Conciergerie Rules

No flash photography, no large luggage, airport-style security at the door — most rules are sensible museum etiquette. What to know before you go so nothing slows you down.

The Conciergerie is run by the Centre des monuments nationaux and follows the same rules as other CMN sites in Paris. The two surprises for first-time visitors are mandatory bag screening at the entrance and the strict no-large-luggage rule, since the monument has no cloakroom. See our visitors guide and accessibility page for related info.

Key rules to know

A short list — the rest is normal monument etiquette

📷

No flash photography

Non-flash personal photography is welcome throughout. Flash, tripods, selfie sticks and commercial photography require prior written permission from the Centre des monuments nationaux.

🎒

No large luggage

There is no cloakroom inside. Large suitcases, oversized rucksacks (over ~40 L) and items longer than 55 cm are not allowed and must be left at your hotel or at a left-luggage service.

🔍

Security check

Airport-style security at the entrance with metal detectors and bag screening — Plan Vigipirate is permanent for CMN monuments in Paris. Allow 5–10 extra minutes during peak hours.

🚫

No food or drink

Eating and drinking are not permitted inside the monument. Sealed water bottles must stay in your bag for the duration of the visit.

Rules & Regulations FAQ

Common questions about what's allowed

Is photography allowed?
Yes — non-flash personal photography is allowed throughout. Flash, tripods and selfie sticks are forbidden because the medieval stonework is light-sensitive in places and the rooms are narrow.
Are sketchbooks allowed?
Yes — pencil sketching is welcome and the CMN occasionally runs sketching events. No pens, paint, ink or pastels in the rooms.
What size bag is allowed inside?
A daypack or shoulder bag up to about 40 L is fine. Suitcases, oversized rucksacks and items longer than 55 cm are not allowed and the monument has no cloakroom. Plan accordingly.
Are tripods or selfie sticks permitted?
No — neither is allowed inside the monument at any time. Both must stay outside or in your hotel.
Can I bring a baby carrier or stroller?
Baby carriers are welcome throughout. Strollers can be used in the medieval ground-floor halls but not in the upstairs Revolutionary rooms — the staircase is narrow and there is no lift.
Is the monument quiet inside?
Voices are encouraged to stay low, especially in Marie-Antoinette's memorial chapel. Phone calls should be taken outside the rooms.
Can I bring food?
No food or drink is permitted inside. Sealed water bottles can stay in your bag. There are plenty of cafés on Boulevard du Palais and across Pont Neuf — see our food & drinks page.
Is there a dress code?
No dress code — wear what you're comfortable in. The medieval halls are unheated stone and stay around 14–16°C even in summer, so a light jacket is sensible all year.
Buy Tickets