Located by the Seine on Ile de la Cite, La Conciergerie
was originally part of the Royal Palace. It first became a prison at the
end of the 14th century and today it is better known for the role it
played during the French Revolution (18th century) when it housed over
4000 prisoners including Danton, Robespierre and even Marie-Antoinette.
From here people (including the three mentioned above) were being sent to
the guillotine. The name of the building comes from the superintendent of
the palace (concierge) which was in charge of renting out shops and
gathering taxes. Some highlights not to be missed include the impressive
Salle des Gens d'Armes (Room of the People at Arms) a vast Gothic room
that was used as a banqueting hall and Marie Antoinette's cell. Address:
1 Quai de l'Horloge.
