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Thousands of people cross the Île-de-la-Cité each day. Posing in front of Notre Dame Cathedral, dropping a lucky coin on Paris’ point zero, or visiting the flower market.
But only very few visitors – and locals alike – are paying attention to the building that sits just at the left of the Notre Dame cathedral.
Most are just walking by the inconspicuous glass portal on place Jean-Paul II, the tourist flooded square in front of the cathedral.
Hotel Dieu – Discover Paris’ Oldest Hospital
Honestly, I walked past the Hotel Dieu at least 100 times during the past decade. Not noticing the building, neither the glass portal and not even the eye-catching blue wood door just next to the entrance of the Hotel Dieu.
Salut, I am Lena – Travel Planning Expert and parisienne since 2006 🩷
Hotel Dieu – Visiting or Trespassing?
But then, a few years back, by chance, something caught my attention. I peered left when passing by, and I got suddenly a glimpse of pillars, ambulatories, and statues.
I was hit by surprised and stopped, unable to decide what to do, but very curious. What is that place that?
Is it a public place? Can I simply walk in? And why didn’t I notice it before? It took me a moment to realize that it’s a hospital, and therefore it should be ok to walk in, right?
I wasn’t at my comfortable best when passing through the door, but the guide at the entrance didn’t send me away after I greeted him, so I figured it’s alright just to walk on.
It did feel a wee bit like trespassing though 🙂
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And what should I say? This place must be one of the biggest secrets of Paris, funnily, despite its location in the very center of Paris!
And that’s the reason you should visit: it’s right under everyone’s nose, free to get in, and stands in a mind-blowing contrast to everything that is around!
A Brief History of the Hotel Dieu
The Hotel Dieu is actually not only the first hospital in the city of Paris, but it is also the oldest still operating hospital worldwide. It was founded in 651 AD by Saint Landry, but the building as it is today was only built between 1867 and 1878.
Apart from being the emergency center for the first 9 arrondissements, the Hotel Dieu specialized in diabetes and endocrine sicknesses and since recently also in ophthalmology.
However, that’s hopefully not why you’re visiting!
Tips on visiting the Hotel Dieu
When you enter the entrance hall, keep left and enter the courtyard. You’ll be amazed by the architecture – and the calm!
Especially in contrast to the busy and bustling Notre Dame forecourt and the Latin Quarter. Most likely, you’re lucky and’ll one of only a handful of visitors enjoying the surprising deserted silence.
When leaving the Square in front of Notre Dame and entering the Hotel Dieu, it seems like entering another dimension.
It’s quiet, impressive, and free to go anywhere. Don’t hesitate to open (respectfully) doors, explore, peek around and check where your path will lead you.
Recent update: on my first visit I was indeed free to go anywhere, but I found more doors closed when returning a few years later.
The Hotel Dieu is located literally in the center of Paris, just next to the famous Notre Dame Cathedral: if you stand in front of Notre Dame, the entrance to the Hospital Hotel Dieu lies just on your left.
The closes Metro station is Cité, served by line 4.
The Hotel Dieu is not great for just visiting: if you need some rest or are searching for a quiet spot to enjoy your takeaway lunch, the Hotel Dieu is the perfect place to elude Paris for a moment!
à bientôt,
Parisienne since 2006 🩷
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Merci, great tip.
Au revoir!
you are very welcome, Bo! I hope you spend the best time in Paris 🙂