Take a trip back to 17th century France in L’ile Saint Louis

If its neighbouring island L’île de la Cité is very busy with tourists visiting Notre Dame, the second island inside Paris is actually my favourite. Its quaint narrow streets look right out of a history book – nothing much has changed since the 17th century. 

Every time I want some quiet time in Paris, this is where I’ll go: There’s not much traffic and it actually feels like a little village despite being in the centre of it all – which also explains why it’s the most expensive real estate area in the French capital. 

The best thing to do on the enclave is walking around the tiny streets and beautiful quays overlooking the city looking for the best boulangerie, and grabbing a delicious gelato at Berthillon, an institution on the island. 

The quaint streets of L’Ile Saint Louis.

 

People queuing up for Paris’ best gelato at Berthillon. 

 

The views of Notre-Dame de Paris from L’ile Saint Louis. 

 

Picturesque old shops on the tiny island.