Nevertheless, it still offers a glimpse into what Paris used to be.

Ile-de-la-Cite houses the headquarters of the French justice system and the city's oldest bridge, Pont Neuf (Paris has 33 bridges). The Pont Neuf, the "new bridge" that is now the oldest bridge in Paris, was completed by Henry IV, who inaugurated it in 1607. Notre Dame, the Gothic cathedral that has been the backdrop for countless novels and movies that are based in Paris, is situated in Ile de la Cite. Notre Dame is just one of the many venerable monuments that could be found on the tiny island. No first trip to Paris is complete without a visit to the marvel of gothic architecture, Notre Dame. One of the most singular and beautiful cathedrals of Europe, Notre Dame Cathedral's dramatic towers, spire, stained glass windows and statuary are guaranteed to take your breath away. Witness firsthand the spot that was once the heartbeat of medieval Paris, and that took over 100 years of hard labor to complete. Climbing the North tower to see Paris from the hunchback Quasimodo's vantage is essential, too. You'll soon understand why Notre Dame is one of Paris' top attractions for those that visit.

When tourists or expats visit the islands from their luxury Paris apartments, they are surprised to find an almost medieval village-esque area, that is steeped in the history and culture of France. However, if one wants to feel the peace and calm when in the Islands, it is better to visit them during late afternoon, or even early in the morning.

Ile St-Louis: A Village in Paris

Ile St-Louis is considered the most romantic part of Paris. It is a place where one could go for endless strolls and bask in the beauty of another world, while leaving the buzz of the Paris bustle behind. Ile St-Louis does not house many monuments except for a small museum, which is devoted to Adam Mickiewicz, a romantic poet primarily known for his poetic novel Dziady and a Polish national epic Pan Tadeusz. The island has a character of its own and most of the inhabitants remain in houses that are unchanged for a couple of hundred years. The Islanders call themselves 'Louisiens'.

Christophe Marie, a 17th century real estate developer filled Ile St-Louis with elegant mansions and it soon became a bohemian hangout for the likes of Balzac, Baudelaire.

Ile Saint-Louis is probably one of the prettiest neighborhoods in Paris, with its elegant 17th century townhouses lining the quais next to the Seine. At just the right moment in the afternoon or early evening the sun hits the Quai de Bourbon and the Pont Marie and you're left breathless on the sidewalk. Stop a few meters further along on the Quai d'Anjou and marvel at the gilded balconies. A peaceful oasis of calm in the busy Paris centre, this island has only narrow one-way streets, no metro stations and two bus stops. Most of the island is residential, but there are several restaurants, shops, cafes and ice cream parlours at street level, as well as one large church, Saint-Louis-en-l'Ile Church.

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