Flowers and birds on an island in the heart of Paris
Published on 15 October 2020, dans Visit Paris
“Add two letters to Paris and you get paradis” (paradise). This quote from Jules Renard conveys the breadth of the versatile beauty of Paris. So that you can discover the City of Light at your complete leisure, the Hôtel de l'Université welcomes you in a setting in which serenity and elegance combine perfectly. During your stay, you’ll enjoy visiting one of the exotic assets of Paris: the flower and bird market on the Île de la Cité.
A historic place
Located in the Place Louis-Lépine, on the Île de la Cité in the 4th arrondissement, the Marché aux Fleurs et aux Oiseaux is the largest flower market in Paris, and one of the oldest. It began in 1808, when permission was granted for a market to take place on this island in the Seine. It took its current form at the end of the 19th century when, having been redeveloped, the market first welcomed dealers in birds in 1881.
Close to the flower and bird market are other places of interest such as the Hôtel-Dieu hospital, the Tribunal du Commerce and Notre-Dame Cathedral. In 2014, the market was renamed the Queen Elizabeth II Flower Market in honour of the monarch’s visit during the D-Day commemoration.
A feast for the senses
The Île de la Cité flower and bird market is an exquisite place for a stroll, even if you don’t make any purchases. Six pavilions dating from the early 1900s shelter a stunningly colourful and fragrant array of flowers and other plants from every corner of the world. It’s a true feast for the senses.
Once a week, on Sundays, the market welcomes dealers in birds. You’ll find the common birds of France as well as rare and exotic specimens, in addition to all the food and accessories you need to keep your feathered friends happy and healthy. The market is open from 08:00 to 19:00.
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Hotel de l'Université, a charming hotel at the heart of Saint-Germain des Prés