Ile Saint Louis Paris is embraced by the Seine River gently lapping at her banks. As river barges bustle past, the casual visitor is magically lulled into a world from centuries past. This tranquil oasis used to be a pasture and it’s not hard to imagine cattle grazing in meadows right here in the middle of Paris.
In the 17th century, Île Saint Louis became a district of Paris and thus its urbanization began. Christophe Marie was the architect responsible for developing the island. Elegant townhouses and “hotels particuliers” (small mansions) were built and attracted Paris’s elite. Today, in one of Paris’s oldest villages, the architecture remains unchanged.
Ile St Louis, right in the heart of Paris, is the perfect place to step back in time.
16 Things To Do On Ile Saint Louis Paris
1. Flâner On Ile St Louis
One of the best things to do on Ile Saint Louis, one of Paris’s oldest villages, is to flâner. To flâner is to stroll around rather aimlessly observing life. Narrow cobblestone streets lead past gorgeous façades. There are ample benches and cafés to rest awhile and observe local life. Lovers entangled, fishing rods poised, a movie being filmed… you never know what you’ll see on Ile Saint-Louis Paris.
Read More: Not sure how to flâner in Paris? Here are a few tips.
2. Stop On Pont Saint-Louis
Lingering on Pont Saint-Louis is one of my favourite things to do in Ile Saint Louis. Strains of music almost always fill the air and the views of Notre Dame Cathedral and the Hôtel de Ville (city hall) are beautiful.
Pont Saint-Louis, the pedestrian bridge that joins Ile Saint Louis to Ile de la Cité, is a gathering spot for street musicians, marionette artists and rollerblade performers. Who knows there may even be an antique market to browse, as there was this past summer.
Best Places To Stay on Ile Saint Louis Paris
Ile Saint Louis Paris is the perfect location for exploring the city.
- Stay On Ile St Louis Paris in one of these hotels.
- Stay in Paris’s 4th arrondissement in one of these hotels.
- If you prefer apartments, how about this darling home with a rooftop terrace or this apartment with its exposed gabled ceilings?
3. Spot Details On Doorways & Façades
One of the essential things to do in Ile Saint Louis Paris is to use your eagle eye to find details on the façades.
Ile St Louis was the perfect village for aristocratic Parisians to build their mansions or Hôtels Particuliers, in the 17th century. Magnificent doorways, façades, intricate door knockers, and balconies with wrought-iron railings are heaven for the curious explorer. Look for the faun peering down upon you at 51 Rue Saint-Louis-en-l’Ile.
Guided Tours
Right in the heart of Paris by bicycle! Nooks and crannies bike tour. And these unique walking tours of Paris. And a cruise down the Seine is always a good idea!
4. Sneak Into A Courtyard
It is hard to imagine what lies behind the grand doorways of these urban mansions. If you happen to walk by and there is a delivery, construction, or a resident leaving just ask if you can have a look around. “Je peux jeter un coup d’oeil?” Slip in behind the majestic doorway and perhaps you will discover a beautiful inner courtyard or a magnificent staircase.
Read More: Just. a few steps away in Ile de la Cité full of Paris landmarks. Here is my full guide on Ile de la Cité.
Another great Paris neighbourhood to find unusual doorways is Le Marais, just a short walk from Ile Saint-Louis. Here’s the guide on the best things to see and do in Le Marais.
Flâner to your heart’s content in Saint-Germain des Près, a classic and beautiful Paris neighbourhood.
If you only have one day in Paris. Here is the ultimate itinerary.
5. On Île Saint Louis Paris, Stop By The Church
When you visit Ile Saint Louis Paris, don’t miss the church!
On the main road that cuts through the centre of the island, Rue Saint-Louis en l’Ile, watch for the modern clock sticking out from the bell tower. The clock and the stunning wooden doors mark the entrance to Eglise Saint-Louis-en-l’Ile. I walked by the church many times before knowing to use the clock as a marker.
Upon entry, the Baroque-style church finished in 1726 offers a tranquil place to pause amongst white stone arches accented in glittering gold. Eglise Saint-Louis-en-l’Ile, dedicated to St. Louis, prominently displays a statue of him holding the Crown of Thorns. King Louis IX of France, later known as St. Louis, undertook two crusades to the Holy Lands. It was King Louis IX that brought the Crown of Thorns to Paris.
Read More: 25 Essential Paris Travel Tips. If you like getting off the beaten path, here are 25 hidden gems in Paris. Really want to explore secret Paris? There are over 60 secret spots in my eBook, Paris for the Curious Stroller.
6. Imagine What Transpired At The Hôtel de Lauzun
17 Quai d’Anjou, Ile Saint-Louis Paris
Perhaps it is the downspout so cleverly disguised or the golden gilded wrought-iron balustrade on the second floor that hints at the apparently sumptuous interior of Hôtel de Lauzun.
