Notre Dame
 Pont Neuf (neuf as in new and not nine) is one crossing point onto the Ile.
 Near the end of the bridge is the grand department store Samaritaine. 
 Excellent for shopping but also for its café terrace and the panoramic views
 up and down the Seine

 Notre Dame is Paris's metropolitan church. It is an unmissable piece of 
 gothic architecture with rose windows that glow with a warmth reflecting the 
 exuberance of the 13th century. Climb the west facade and see the Seine from 
 above and be reminded of the Hunchback by the twisted gargoyles. The square
 Jean XIII behind gives a great view of the flying buttresses – a view still popular 
with
 any film directors who chooses Paris as a location. By day it is a bustle of people. 
 By night it is unduly quiet.

 Conciergerie
 At the opposite end of the Ile is the Palais de Justice, seat of government since
 Roman days. On site is also the Conciergerie, the palace that became a prison 
 with many of the victims carted off across Paris's cobbles to Place de la Concorde 
 and the guillotine. Be horrified by Marie-Antoinette's chamber and uplifted by the 
 gothic jewel of Sainte Chapelle. Built in the mid 13th century it was to house what
 was
 thought to be the crown of thorns. The intense decoration and brilliant stained
 glass almost hide the walls from view.