Nestled in the heart of Paris, Île Saint-Louis is a serene and enchanting island, providing a tranquil refuge from the busy boulevards nearby.
Compared to its neighboring Île de la Cité, where you find several famous places such as the Notre-Dame Cathedral, Saint-Chapelle and the Palace of Justice, Île Saint-Louis has fewer visitors and a completely different pace.
From cows to residencies
The charming island is known for its tranquility, beauty and village-like atmosphere, making it the perfect choice for a time-out when you are walking around and crossing the Seine.
Île Saint-Louis was named after King Louis IX, and was initially used as a pastureland for cows as well as for wood storage. Today, it is a highly popular residential area, with some of the most expensive apartments in all of Paris. All around, there are elegant buildings, featuring ornate façades, iron balconies, and grand courtyards, evoking a sense of timeless elegance. Its narrow streets and quiet squares are lovely for a leisurely stroll or a peaceful moment by the river.
The best ice cream in France
Île Saint-Louis is famous for its artisanal ice cream, made by the local producer Berthillon. It may be the best I have ever tasted, so silky, sweet and smooth. Since 1954, Berthillon has been captivating both locals and tourists with exceptional quality and flavors.
You can buy ice cream and sorbets at their own shop in Rue Saint-Louis en-l’Île. However, there is often a long queue, especially during summer. If you are not too keen on waiting in line, you can order it at a restaurant instead – on the island or at one of the many other places that offers it around Paris.
Eating and drinking at Île Saint-Louis
When it comes to restaurants, I would recommend sitting down for a lunch or something to drink at Le Flore en Île or Le Saint-Regis, two of the places at the western end of the island. Le Saint-Regis is a lovely bistro with a great Sunday brunch, the only drawback is that they only have a few tables outside. On a rainy day or in the evening I would choose that one, otherwise I prefer the terrace at Le Flore en Île, overlooking the Pont Saint-Louis bridge and the river. They have some really nice waiters too.
By the way, as we are speaking of service and waiters – avoid La Brasserie de l’Isle Saint-Louis next to it. I have had my worst-ever lunch experience here, and only have one thing to say: Stay away.
If you are planning an Île Saint-Louis dinner, there are several nice restaurants around the island with a local vibe. Sorza is one example, offering a great atmosphere and lovely food. Enjoy.
