THE MARAIS

Explore the Ile de la Cité and the Palace of Justice. This tour allows you to visit one of the most impressive building in the capital. During this journey, you will open the doors of the oldest Palace of Justice in France. Former royal residence since the Carolingian dynasty, this complex has evolved over the centuries. A veritable place of power but also of history, your tour guide will reveal the mysteries hidden within the walls of this Palace.
During the visit, you will discover the immense galleries (28 km of gallery!) which make up this set, the large hall of the “Pas Perdus” with impressive dimensions or even the Saint-Louis gallery, which leads to the very prestigious Supreme Court.

Since the inauguration in May 2018 of the new judicial neighborhood at Batignolles, the Tribunal de Grande Instance (TGI) sitting for the majority of judicial cases is no longer in the Palace on the Cité Island, however all the most important jurisdictions prestigious, Court of Appeal, Court of Assisi and Court of Cassation are still present. In addition to revealing the history of this Palace of Justice, the visit will also focus on the jurisdictional system and its evolution.

What are the competences of each jurisdiction and their fields of application? What is the precise function of each magistrate or speaker during a trial? What is the difference between the District Court (DC) and the Grand District Court (GDC). All of these questions will be developed and then supplemented by your Guide.

After visiting the great hall of the “Pas Perdus” (=”The Not Lost”), formerly a huge royal reception hall, we will head towards the western part of the Palace. You will discover the areas dedicated to the Court of Appeal, including the first Appeals Chamber, famous for hosting famous trials.

The visit will end with the part reserved for the chambers of the Criminal Court sitting for all crimes. You will have the opportunity to attend a live trial with your guide at the end of the tour.