The most remarkable part about the island is its homogeneousness. This is due to the fact that the vast majority of its buildings were constructed during the 17th century, and for the time period, the island displayed incredible modernity in comparison with the rest of Paris. This modernity was a result of its classical architecture, its street plan favoring straight roads that intersect at right angles, and the uniform use of stone as a building material (in contrast to wood which was the only widely used material up to this point). One could almost stay, that the Ile-Notre-Dame was the site of the birth of modern-day Paris.

Ile Saint-Louis:

In 1726 the newly finished church was consecrated the Eglise Saint-Louis-en-L'Ile, and with this consecration the Ile Notre-Dame was renamed the Ile Saint-Louis. During the 18th century the Ile Saint-Louis fell out of fashion as the nobility and upper-class preferred to build and live in the western sections of Paris. However, this unpopularity was, in fact, a blessing in disguise because it prevented major changes on the island. Thanks to this, it remains largely unchanged from the time of original construction.

A few changes have taken place, however, mostly beginning in the 18th and 19th centuries. The houses originally topping the Pont Marie were destroyed in 1789. Several smaller roads were constructed which resulted in the demolishment of some smaller townhouses, and the magnificent Hôtel Bretonvilliers was destroyed for the construction of the Pont de Sully.

Today, the Ile Saint-Louis retains an antique character despite some losses. Protected by the Seine, it remains a tranquil nook in the heart of the busy metropolitan. Rather than vibrating with the usual hustle and bustle of Paris, the island resembles a small town with its tiny shops, peaceful quays, and longtime inhabitants.