The western side of the Ile de le Cité is mainly dedicated to justice. On the front, you can see the Tribunal de commerce, a court of trade specialized in business and companies rights. Behind, the court of justice, hold the criminal and civils cases.

In the middle, the tower of the conciergerie is famous because of the oldest clockwork still working on its side. This clock saw Marie Antoinette left this court on her last travel.

Do you know Escher, a dutch graphic artist of the 20th century ?
He used to paint stairs going nowhere, giving a feeling of impossible reality.

I’m sure ESCHER was inspired by the LEFUEL staircase in the Richelieu’s aisle of the Louvre.

Here is a secret.
If you ever come to Paris and visit the Louvre, there is an unknown entrance to the museum. Near the end of the Flore’s aisle, the one by the Seine, you can get in by the Porte des Lions.
It is a regular entrance, only closed on friday. Usually, there is no waiting line.

Inside, a modern stair gives you a direct access to the “grande galerie” and the italian painters.

The Ecole du Louvre, a famous art school, is located at the very end of this aisle.