Densely inhabited by successful literati and a cosmopolitan breed of wealthy business people, the Ile Saint-Louis has become an exclusive residential area inevitably frequented by tourists. One long street that runs from end to end is a mass of restaurants and shops more geared to foreigners than to locals , although many residents swear by the quality of the food shops. Locally produced, world-famous ice cream is a strong attraction, but the architectural unity and beauty of Le Vau’s 17th century townhouse and the elegant comfort they exude make neck-craning the favorite pastmite here. One of Paris’s best views is from the western tip of the island along the Seine.
