La Conciergerie, located by the Seine on Ile de la Cite,  was originally part of the Royal Palace. It first became a prison at the end of the 14th century and today it is better known for the role it played during the French Revolution (18th century) when it housed over 4000 prisoners who spent their last moments here after they were sentenced to death. The name of the building comes from the superintendent of the palace (concierge) which was in charge of renting out shops and gathering taxes. Some highlights not to be missed include the impressive Salle des Gens d'Armes (Room of the People at Arms) a vast Gothic room that was used as a banqueting hall and Marie Antoinette's cell.

Among its more famous prisoners were the queen Marie Antoinette, Charlotte Corday ( an innocent looking chick with a killer instinct) Danton, and the poet Chenier. Marie Antoinette's cell is now a chapel , and it includes her crucifix, and two portraits of her from life.

The Conciergerie where Marie Antoinette was among the 2,700 prisoners taken here before their final appointment with the guillotine, is used nowadays mostly for art exhibitions and fashion shows. The 700-year-old Conciergerie is located right off the Pont au Change and before the Pont Neuf on Ile de la Cite, the island in the Seine river that also houses Notre Dame Cathedral. It's immediately recognizable by its classic turrets overlooking the river.