Tournelle Harbour

You're now standing on the Port de la Tournelle, the Tournelle Harbour, below the quays of the same name. The name "Tournelle" comes from an old fortified tower that was part of Philip Augustus's fortifications. Back in the day, there were three of them, all linked by large chains, blocking off access to the river in the event of an invasion. These towers were demolished and replaced by the Château de Tournelle. The latter was also known as the "Tower of the Galley Slaves," a grim place where prisoners were held before being shipped off to Marseille, which only happened twice a year. This prison was demolished in 1792, and replaced by one of the most famous restaurants in Paris, the Tour d'Argent. Today, the quays offer beautiful, unobstructed views of the Île de la Cité, and the Paris City Hall, visible behind the Saint-Louis Bridge.