The Ile de la Cité ist generally considered as forming part of the Left Bank. On this historical island two monuments, symbols of Royal and Ecclesiastical Power: the Palais de Justice (the Law Courts), which was the « Palais Royal », in the days of Philippe Auguste, and Notre-Dame Cathedral.

The Ile-Saint-Louis is one of the quaint sights of Paris. It has retained its XVllth century characteristics and numerous XVllth century houses and hotels are still standing (Hôtel Lauzun, Hotel Lambert, Hotel Chenizot). The lover of pleasant walks should go along the Quais de la Seine (the quays), and see the booksellers with their picturesque arrays of bookstails.

Over a strich of 1.800 meters fourteen bridges lay astride the Seine, among which the superb Pont Neuf, the picturesques Pont Marie, and the stylish Pont de la Tournelle.