HOW TO GET TO MARIE ANTOINETTE'S PRISON
Marie Antoinette’s Prison, today known as the Conciergerie, is easy to reach thanks to its central location on the Île de la Cité, in the heart of Paris.
The fastest way to get there is by Paris metro. Take Line 4 and get off at Cité station, just a few minutes’ walk from the entrance. Alternatively, you can take lines 1, 7, 11 or 14 to Châtelet station, followed by a short walk.
If you prefer the RER, lines RER B and RER C stop at Saint-Michel – Notre-Dame station, about 5-10 minutes’ walk from the Conciergerie.
Several bus lines, including 21, 27, 38, 47, 85 and 96, also stop nearby, offering a convenient connection to the city’s main areas.
If you’re arriving by car, keep in mind that traffic in the Île de la Cité area can be heavy and parking is limited. It’s advisable to use a nearby public car park and reach the monument on foot.
For those who enjoy walking or cycling, the Conciergerie is easily reached via the pedestrian paths along the Seine and the many bike-sharing stations in central Paris.
WHERE IS MARIE ANTOINETTE'S PRISON LOCATED
GPS COORDINATES
USEFUL INFORMATION FOR YOUR VISIT
How to get to Marie Antoinette's Prison by public transport?
Take Metro Line 4 and get off at Cité station.
- Alternatively, use RER B or RER C to Saint-Michel – Notre-Dame.
Several bus lines stop just minutes from the entrance.
Public transport is the fastest and most practical way to reach the Conciergerie.
How to get to Marie Antoinette's Prison on foot or by bike?
The Conciergerie is just steps away from Notre-Dame Cathedral.
From the Sainte-Chapelle it’s less than a 2-minute walk.
From the Louvre Museum the walk takes about 15 minutes.
Bike lanes and bike-sharing stations are available in the immediate vicinity.
How to get to Marie Antoinette's Prison by car?
- Head to central Paris following signs for Île de la Cité.
- Street parking is limited and often full.
- It’s recommended to use a nearby covered public car park.
- A short walk from the car park makes it easy to reach the Conciergerie’s entrance while avoiding traffic in the historic centre.
Attraction Map
Best Itinerary Including a Visit to This Attraction
Book your visit to Les Invalides on Tiqets, save the ticket to your phone, and if possible choose a morning time slot, arriving around 9:45 am for security checks. With priority entry, head straight to the Musée de l’Armée during the first hour, which is usually quieter. The complex is generally open from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, with last entry about 30 minutes before closing.
A simple, well-organised itinerary:
Start outside, in the Cour d’Honneur, to admire the artillery displays, then go in while the galleries are still quiet.
Visit the Dôme des Invalides early, when there are fewer visitors. Set aside 20 to 30 minutes to admire the golden dome and Napoleon’s Tomb.
Continue through the main collections for 60-90 minutes. Follow a chronological route, from medieval armour and historic weapons through to the modern galleries, and focus on one main chapter, such as the sections dedicated to the World Wars, rather than trying to see everything.
Use the included audio guide app for the aspects that interest you most, and keep a steady pace along the route: this museum rewards a consistent rhythm.
Finish with the smaller museums: the Plans-Reliefs, about 30 minutes, and the Order of the Liberation, about 20 minutes. If you still have energy, also check for any temporary exhibitions.
For a pleasant break, plan lunch near Rue Cler. In the afternoon, walk toward Pont Alexandre III and the Seine for photos, or pair the visit with a nearby museum. If you want a memorable finish, consider the AURA light and sound experience at Les Invalides, when available. Useful points: the accessible entrance is near Place Vauban; the address is Rue de Grenelle. Finish with a stroll along the Esplanade des Invalides.
