Ile De La Cite & Notre Dame Exterior | Guided Tour | 1h

Discover the enchanting Île de la Cité and the remarkable exterior of Notre Dame Cathedral on this guided tour. Unravel the island’s rich medieval history as you admire the intricate Gothic architecture of the iconic cathedral. Your knowledgeable guide will share captivating stories about the cathedral’s recent restoration, leaving you with a deeper appreciation for its enduring beauty and significance. This one-hour exploration promises to transport you back in time and unveil the hidden gems of this Parisian landmark.

Key Points

• Guided 1-hour tour covering the historic Île de la Cité and the exterior of the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral.
• Tour starts at Place Louis Lépine, the medieval heart of the island, and highlights the cathedral’s Gothic architecture.
• Opportunity to appreciate the intricate details and symbolic elements of Notre Dame’s design.
• Stories shared about the cathedral’s fire destruction and remarkable restoration.
• Tour concludes outside Notre Dame, allowing guests to explore the interior independently.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

This guided tour offers a 1-hour exploration of Île de la Cité and the exterior of Notre Dame Cathedral.

The tour starts at Place Louis Lépine, the heart of the medieval island. Guests will discover the island’s history as they stroll its streets.

The highlight is admiring the stunning Gothic facade of Notre Dame. The tour guide will share stories about the cathedral’s architectural details and its recent fire and restoration.

The tour concludes outside Notre Dame, allowing visitors to enter on their own if desired.

Priced from $16.30 to $12.22, this tour can be reserved now and paid later with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Tour Highlights

Explore historic Île de la Cité, the medieval heart of Paris, on this guided tour.

Admire the stunning facade of Notre Dame, a Gothic architectural masterpiece.

Discover the intricate and symbolic details of Notre Dame’s design.

Hear stories of the cathedral’s fire destruction and its remarkable restoration.

The tour highlights the best of Île de la Cité and Notre Dame’s exterior.

Guests will have the opportunity to further explore the cathedral on their own after the tour.

This 1-hour guided experience provides an in-depth look at the history and significance of these iconic Parisian landmarks.

Itinerary

The tour begins with a 30-minute sightseeing walk through the historic Île de la Cité, the medieval heart of Paris.

Your guide will share insights about the island’s landmarks and its rich history.

Next, you’ll spend 30 minutes admiring the stunning facade of Notre Dame Cathedral, a Gothic architectural masterpiece.

Your guide will point out the cathedral’s intricate and symbolic details, and share stories about its fire destruction and remarkable restoration.

The tour concludes outside Notre Dame, allowing you to enter on your own if desired.

• 30 minutes: Sightseeing on Île de la Cité

• 30 minutes: Exterior tour of Notre Dame Cathedral

• Tour concludes outside Notre Dame

Included in the Tour

The tour includes a walking exploration of Île de la Cité as well as an exterior tour of the Notre Dame Cathedral. Guests will have the opportunity to learn about the medieval roots and landmarks of the island. They’ll also stand before the Gothic architectural masterpiece, appreciating its intricate and symbolic details. The tour guide will share stories of the cathedral’s fire destruction and its remarkable restoration. While the tour does not include entrance into Notre Dame, visitors can purchase tickets to explore the interior on their own after the guided portion concludes.

| Included | Not Included |

| — | — |

| Walking tour of Île de la Cité | Entrance into Notre Dame Cathedral |

| Exterior tour of Notre Dame Cathedral | Guided tour inside Notre Dame Cathedral |

| English-speaking tour guide | Gratuities |

| | Hotel pick-up or drop-off |

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Important Information

Although entrance into Notre Dame Cathedral isn’t included in this tour, visitors can purchase tickets to explore the interior on their own after the guided portion concludes.

Visitors can purchase tickets to explore the interior of Notre Dame Cathedral on their own after the guided portion of the tour concludes.

There are a few important details to keep in mind:

1. The tour only covers the exterior of Notre Dame and a walk through Île de la Cité.

2. A guided tour inside Notre Dame isn’t part of this experience.

3. The meeting point is outside the Cité metro station, where the tour guide will be holding an EXPLORE PARIS TOURS sign.

Exploring Île De La Cité

Île de la Cité, the medieval heart of Paris, awaits exploration.

Guests set out on a captivating journey through this historic island, discovering its storied landmarks. The tour guide brings the island’s past to life, weaving tales of medieval kings and cathedrals.

Visitors marvel at the architectural gems that dot the landscape, from the Conciergerie to the Sainte-Chapelle. As they stroll the cobbled streets, they gain a deeper understanding of Île de la Cité‘s enduring cultural significance.

This immersive experience offers a unique glimpse into the origins of Paris, leaving guests with a newfound appreciation for the city’s timeless charm.

Admiring the Notre Dame Facade

After exploring the historic Île de la Cité, the tour now turns its focus to the awe-inspiring facade of Notre Dame Cathedral.

The guide will point out:

The guide will point out the intricate gothic architectural details, symbolic meaning, and remarkable restoration efforts of Notre Dame Cathedral.

1. The intricate gothic architectural details, including the ornate rose windows, flying buttresses, and gargoyles.

2. The symbolic meaning behind the cathedral’s design, from the depiction of biblical scenes to the use of religious imagery.

3. The cathedral’s remarkable restoration efforts after the devastating fire, showcasing the resilience and enduring legacy of this architectural masterpiece.

Guests will have the opportunity to stand in awe of Notre Dame’s grandeur and learn about its rich history.

Discovering the Cathedral’s History

As the tour moves past the cathedral’s impressive facade, the guide now turns the group’s attention to uncovering Notre Dame’s captivating history.

The guide explains the cathedral’s long and storied past, from its construction in the 12th century to its near-destruction during the 2019 fire.

Listeners learn about the iconic structure’s symbolic significance, its role in major events, and the ongoing restoration efforts aimed at preserving this architectural marvel for future generations.

The guide’s engaging narrative brings the cathedral’s rich history to life, leaving the group with a deeper appreciation for Notre Dame’s enduring legacy.

Ask Away

Is Photography Allowed During the Walking Tour?

The tour allows photography during the walking portion. However, photography may be restricted inside Notre Dame Cathedral, as the tour only covers the exterior of the building.

Can the Tour Guide Provide Recommendations for Dining Near Notre Dame?

The tour guide can likely provide dining recommendations near Notre Dame. They are familiar with the local area and can suggest good eateries close to the cathedral for guests to enjoy before or after the tour.

Is the Tour Suitable for Travelers With Mobility Issues?

The tour may not be suitable for travelers with mobility issues, as it involves walking through the historic Île de la Cité and standing for an extended period in front of Notre Dame. Those with accessibility needs should consider an alternative tour option.

Will the Tour Guide Provide Translation Services for Other Languages?

The tour guide will provide English-language services only. They do not offer translation services for other languages on this tour. Guests who require translation should consider booking a private tour or arranging their own interpreter.

Is It Possible to Extend the Tour Duration if Requested?

The tour’s duration is fixed at 1 hour and cannot be extended upon request. The tour guide provides services solely in English, without translation for other languages. Extending the tour or requesting translation is not an option for this particular offering.

Final Words

This guided tour offers a captivating exploration of Île de la Cité and the stunning exterior of Notre Dame Cathedral. Led by a knowledgeable guide, you’ll explore the island’s rich medieval history and marvel at the intricate Gothic architecture of the renowned cathedral. The tour concludes outside Notre Dame, where you can choose to continue your visit independently and explore the cathedral’s interior.

You can check availability for your dates here: