Palais de Justice Tours and Tickets

There are plenty of ways to experience the Palais de Justice. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• Sunrise Run & Sightseeing in Paris
• Paris City Center & Notre Dame Satisfaction Guaranteed 12ppl Max
• Paris City Center w/ Notre Dame interior | Exclusive Walking Tour
• Escape Game on the Île de la Cité
• The Paris Monuments Tour

There is no admission fee to visit the Palais de Justice. Although it’s a historical site, it’s also an active judicial office. Guided tours offer insight into its royal past. Many cost less than US$50; some are self-guided, while others are historically focused walking tours.

The history of Palais de Justice, the king's traditional residence, is unclear, at least until the 10th century. Although the monarchy held judicial authority, it’s believed that kings before the 10th century had no dedicated palace court. Marie Antoinette was imprisoned in the adjoining Conciergerie during the French Revolution.

Once the location of all Paris courts, the Palais de Justice is now home to the Court of Cassation, the highest national court of justice, and the Court of Appeals of Paris. The public courthouse is free to visit, though the adjacent Conciergerie and Sainte-Chapelle are more traditional attractions.

Visiting the Palais de Justice puts you within walking distance of multiple attractions, especially those on the Ile de la Cite, like Square du Vert-Galant, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Pont Neuf. You can also cross a bridge to visit the Chatelet Theater, Tour Saint-Jacques, and Fontaine Saint-Michel.

The best way to reach the Palais de Justice by public transportation is via the Paris metro. Hop on the M4 (magenta line) and take it to Cité station, one block from Palais de Justice. Another option is to take one of the nine bus routes to the Cité stop.