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Walk the birthplace of Paris—from the Celtic Parisii to Victor Hugo. See the Clock Tower, Sainte-Chapelle, Pont Neuf, Louvre views and Notre-Dame (exterior; no skip-the-line).

Highlights

• Origins of Paris: Parisii on Île de la Cité (c. 300 BCE)
• Hear about the influence of Victor Hugo's The Hunchback of Notre Dame
• Clock Tower & Palais de Justice: medieval power
• Sainte-Chapelle: Saint Louis & Crown of Thorns story
• Pont Neuf views with the Louvre on the horizon

Description

Step back to the birth of Paris on an elegant walk across the Île de la Cité, the island that grew from a Celtic trading post into the heart of a world capital. We begin with the Parisii (c. 300 BCE) and the Roman town of Lutetia, then trace the rise of kings and courts that turned this small island into the seat of power. At the Palais de la Cité, we meet the Clock Tower—Paris’s oldest public clock—and the Palais de Justice, reminders of royal and judicial authority. Beside them, the radiant Sainte-Chapelle evokes Saint Louis and the arrival of the Crown of Thorns, a sacred relic later kept at Notre-Dame. From here, your guide opens the river panorama from Pont Neuf and the Pont des Arts, with classic views toward the Louvre. Our finale focuses on the exterior of Notre-Dame: reading the façade like a medieval storyboard, from portals and rose windows to towers and apse. We connect Victor Hugo and Viollet-le-Duc—the 19th-century duo who rescued the cathedral’s image and fabric—and bring the story forward to restoration today. Important: This is an outdoor, exterior-focused tour. Entry to Notre-Dame is not guaranteed and uses the public line only (no skip-the-line exists). Your guide will advise the best way to visit independently after the tour if conditions allow. Perfect for first-time visitors and history lovers who want Paris’s timeline—from the Parisii to Hugo—in one beautiful, compact walk.

Includes

Expert guide Entrance to Notre-Dame Cathedral (when accessible due to crowd and capacity) Historical insights and stories

Important Information

• Wear comfortable walking shoes as there is a moderate amount of walking involved. Check the weather forecast and dress appropriately. Notre-Dame Cathedral is currently under restoration; some areas may be restricted. The tour involves steps and uneven surfaces; it may not be suitable for those with walking disabilities or using a wheelchair.

Easy cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund