Hôtel Dieu Hospital

We were on our way home after sightseeing and saw the sign, amazed about a hospital working since 651 AD! We stepped in to see a very pretty garden and buildings from the 1800s, though not much info around, and only one person at a desk, offering no information. So we just wandered around for a few minutes. Still it was a nice respite from the busy streets outside.

I was lucky to go at a quiet time. Went in to get staples removed after an operation in Belgium. Not being from the EU, I was concerned that it may be hard and have long wait times as reviewed by others. My visit was very easy and quick, there was someone who spoke English and google translate helped with the doctors/nurses. I was in and out within 30mins, including registering and answering a few questions about the operation. Haven’t got the bill yet, that will come later so I don’t know what the cost will be. Everyone was friendly and courteous and was a great experience considering I was visiting a hospital!

Was seen very quickly, amazing and professional staff. They did assessments and interventions in a timely manner, considering how busy it was. The service I received as an étranger was compassionate and warm, especially during a vulnerable time not in my own country. Thank you to the nurses, doctors, and transportation for a great experience!

I was in a very bad way medically early morning and being a tourist from Australia, I was worried about not being able to speak the language ,how I would be triaged, or how long I would have to wait. The service was quick, they got me in with a doctor within 20 mins, quickly and thoroughly assessed and treated right away. I can't thank Dr Melyssa Lahmer and the team of nurses enough for how they took care of me in my time of need. Please pass this review to the Doctor and the nurses on the night shift. I am forever grateful!

The black/african lady "security" guard is very rude, unprofessional and racist to certain peoples of color. Came here in late September. She only lets in certain people with certain appearances.

Went to the ER early morning for some problems in my chest. Very quick, not much waiting. As someone who can speak okay french but still prefer english, it was nice to have doctor that speak both. No complaints with the staff as everyone was helpful. Tho i had to wait a bit at the end for leaving permission

Very large complex housing a large hospital in the original area of Paris. Clearly seen from the banks of the river.

I went for a stress test with the sports medicine team (CIMS). Very helpful, highly recommended.

I managed to fall and hurt my wrist. I saw a pharmacist who took one look at my sausage-hand and told me to go to the Hôtel Dieu. ( I speak adequate French.) The intake personnel were very pleasant and kind, as were all the nurses and techs. Clearly, I didn't have an emergency, so I wasn't seen as fast as someone who had been hit by a car. The whole visit was about 3 hours, including a nursing intake, a physician history and physical, 4 Xray views of my hand and a diagnosis (sprain, not fracture) and instructions on going home. I had to buy my wrist brace at the pharmacy I started at. The whole encounter was professional and timely. I have worked in ER's and I was pleased with my care. the bill will be sent to my home in the US, so I can't report on the prices.

I know! Five Stars you ask? And I give a resounding yes!!! Before I hit the ground in Paris Id done enough research to make me dangerous. You know, the must-see stuff. Well, this one ended up on my list because of some art in the courtyard. It wasn't a must-see but, I bookmarked it so that if I was in the area, it would pop up. As anyone knows who has visited Paris, there are very few to no public restrooms. So, after I visited the Notre Dame Cathedral and came out, yes, I was looking for a restroom. I noticed on my bookmarks, right across the street was Hopital Hotel Dieu! Perfect, so we walked across the street entered the front door and it was then I realized it was a functioning hospital. I just kept walking towards the courtyard I could see through the back window. Out the door into the courtyard. Wow, looking up and around you could see the history of this place. Old is an understatement and at that point, I was ready to explore. I have always been entranced with old institutional buildings. In particular hospitals and mental institutions. It was obvious that this building over the centuries had been used for both. I didn't want to just roam the halls looking for a bathroom so I went towards the coffee shop sign. I felt like I stepped back in time 50-100 years as I entered the small room with a woman making espresso. Wow, couldn't believe my luck, how great the coffee was and... She didn't speak English so my inquiry as to a restroom elicited directions in French! So, I walked towards the stairs she pointed at that took me to an elevator. The deeper into the building I went the farther back in time I seemed to travel. I exited the elevator on the second floor. People were walking to their destinations rapidly. Finally, I saw a female doctor and asked her where I might find a restroom. Her look and wave of an arm showed she didn't want me there so I continued my search in the direction of her arm wave. Walking down the hall I was now in a different world. I immediately reminded myself how grateful I am to have the health care system we have. This was by all appearances primitive compared to the United States. Asking a nurse (they still dress in all white with the little hat) she pointed at a small unmarked door. I entered into what seemed a broom closet. I then opened the second door which led to a small Vintage restroom circa 1930. Spotless and with a design Ralph Lauren would be happy with, finally, I found a restroom. Its amazing what will lead you on a fantastic voyage sometimes. I'm glad Paris doesn't have a lot of public restrooms. Otherwise, I wouldn't have had a few more of these types of adventures!

We where told this location could assist with converting COVID vaccine card to the French QR code for le pass sanitare. It is my understanding at one point in the past month they where helping with the process but they doing nothing at this time. This may be the oldest operating hospital in the world and was rebuilt on its current location between 1867-1878. We where not able to see much but the garden in the lobby area was beautiful. The receptionist was not helpful and we where told they did not have a pharmacy moments after another person asked, "Where is the pharmacy?" and she was given directions.

The Covid test results take up to 36 hours to arrive via email. Plan accordingly. Cost is reasonable, about half of the commercial tests on the street.

You might wonder why a healthy person would visit a hospital while in Paris. But this is an architectural hidden gem worth a duck-in right next to Notre Dame. Enter through the main doors in the Notre Dame plaza and you will actually see the courtyard behind the glass. You don't need to sign in or anything at present. Go left, then right to access the courtyard and arches and flowers. Take copious pictures of this wonderful old building, the oldest hospital still in operation in Paris. Worth a 10-minute look if you like hidden nooks.