Highlights
- Explore the interior of the iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral
- Walk the cobbled streets of Île de la Cité, the historic birthplace of Paris
- Admire Sainte-Chapelle, the Conciergerie from the outside, and Pont Neuf
- Hear fascinating stories with a local guide that bring the past vividly to life
Description
Begin your journey at the heart of Paris, where you will get to experience the magnificent Notre-Dame Cathedral, one of the most iconic landmarks in the world. Admire the breathtaking Gothic architecture, the majestic nave, and the newly restored interiors. Learn about the cathedral’s construction, its significance in French culture, and the resilience it showed after the 2019 fire. Marvel at the stained glass windows, soaring vaults, and spiritual atmosphere of this Gothic masterpiece.
Your tour starts at the legendary Notre-Dame Cathedral. You’ll first admire its stunning façade, magnificent sculptures, and legendary gargoyles.
Your guide will begin with the western façade, explaining the symbolism in the three Gothic portals, the rose window, and the statues of saints. You’ll learn about the architectural innovations of Gothic design and the cathedral’s 12th-century origins.
You will enter the Cathedral on your own and will have approximately 30 minutes to explore it independently. But don't worry your guide will let you know to look out for The Reliquary of the Crown of Thorns; The Rooster Weathervane; The Vow of Louis XIII and the Cross of Glory; The Grand Mays; Statue of the Virgin with Child and of course the Bronze Altar beauties. Your guide will be waiting for you outside the Cathedral.
After exiting the cathedral, the tour continues with a scenic walk through one of Paris’s oldest districts:
Pass by the Flower and Bird Market, a delightful sensory stop. In front of the Conciergerie, a medieval royal palace turned revolutionary prison, hear stories of the French Revolution and Marie-Antoinette’s imprisonment. Admire the Gothic spire and façade of Sainte-Chapelle, a 13th-century royal chapel. Discover Place Dauphine, a charming 17th-century square hidden behind the Palais de Justice, and learn about Henri IV’s vision for a peaceful, residential Paris. End your tour on Pont-Neuf, the oldest bridge in Paris despite its name, which means ‘New Bridge’. Your guide will let you admire panoramic views of the Seine, Louvre, and the Left Bank.
Follow your guide!
Includes
Expert, licensed local guide
Standard entry to Notre-Dame Cathedral
Walking tour of Île de la Cité
Excludes
Entry to Sainte-Chapelle or Conciergerie
Food and drinks
Tips for the guides (15 EUR on average)
Important Information
- Comfortable walking shoes recommended
Tour runs rain or shine
Notre-Dame may require security screening for entry
Not suitable for persons with mobility impairments due to cobblestone streets
Easy cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