The Hotel de Lauzun has had a rich and varied history since its debut in the 17th century. In the 19th century, the private mansion was divided into various apartments. In one of them, the Club des Hashischins met monthly. Here, some of Paris’s literary elite, including Charles Baudelaire, Victor Hugo, and Honoré de Balzac, set out to explore drug-induced experiences.
Currently owned by the City of Paris, the Hôtel de Lauzun is open to the public only once a year on the Journées du Patrimoine and is also accessed by some tour organizations such as this one.
7. Admire Hôtel Lambert On Ile Saint Louis Paris
1 Quai d’Anjou, Ile Saint-Louis Paris
The Hôtel Lambert also has a varied and interesting past and was at one time, for a brief period, the home of philosopher Voltaire. The architect Louis le Vau, the grand architect of the Palace of Versailles, designed this urban mansion.
Stand in front of the mansion and imagine the glorious interior and the famous people such as Chopin and Brigitte Bardot who came and went.
8. Sit At The Tip Of Ile Saint Louis Paris
Sitting at the tip of the island is a must when you visit Ile St Louis. Descend the stairs to the Seine and relax awhile at the tip of Ile St Louis, which is directly under Place Louis Aragon. Find a bench or sit directly on the stone quay. It’s the perfect place to feel the vibe of Paris and watch Parisians at play. Tuck a couple of champagne flutes into your bag. They might come in handy here. It’s listed in my article on the 45 most romantic places in Paris. Would you agree?
While by the Seine, stroll the banks around the island.
Read More: If you love islands ( I mean, you are on Ile Saint-Louis) why not visit Ile aux Cygnes. It’s the smallest of three Seine islands and has the Statue of Liberty on it. Find out how to visit Ile aux Cygnes.
9. Savour Berthillon Ice Cream On Ile St Louis
One of the essential things to do in Ile Saint Louis Paris is to stop by Berthillon for ice cream or sorbet. This family-run business has been in operation since 1954 and all frozen delights are made on-site. Sit on the terrace or head down the stairs to the Seine to savour this creamy, delectable treat.
Read More: Hands up if you have a sweet tooth like me! Here are the top picks for Paris patisseries, sure to make your next visit to Paris oh so delicious.
10. Read A Book At Place Louis Aragon
Another best thing to do on Ile Saint-Louis Paris is to pause a while at Place Louis Aragon. There are just a few benches here overlooking the tip of Ile Saint-Louis Paris and almost always someone is reading. Stand under the lovely tree and gaze over at Notre Dame, the Pantheon and down the Seine to the Hôtel de Ville.
Named after Louis Aragon, a 20th-century French writer, poet, essayist, and editor, this “place” is the perfect place to read. Many of Aragon’s poems were put to music and sung by noted singers such as Georges Brassens, Leo Ferré and Jean Ferrat.
11. Shop The Boutiques On Ile Saint Louis Paris
Stroll down rue Saint-Louis en l’Ile past modern-day boutiques mixed with shops selling candies, biscuits, prints of France, cheese shops, a boulangerie and a wine store. Something is sure to catch your eye or simply purchase supplies for a picnic by the Seine.
Pro Travel Tip: Note the stunning façade of the 17th-century building, Hôtel de Chenizot, at #51 rue Saint-Louis en l’Ile. Privately owned, it is a historical monument.
12. Choose A Café On Ile St Louis Paris
What are the best restaurants in Ile Saint Louis Paris? For a tiny island, Ile St Louis has plenty of cafés to choose from. La Brasserie de l’Ilse Saint-Louis, which has been in operation since 1953, is my favourite as the terrace has views across the Pont-Saint Louis to both Notre Dame Cathedral and the Pantheon.
La Lutétia and Café Saint-Regis with their lovely interiors are also good choices.
Read More: All the tips needed on how to eat mussels like the French or if you’re looking for great cafés in Paris, a local lists her favourite cafés in the nearby Marais area.
13. Visit Square Barye On Ile Saint Louis Paris
This is one of those things to do on Ile Saint-Louis that you just might miss. It took me a while to discover Square Barye and its staircases down to the Seine.
Square Barye, a tranquil triangular garden, is found at the eastern tip of Ile Saint-Louis Paris. The views are spectacular over the Seine and the Jardin Tino-Rossi on the left bank where Parisians gather to tango.
Square Barye is dedicated to Antoine Louis Barye, a famous French sculptor whose works can be seen in the Tuileries Gardens and the Louvre. The garden itself is full of willow trees, cedars and elms. Find a bench in the shade and watch the Seine meander past.
14. On Ile Saint Louis Paris Find The Headless Woman
When you visit Ile Saint Louis Paris, look up at the corner of rue Le Regrattier and Quai de Bourbon! You’ll see a beheaded statue and also the words engraved in stone, Rue•De•La•Femme•Sans•Teste (Street of the Woman without a head).
Stories abound on Ile Saint-Louis Paris about the connection between these two. The engraved words denote the name of the street from 1710 until 1870.
And the statue? It is Saint Nicholas, the patron saint of sailors. The statue was beheaded during the French Revolution when vandalism was rampant.
