Accessible walk on the Île de la Cité

Stroll around the Île de la Cité (40 min - 2.5 km)

Points of interest:

• City Hall
• Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral
• Saint-Gervais Church
• Climate Academy
• BHV Marais

Accessible toilets:

• Climate Academy
• BHV Marais

DOWNLOAD THE MAP OF THE WALK

1. Place de l'Hôtel de Ville / Terrasse des Jeux

The Hôtel de Ville de Paris, the largest municipal building in Europe, covers 66,000 m² with 600 rooms.

In the 14th century, it was a house known as the ‘Maison aux Piliers’, purchased in 1357 by the Provost of Merchants, Étienne Marcel. It played a crucial role in Parisian trade.

In the 16th century, due to its dilapidated state, the ‘Maison aux Piliers’ was replaced by a new building designed by the architects Pierre de Champiges and Dominique de Cortone (Boccador). The foundation stone was laid on 15 July 1533 by Provost Pierre Viole, and construction was completed in 1628.

On 24 May 1871, the Hôtel de Ville was burnt down by Communards. Rebuilt in 1873, its neo-Renaissance façade is almost identical to the original.

Start of itinerary:

• Head towards the Seine, cross the Quai de l'Hôtel de Ville and join the Pont d'Arcole on the left-hand pavement
• After the bridge, turn left into Quai aux Fleurs, staying on the left-hand pavement
• Turn right into rue de la Colombe, walk down the cobbled road and then up the street

2. Rue de la Colombe

Rue de la Colombe owes its name to an old Parisian legend. In the 13th century, a dove took refuge in a burning house and miraculously survived.

It is said that this story inspired the name of the street. It is also one of the oldest streets in Paris, and remains of the Gallo-Roman city walls have been discovered here.

Continuation of itinerary:

• At the end, turn right onto rue Chanoinesse, keeping to the right-hand pavement
• Turn left into rue d'Arcole and stay on the left-hand pavement
• Option: turn right to reach the Parvis de Notre-Dame

3. Parvis de Notre Dame

The Parvis de Notre Dame is an emblematic square in front of Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture built between the 12th and 14th centuries.

This place has witnessed many historic events, including coronations, royal weddings and popular revolts. The cathedral itself is a cultural and spiritual symbol of Paris.

Continuation of itinerary:

• Return and take rue du Cloître Notre Dame
• If you don't want to go to the forecourt, turn left at the end of rue d'Arcole
• Turn left into rue Massillon, stay on the left-hand pavement and walk to no. 18 rue Chanoinesse

4. Rue Chanoinesse

Rue Chanoinesse takes its name from the canons of Notre-Dame who lived here in the Middle Ages. This street still retains the medieval atmosphere of Paris with its historic buildings. Number 18 is particularly noteworthy for having housed the printing works of François Regnault in the 16th century, a major publisher of religious and humanist books.

Continuation of the itinerary:

• Turn back and walk up rue Chanoinesse on the right-hand pavement
• Turn left into rue du Cloître Notre Dame and cross the Seine on the Pont Saint Louis
• On the Île Saint Louis, continue along rue Jean du Bellay on the left-hand pavement and cross the Pont Louis Philippe
• Cross the Quai de l'Hôtel de Ville towards Place Pierre Kauffmann, turn left onto Rue de l'Hôtel de Ville
• Shared street, go down on the pavement if you wish
• At the end, turn right into rue de Brosse
• Place Saint-Gervais, stand under the Orme tree

5. Orme de Saint-Gervais

The Orme de Saint-Gervais is a symbolic tree planted in the Place Saint-Gervais, in front of the church of the same name. The church of Saint-Gervais-Saint-Protais is one of the oldest churches in Paris, dating back to the 6th century, and has been the site of many important religious events. The elm itself is a symbol of peace and justice in the history of Paris.

Continuation of itinerary:

• Exit via rue François Miron, skirting the Church of Saint-Gervais on the right-hand pavement, and turn left into Place Baudoyer

6. Climate Academy

The Académie du Climat is located in the former town hall of the 4th arrondissement, a 19th-century building. It has been renovated to become a centre dedicated to climate issues, offering a space for awareness-raising and action for young Parisians (accessible toilets).

End of itinerary:

• Cross Place Baudoyer, turn left and walk down rue de Rivoli, past the Caserne Napoléon and the Hôtel de Ville
• At the Place de l'Hôtel de Ville, turn left to get back to the starting point

Paris je t'aime accompanies you

The Paris je t’aime App Handicap is your ally in making the most of your stay in Paris this summer 2024. Our web app provides information on:

• accessible and adapted transport
• accessible routes
• security perimeters during the Games
• accessible accommodation
• accessible restaurants
• accessible cultural venues
• news about adapted outings

Log on to the Paris je t’aime App Handicap for a stress-free experience.