THE 3 ISLANDS OF PARIS

Paris is a city full of surprises. Indeed, it contains 3 islands all located on the Seine. Two natural islands: the Saint-Louis island and the Ile de la Cité as well as an artificial island: the Ile aux Cygnes. 

Saint-Louis Island 

Located in the 4e arrondissement of Paris (Hôtel de Ville district), it is the island with the largest population despite its smaller size than the Ile de la Cité. Its inhabitants are called Ludovisiens or Ludoviciens. The island is crossed by its main street "rue Saint-Louis-en-l'Île" which houses the Saint-Louis-en-l'Île church.

There are also many shops, residences and mansions representing the architecture of the 17th and 18th century. When you arrive on the island, you pass by a square that is a tribute to the famous artist Antoine-louis Barye. 

There is no direct underground access. Nevertheless, the closest metro stations are Pont Marie and Sully-Morland on line 7.

It is accessible by 5 bridges: 

- The Saint-Louis bridge that connects it to the Ile de la Cité 

- The Sully bridge

- The Marie Bridge

- The Louis-Philippe Bridge

- The Tournelle bridge

The island of the City 

Located between the 1st and the 4e arrondissement of Paris, it is considered as the cradle of the city of Paris because it constitutes the district of the City which is the oldest district of the city that was formerly called Lutetia. There are some of the most important monuments of Paris: the Sainte-Chapelle, the Notre-Dame Cathedral with its famous gothic architecture, the Palais de Justice formerly called the Palais de la Cité where the kings of France resided, ... But also several green spaces as well as four squares: the Pont-Neuf square, the Dauphine square which is part of the 5 royal squares of Paris, the Notre-Dame square - Jean Paul II square and the Louis-Lépine square. The architecture of this island is marked by the Haussmannian influence of the time but has been modernized with the arrival of new monuments.

It is said to be surrounded by two arms of the Seine: the Grand bras to the North and the Petit bras to the South.

Access to the island is via the underground Cité metro station on line 4.

It is also accessible by nine bridges that make this walk more pleasant.

We find there the only bridge crossing the two arms (Grand bras and Petit bras) and which connects the right and left banks, which is called Le Pont Neuf.

The three bridges that cross the Grand Arm connecting the island to the right bank are

- The bridge at the Exchange

- The Notre-Dame Bridge

- The Arcole bridge

As well as the four bridges that cross the Petit bras connecting the island to the left bank which are

- The Saint-Michel bridge

- The Little Bridge

- The bridge at the Double

- The Archbishop's Bridge

Swan Island 

Located between the 15e and the 16e arrondissement, it is the only artificial island in Paris. Its name comes from the former island of the Swans which was in the current 7e arrondissement. It extends over nearly a kilometer and is located between the bridges of Grenelle and Bir Hakeim.

This island is mostly occupied by the Allee des Cygnes, a large public promenade with benches and surrounded by trees. At the end of this alley towards the Pont de Grenelle lies a replica of the Statue of Liberty. It is an island that offers a natural environment conducive to walks while promising a view of the Eiffel Tower away from the tourists. On the other hand, many sports facilities have been set up and allow visitors and residents to enjoy the greenery during their sport. 

Access to this island by underground way is through the RER station Avenue du président Kennedy.

It is also accessible by 3 bridges: 

- The Bir-Hakeim bridge

- The Rouelle bridge

- The Grenelle bridge

You can visit these 3 islands on foot thanks to the accesses by the bridges or the subway, or observe them by boat during a cruise on the Seine. 

Plan of the Bridges of Paris.