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Opening Hours

Opening Hours of the Conciergerie

Marie Antoinette’s Prison, known today as the Conciergerie, is one of the most fascinating historic monuments in Paris. The site is open to visitors every day of the year, with opening time at 9:30 am and closing time at 6:00 pm. Last entry is allowed at 5:30 pm, so it’s advisable to arrive a little early to enjoy the visit without rushing. The Conciergerie is open from Monday to Sunday, so there are no weekly closing days. However, the monument remains closed on a few annual holidays, specifically 1 May and 25 December. On certain special occasions, such as particular holidays or exceptional events, hours may vary, so it’s always worth checking for updates before your visit.

The busiest periods generally coincide with June, July and August, when international tourism peaks and queues can be longer. Visitor numbers also rise noticeably during school holidays and end-of-year festivities. By contrast, January, February and November are considered the quietest months, offering a more relaxed experience and shorter waiting times. Visiting Marie Antoinette’s Prison in the early morning or during the low season makes it possible to explore the historic rooms, the famous Marie Antoinette’s Cell and the spaces that tell the story of the French Revolution at a calmer pace, for a more enjoyable and in-depth cultural experience.

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Opening and Closing Hours

09:30 - 18:00

18:00 - 09:30

Opening Hours Table

Day
Opening Hours
Monday
9:30 am – 6:00 pm
Tuesday
9:30 am – 6:00 pm
Wednesday
9:30 am – 6:00 pm
Thursday
9:30 am – 6:00 pm
Friday
9:30 am – 6:00 pm
Saturday
9:30 am – 6:00 pm
Sunday
9:30 am – 6:00 pm

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Marie Antoinette’s Prison, today known as the Conciergerie, depends on the kind of experience you’re after. In general, the ideal period is between April, May, September and October, when the weather in Paris is pleasant, temperatures are mild and visitor numbers are lower than during the busy summer season. During these months you can explore the monument more peacefully and better appreciate its extraordinary historic atmosphere. June, July and August, on the other hand, are the busiest months for tourism. In summer the Conciergerie welcomes thousands of visitors every day, and queues can form both at the entrance and in the main rooms. If you’re visiting during this period, it’s a good idea to arrive shortly after opening time, in the early morning, or in the late afternoon, when visitor numbers tend to drop. For those who prefer a more relaxed experience, January, February and November are generally the least busy months. Although the weather is colder, waiting times are shorter, and you can calmly visit the famous Marie Antoinette’s Cell, the ancient medieval rooms and the spaces dedicated to the French Revolution. Weekdays, particularly from Tuesday to Thursday, also tend to be less crowded than weekends. Planning your visit outside school holidays and major public holidays makes for a more enjoyable experience, with more time to admire the architectural details and learn about the history of one of the French capital’s most important monuments.
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Visitor Numbers Throughout the Year

Month
Visitor Numbers
Note
January
Low
Few queues, cold weather.
February
Low
Quiet, quick visit.
March
Moderate
Tourism gradually increasing.
April
High
Spring, many visits.
May
High
Ideal weather, high turnout.
June
High
Start of the high season.
July
High
Summer, very busy site.
August
High
Peak international tourism.
September
High
Still busy, mild weather.
October
Moderate
Fewer crowds, pleasant visits.
November
Moderate
Quietest period.
December
Moderate
More visitors during the holidays.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the opening hours of Marie Antoinette's Prison?

Marie Antoinette’s Prison, today known as the Conciergerie, is generally open every day from 9:30 am to 6:00 pm. Last entry is normally allowed about 30 minutes before closing.

Yes, the monument is generally open from Monday to Sunday, including weekends. However, some national holidays may result in closure or changes to visiting hours.

The Conciergerie is normally closed on 1 May and 25 December. Additional temporary closures may occur for exceptional events or maintenance work.

The early morning, right after opening, or late afternoon are generally the best times to avoid queues and visit the monument in a more relaxed way.

Opening hours generally stay the same throughout the year, but may change for holidays, special events or organisational needs. It’s always a good idea to check the latest hours before your visit.