15. Things To Do in Ile Saint Louis: Visit The Chopin Museum
Fans of Frédéric Chopin may have already found his grave at Père Lachaise Cemetery but tucked away in the Polish Library of Paris on Ile St Louis is a one-room museum dedicated to the famous pianist and composer. At 6 quai d’Orléans, handwritten letters by Chopin, portraits and a piano will enthral fans of this famous Polish composer. The Bibliothèque Polonaise is open from 2:15 to 6 p.m. from Wednesday to Saturday.
16. Take A Tour At The Cheese Museum
Savouring French cheese is a highlight of any visit to Paris and France. I’m still on a mission to taste the over 300 types of French cheese! Taking a tour of the Cheese Museum, Paris’s newest museum which opened in 2024, is a journey to discover France’s cheesemaking heritage. Participate in the interactive space to learn about French cheese, and sample four very different cheeses under the guidance of an expert!
You’ll walk away with a deeper understanding of French cheese. Armed with this new knowledge why not head straight to one of the best fromageries in Paris?
Musée Vivant du Fromage
- Location: 39 Rue Saint-Louis en l’Île, Ile Saint-Louis, 75004 Paris
- Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 9 AM to 7 PM
- Cost for the Guided Tour (in English or French): 20 €
Ile Saint Louis Paris: FAQs
How Do I To Get To Ile Saint Louis Paris?
Ile St Louis does not have a métro stop on the island.
- Pont Marie (line 7) is the closest métro stop
Other Paris metro stops within walking distance of Ile St Louis are:
- Saint Paul (line1)
- Cité (Line 4)
Are there Velib Stations on Ile Saint-Louis?
There is one Velib station on Ile St Louis near the corner of rue des Deux Ponts and Quai de Béthune (south side of Ile St Louis).
Read More | How Not To Get a Velib Bike Stolen
What Are The Bridges In Ile Saint Louis Paris?
Pont Louis-Philippe, Pont Marie and Pont de Sully are found on the north side of the island and connect Ile Saint Louis Paris to the right bank.
Pont Marie turns into rue des Deux Ponts (Street of the Two Bridges) on Ile Saint Louis which connects to Pont de la Tournelle. Pont de la Tournelle links Ile St Louis to the left bank. Note the tall statue of St Genevieve, the patron saint of Paris.
Blvd Henri IV / Pont de Sully crosses Ile Saint Louis at the east end passing in front of Square Bayre. These bridges, on the north and the south side of the island, are both called Pont de Sully.
Pont Saint-Louis is the pedestrian bridge linking Ile St Louis to Ile de la Cité. It’s here on the weekends that you will find the entertaining rollerbladers and musicians.
What Are The Quay Names in Ile Saint Louis Paris?
The quays of Île Saint-Louis are ideal for strolling and discovering stunning façades and activity on the Seine. Quai d’Anjou and Quai de Bourbon (which leads to Place Louis Aragon) are on the north side of Ile St Louis.
Quai d’Orléans and Quai de Béthune are on the south side of Ile Saint Louis Paris.
What Is There To See Near Ile Saint Louis Paris?
- Ile de la Cité: cross Pont Saint-Louis and head towards Notre Dame Cathedral. Here’s my guide to Ile de la Cité.
- Le Marais: cross Pont Louis-Philippe for great exploring in le Marais. Here’s my guide to le Marais.
- The Latin Quarter: cross Pont Louis-Philippe, follow Quai de l’Archevêché and over the Pont de l’Archevêché. Here’s my guide to the Latin Quarter.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this visit to tranquil Ile Saint Louis Paris.
Until next time,
More Paris Info…
Once you have explored Ile Saint-Louis Paris, you might also like:
Montmartre, much like Ile Saint- Louis, feels like a small village. This post on Montmartre leads you to the most popular sites as well as some lesser-known places on the hill.
La Butte aux Cailles, tucked away in the 13th arrondissement, is another place in Paris that has retained its village-like charm. My article on La Butte aux Cailles will lead you to discover the area and its visually enticing street art.
Canal Saint-Martin is another place full of small restaurants, boutiques and plenty of character. Stroll the bridges of the canal under the chestnut trees and feel like a true Parisian. All the details on this “bobo” district are in this article on Canal Saint-Martin.
The 11th arrondissement is authentic and lively. Here is a guide on how to see the best of the 11th arrondissement.
If you are looking for food suggestions, read about where to find the best croissants in Paris. There are also plenty of café suggestions for the Marais area in this post: Tips from a Local. And if you are exploring the area around Canal Saint-Martin, here are the best places to stop for a bite or to find the fixings for a picnic.
Travelling to Paris alone? This article on navigating Paris alone is full of tips and tricks for the solo traveller.
This page has all my articles on Paris that will help you plan out your trip, including day trips from Paris. I hope you subscribed to my newsletter to get my free download.
If you are going further afield in France, make sure to check out my page on France.
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As usual, I enjoyed the post and loved the link to the song.
So glad June! Thank you.