Paris is renowned for its iconic landmarks, unique charm, and rich history. Among its many attractions are the islands in the Seine River, each with its own peculiar character.
The Seine River is home to two natural islands, Ile de la Cité and Ile Saint-Louis, and an artificial one, the Ile aux Cygnes. These islands are integral to Paris’s history and offer a unique perspective of the city. You can explore these Paris islands through Seine River cruises or on foot during a pleasant stroll.
Keep reading to discover all about the Seine islands in Paris and why you should visit them.
Are You Planning a Trip to Paris Last Minute?
If you are booking a last-minute trip to Paris, I’ve got you covered! Below are our guides, top tours, hotels, and more:
» Plan: Paris Travel Planner; Paris Arrondissements Guide; Check out the best Paris Metro tickets for tourists
» Book your flight tickets with Omio; book your train tickets with Omio
Book your transfer from the airport to the city with Welcome Pickups.
» Where to Stay: Best Districts to Stay in Paris
- Le Pavillon de la Reine (historical 5-star hotel in Le Marais)
- Hotel La Comtesse (mid-range hotel with Eiffel Tower view from all the rooms!)
- Hotel Ducs de Bourgogne (super central 4-star hotel near the Louvre)
» Top-Rated Paris Tours & Tickets:
- Louvre Museum Skip-the-Line Ticket
- Eiffel Tower Summit Access Ticket
- Seine River Night Cruise
- Château de Versailles and Gardens
- Catacombs Skip-the-line tour with VIP access to restricted areas
Want skip-the-line access at museums & attractions in Paris? Get your hands on a Paris Museum Pass!
» Don’t leave without travel insurance! SafetyWing Essential plan works well for long and short trips (from 5 days up). Can also cover electronics theft through their add-on.
Here are the three Paris islands in the Seine:
TIP: Discover the islands and the most beautiful monuments of Paris with music and a relaxed atmosphere on board this Seine River cruise with an apéritif and music.
Ile de la Cité
In the very heart of the city, Ile de la Cité is considered the historic birthplace of Paris, which was called Lutetia during the Roman age. The centrality of this area of the city persisted throughout the Middle Ages, when it became home to the first French Kings and the center of civil and religious power.
Located between the 1st and the 4th Arrondissements, Ile de la Cité is a fantastic place for sightseeing, as well as for a leisurely stroll. If this is your first time visiting Paris, the Ile de la Cité is a great starting point to immerse yourself in the city and its beauty, thanks to its many attractions.
Among the things to do on Ile de la Cité, don’t miss Notre Dame Cathedral, the magnificent stained-glass windows in the Sainte-Chapelle, and the Conciergerie (the former royal palace) with its impressive Gothic rooms.
The island is connected to the mainland by the Pont Neuf, which is Paris’ oldest bridge. West of the bridge, but at a lower level, there’s the Square du Vert Galant, a favorite place for locals to relax, dangling their feet over the water.
If you need inspiration to organize your visit, you can follow this self-guided walking tour of the Ile de la Cité or book this guided tour with an expert guide.
You may not know that the Ile de la Cité is the theater of many legends in Paris. If you are curious to learn more about them, I suggest joining this night walking tour to discover them all.
Ile Saint-Louis
Ile Saint-Louis is another great place for a stroll and one of the most romantic places in Paris. Part of the 4th Arrondissement of Paris, Ile Saint-Louis is the second natural island in Paris, and is much quieter and more residential than Ile de la Cité.
Long story short, Ile Saint-Louis was “created” under King Louis XIII, at the end of the 17th century, during the urban operation in which two natural islands (Ile Notre Dame and the immediately upstream Ile aux Vaches) were joined.
The island was developed during the 17th century when wealthy farmers, merchants, and members of the bureaucracy hastily purchased land and built beautiful private mansions on the eastern half of the island.
In 1725, the island took its current name in honor of King Louis IX, patron saint and ancestor of King Louis XIII. According to legend, King Louis IX used to come to pray on the Ile aux Vaches and took up the cross there with his knights in 1269 before leaving for the Eighth Crusade.
Today, part of Ile Saint-Louis’s charm is centered around its elegant townhouses, boutiques, and fine restaurants, making it one of Paris’s most exclusive neighborhoods. It’s hard to believe that not long ago, it was the place of decadent hashish parties!
There’s also the Cheese Museum at 39 Rue Saint Louis en l’Ile.
The best way to enjoy Ile Saint-Louis is simply by walking along the quais to admire its beautiful architecture or sitting in one of the many outdoor cafés facing the Seine River on a sunny day.
You can also take a leisurely stroll to Place d’Aragon (the island’s western tip with a beautiful view of Ile de la Cité) and sit here to see the river cruises sail away.
Ile Aux Cygnes
Ile aux Cygnes is Paris’s man-made island, located near the Eiffel Tower. Named the “Island of Swans,” it was created in 1827 and is famous for hosting one of the seven replicas of the Statue of Liberty in Paris, located at the island’s western end.
Located in the 16th Arrondissement, this Paris island is a great spot for an afternoon stroll along the Seine, enjoying the nice breeze coming from the river
A staircase downstream from the Bir-Hakeim bridge descends onto a long, tree-lined avenue. This constitutes the greater part of the island, which is eleven meters wide. Along the Seine’s right and left banks, the architecture is not the best in the city, so just look ahead towards the Statue of Liberty during your stroll :)).
Ile aux Cygnes is also the departure point for my favorite dinner cruise in Paris, featuring a delicious bistro-style menu and comfortable club-style armchairs, perfectly positioned to enjoy the view of the Seine and your travel companions.
