CONCIERGERIE

La Conciergerie is with the Sainte-Chapelle, one of the main remains of Palais de la Cité where the kings of France stayed for several centuries in the Middle Ages. The main buildings of the 14th century was originally run by a concierge, a title that was given in the past to the steward of a palace. He could simultaneously carry out several activities. During the French Revolution, the monument became a prison. La Conciergerie is now a part of the courthouse in Paris, which extends along the Quai de l'Horloge and where Bonbec, Argent, César and Horloge towers meet. The latter, located at the corner of the quay and the Boulevard du Palais, is equipped with one of the first public clocks in Paris. Transformed on several occasions since its installation in the 14th century, it is topped by a canopy and accompanied on each side of its dial by a statues which represent Strength and Law. A visit of the site will make you discover beautiful medieval vaulted spaces such as the guard room and the Hall of the Soldiers whose dimensions are amazing: 64 m long and 27.50 m wide, with a ceiling height about 8.50 m, extended by the "rue de Paris". During the French Revolution, La Conciergerie counted among its forced residents of the personalities as the queen Marie-Antoinette - whose reconstituted dungeon  can be visited - Charlotte Corday, Robespierre or Fouquier-Tinville the public prosecutor of the Revolutionary Court during the Terror. Ironically: he was detained at La Conciergerie where he had sentenced countless "suspects" to death. He ended his career on the guillotine...