Conciergerie: Guide to Tickets, Hours, and Revolutionary History
The Conciergerie played a pivotal role during the French Revolution. Step back in time and visit Marie Antoinette's cell. Book tickets ahead to ensure your visit.
Perched on the Île de la Cité, a small island on the Seine River in the heart of Paris, lies the Conciergerie, a historical gem that has witnessed centuries of intrigue, despair, and transformation.
With its imposing medieval architecture and rich history, the former royal palace turned prison is a testament to the city’s enduring past and has played a significant role in shaping the narrative of France.
This article covers everything you must know before booking tickets for the Conciergerie Paris.
It’s highly recommended to book your Conciergerie tickets in advance. These tickets sell out quickly, so securing your spot early ensures you don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience.
The Conciergerie is a national monument and museum originally built as a fortress in the 10th century, later becoming a grand residence for French kings.
Learn about the building’s transition from an opulent palace to a symbol of oppression and ultimate judgment, encapsulating the turbulent times that Paris and the nation experienced during the late 18th century.
Get insights into how 2,780 prisoners, including Marie-Antoinette, were detained, imprisoned, tried, and sentenced at the Conciergerie before facing execution by the guillotine during the French Revolution.
Be transported back in time to witness the somber ambiance that once pervaded its halls.
The architecture of the Conciergerie tells a story with its striking Gothic arches, stone vaults, and intricate details.
Stand in the Salle des Gens d’Armes, the largest room within the complex, with impressive towering pillars and vast space, serving as a reminder of the palace’s grandeur in its heyday.
Contemplate the anguish endured by the prisoners and the justice system of the time by visiting Rue de Paris in the Conciergerie.
Look at the recreated scenes, multimedia exhibits, and informative displays offer a glimpse into the prisoners’ daily lives.
Pay your respects to one of the most poignant sections of the Conciergerie, the Chapel of the Girondins, a place of worship transformed into a memorial for the victims of the Revolution.
The Conciergerie also houses the Palais de Justice, the current seat of the French judicial system creating a fascinating juxtaposition of the past and present within the same premises.
Where to book tickets
Tickets for the Conciergerie Paris are available online in advance or at the attraction.
Online ticket prices tend to be cheaper than tickets at the venue.
When you buy online, you can avoid the long queues at the attraction’s ticket counters.
When you book early, you also get your preferred time slot.
Because some attractions sell a limited number of tickets, during peak days they may sell out. Booking early helps avoid last-minute disappointments.
How do online tickets work
Go to the Conciergerie ticket booking page, and select your preferred date, time slot, and number of tickets to buy the tickets.
Once you purchase Conciergerie tickets, they get delivered to your email address.
There is no need to get printouts of the ticket.
You can show the e-ticket on your smartphone when you visit the attraction.
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Conciergerie ticket prices
The Conciergerie prison tickets are priced at €13 for all adults aged over 18 years of age.
Visiting the monument is free on European Heritage Days (the third weekend of September) and on the first Sunday of the month, from January 1 to March 31 and from November 1 to December 31.
Discount tickets
Tickets for guests under 18 years, EU residents under 26, school teachers with a pass, disabled visitors and their carers, and French job-seekers are free.
It is mandatory to present a valid ID proof and book a timeslot of visit in advance, without which entry to the monument will be refused.
Conciergerie tickets
A ticket to the Conciergerie gives you entry to the monument, a powerful symbol of France’s resilience, endurance, and complex past and evolution.
You will also get a Histopad, an interactive digital tablet device offering augmented reality experiences to enhance visitors’ understanding and engagement with historical sites.
With your Histopad available in six languages, you will create virtual reconstructions and visualizations of the historical prison in an immersive and interactive way.
A ticket to the UNESCO World Heritage site Sainte Chapelle and the Conciergerie gives you entry to France’s two popular tourist attractions.
Your ticket allows you a thirty-minute valid time slot for entry and a Histopad to make the most of your tour.
Visit the pristine Sainte Chapelle, one of the finest architectural wonders of the world since its consecration on April 26, 1248, and then make your way to the Conciergerie.
Children under 18 years must be accompanied by an adult for this tour, however, this is not applicable for school groups.
The visit is free for EU citizens under 25 and non-Europeans residing in France.
Tickets for guided tour of Notre-Dame Island, Sainte-Chapelle and Conciergerie
A Notre-Dame Island, Sainte-Chapelle and Conciergerie pass gives you guided access to the Notre Dame Cathedral, an iconic masterpiece in the heart of Paris that has captured the imagination and reverence of millions of people worldwide.
Heal yourself at this spiritual haven and be fascinated by the awe-inspiring Gothic architecture, rich historical significance, and enduring cultural legacy.
Learn all about the landmark historical events of the Cathedral, including the coronations of French kings and the beatification of Joan of Arc.
Ticket Prices
Adult Ticket (18+ years): €60 Child Ticket (4 to 17 years): €60 Kids Ticket (up to 4 years): Free
The Conciergerie Paris opens every day from 9.30 am to 6 pm.
The last access to the monument is until 5.30 pm, while for the exhibition “Paris, capital of gastronomy, from the Middle Ages to the present day” it is 5 pm.
Nocturne on Saturday evenings lasts until 8 pm, with the final admission at 7 pm.
The Conciergerie is closed on May 1 and December 25.
Histopad tablets are delivered until 4.30 pm.
How long does the tour take
The Conciergerie tour takes approximately 45 minutes to one and a half hours on average.
The duration may differ based on many factors, like the number of visitors, off-peak or peak season, and so on.
Best time to visit Conciergerie
The best time to visit Conciergerie is when it opens at 9.30 am.
During the early morning, the monument sees minimal foot traffic, allowing you ample time and space to leisurely explore every corner at your own pace.
The monument is more crowded on European Heritage Days (the third weekend of September) and the first Sunday of the month, from 1 January to 31 March and from 1 November to 31 December, because of free entry.
Try visiting the attraction on weekdays rather than weekends, preferably in the morning or afternoon, for a quieter experience.
FAQs about the Conciergerie
Here are some questions visitors usually ask before visiting the Conciergerie Paris.
What is the last admission time in the Conciergerie?
The last admission time in the Conciergerie is 45 minutes before the closing time.
Is there a baggage deposit facility at the Conciergerie?
No, there is no baggage deposit or locker facility at the Conciergerie. For this reason, big bags and suitcases aren’t allowed inside the monument.
Are group discounts available at the Conciergerie?
Yes, special rates for groups of twenty members are available at the site.
Can I donate to the Conciergerie?
Yes, you can donate to the Conciergerie as your donations contribute to the monument’s development, conservation, and attractiveness.
Vanshita sees travel as more than a hobby—it’s her way of expressing herself. She loves road trips, taking spontaneous detours to explore captivating landscapes and immerse herself in new cultures. Vanshita enjoys collecting souvenirs that hold the essence of the places she visits and capturing moments in photos that tell a story.
Whether it’s the historic charm of Boston, the vibrant streets of Budapest, or the serene beauty of Nikko, each city holds a special place in her heart. She loves to inspire everyone with her unique stories of adventure.
Favorite travel movie: The Holiday. Next destination: California
