The Ile de la Cité is the oldest settlement in Paris and was originally chosen for its location next to the river. It was first inhabited by a Celtic tribe and the Romans took it over in 53 BC. Ile St-Louis is the smaller of these two islands and it has been a very fashionable residential area since its earliest inception. The area it is still mainly comprised of very expensive apartments and is probably the most romantic quarter in Paris. This is one of the few tourist "must-sees" and visitors often come here to see this wonderful old capital. Paris Ile de la Cite is a village that has been very well preserved and it is wonderfully colored by the splendid 17th-century aristocratic homes. The views are spectacular! Well known names such as Marie Curie, Camille Claudel, Voltaire and Daumier are all chiseled into the plaques that label the fine mansions along the way. It is very fitting on this romantic island for the French to pay tribute to their cultural icons like Fréderic Chopin and others. The Ile de la Cite is truly a historic sight to behold and it will never lose its attraction to visitors who continually come here from all over the world.