Île Saint-Louis, River island in 4th arrondissement, France
The Île Saint-Louis is a river island in the Seine that spans several hectares and connects to the Île de la Cité via the Pont Saint-Louis. The island can be reached from both riverbanks and is defined by historical buildings and paved streets that make it feel like its own neighborhood within Paris.
The island was developed between 1614 and 1635 by Christophe Marie, who transformed it from grazing land into a residential district. The developer created stone embankments and a structured layout that still shape how the island looks today.
The Church of Saint-Louis-en-l'Île stands at the center with its Baroque style and hosts regular classical music concerts. The island serves as a place where locals and visitors walk through narrow streets, taking in the quieter pace of daily life here.
The island is easy to reach on foot using any of the four bridges depending on which side you approach from. There are no major obstacles when walking across, making a visit straightforward for most people.
The main street, Rue Saint-Louis-en-l'Île, is home to the famous Berthillon ice cream shop that has drawn visitors for decades. Alongside it stand well-preserved townhouses from the 17th century that show how affluent families once lived.
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