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Join a guided exterior walking tour around Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. Learn about the cathedral’s history and architecture as you explore the outside with a professional guide.

Highlights

• Expert-Led Notre Dame Exterior Tour: Explore the cathedral’s Gothic architecture
• Île de la Cité Insight: Learn why this island anchors Notre Dame
• Perfect for All: History buffs, architecture lovers, and anyone visiting Paris.
• See the Emmanuel Bell and the bell towers that survived the 2019 fire
• Self-Guided Interior visit (the guide does not enter with you ).

Description

Join our Notre Dame Exterior Guided Tour for an in-depth exploration of Paris’s most iconic cathedral, located on Île de la Cité. For one hour, your professional guide will reveal the awe-inspiring details of the cathedral’s exterior, from its intricate flying buttresses and gargoyles to the symbolic sculptures that adorn the West Façade. You’ll also discover how Victor Hugo’s classic novel, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, played a pivotal role in preserving this architectural marvel. After your guided exterior walk, your guide will direct you to the general admission line for Notre Dame entry, which is free and does not require a timed ticket. While there’s no skip-the-line option available (we do not provide any type of special ticketed entry), any waiting period only adds to the anticipation of witnessing Notre Dame’s newly restored interior. Wait times can vary from 15 minutes to 30 hour from April to October. Once inside, stroll through the cathedral at your own pace during your self-guided visit. Stand beneath the vaulted ceilings, marvel at the crown of stained-glass rose windows, and soak up the spiritual atmosphere. Enriched by your guide’s insights, you’ll appreciate every carved detail and centuries-old relic, even more so as this sacred landmark continues its remarkable rebirth after the 2019 fire.

Includes

One-hour guided exterior tour of Notre Dame in English Entry via the general admission lane (this is the public line, not a special access line)

Important Information

• This is an exterior tour only — the guide will not enter Notre Dame with you. The tour runs in all weather, so please dress accordingly and bring an umbrella if needed. We do not provide or sell entry tickets to Notre Dame. Entry is free for all visitors; our tour focuses on the history and architecture from the outside and offers guidance for your independent visit afterward. Please note, the tour is not wheelchair accessible due to the historic nature of the sites. Exceptional closures of Notre Dame may occur without notice. Check the official Notre Dame website before your visit. Refunds are not available for cathedral closures.

Easy cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund