Discover the captivating history and architectural wonders of Paris’s medieval heart with the Notre-Dame Walking Tour. This guided experience takes visitors on an immersive journey, exploring the iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral from the outside and culminating in a skip-the-line visit to the stunning Sainte-Chapelle. With its breathtaking stained-glass windows, Sainte-Chapelle promises to leave a lasting impression. However, as the tour navigates the ongoing restoration efforts at Notre-Dame, guests may find themselves intrigued by the challenges and adaptations required to preserve this cultural treasure. Prepare to be enchanted by the richness of the past and the resilience of the present.
Good To Know

- This walking tour explores the Gothic architecture and cultural significance of Notre-Dame Cathedral, despite the cathedral’s closure since the 2019 fire.
- The tour includes skip-the-line access to the nearby Sainte-Chapelle, known for its vibrant stained-glass windows and medieval craftsmanship.
- Knowledgeable guides provide insights into the history and artistry of the Île de la Cité neighborhood, including its medieval streets and squares.
- The tour is offered by Paris Fun Tours, which has a 4.0 rating based on 87 reviews, and is priced at €56 per person.
- While the tour is stroller-friendly, it is not recommended for travelers with walking difficulties, as it involves significant walking.
Tour Overview and Details

The Notre-Dame Walking Tour with Skip The Line Sainte-Chapelle Entry is offered by Paris Fun Tours.
It’s a 4.0-rated tour with 87 reviews and priced from €56 per person.
The tour allows a maximum of 35 travelers, with confirmation received at booking.
While not wheelchair accessible, it’s stroller-friendly.
Participants meet at the Notre-Dame Cathedral and end at the Sainte-Chapelle, with Metro stops nearby.
The tour includes entrance to medieval churches and the Sainte Chapelle.
It’s conducted in English if no guide is available in the selected language, though not recommended for those with walking difficulties due to the Notre-Dame closure since 2019.
You can also read our reviews of more walking tours in Paris
Meeting and End Points

As the tour begins, participants meet at the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris, located at 6 Parvis Notre-Dame – Pl. Jean-Paul II, 75004 Paris.
The guide waits with a flag or sign to identify the group.
The nearest metro stops are Cité (6-minute walk) on Metro line 4, and Hôtel de Ville (9-minute walk) on Metro line 1.
The tour concludes at Sainte-Chapelle, where the entry ticket is included.
After the guided portion, visitors are free to explore the chapel on their own.
Accessibility-wise, the tour isn’t wheelchair-friendly, but strollers are permitted.
Tour Content and Accessibility

Included in the tour are entrance fees to medieval churches and the iconic Sainte Chapelle, allowing participants to enjoy the rich history and architectural wonders of these sacred spaces. The tour is conducted in English if guides in the selected language are unavailable. While the tour is not recommended for travelers with injuries or medical conditions affecting walking, it is accessible to those with strollers.
| Accessibility | Details |
|---|---|
| Wheelchair | Not accessible |
| Stroller | Accessible |
| Recommended for | Travelers without walking difficulties |
Due to the closure of Notre-Dame Cathedral since the 2019 fire, the tour is conducted from the outside, providing an opportunity to learn about the iconic landmark’s history and significance.
Customer Experiences and Feedback
Positive feedback on the tour’s knowledgeable guides and informative content is common.
However, some customers have expressed frustration over issues including:
- Poor communication, tour cancellations, and no-shows.
- Problems with receiving entry tickets and changes in meeting points.
- Lack of timely updates and poor customer service when booking issues arise.
These complaints suggest travelers should consider alternative companies for better reliability and communication.
Guests should also engage promptly with customer service to address any concerns encountered during the tour.
Recommendations and Considerations

Given the customer feedback about communication issues and reliability concerns, travelers may want to consider booking with alternative companies for their Notre-Dame walking tour. When selecting a tour provider, it’s important to weigh the following factors:
| Factors to Consider | Recommendations |
|---|---|
| Communication | Look for companies with responsive customer service and clear updates on any changes. |
| Reliability | Choose a provider with a strong track record and consistently positive reviews. |
| Flexibility | Opt for tours that allow for easy modifications or cancellations in case of unexpected events. |
Plus, be mindful of potential disruptions due to upcoming events like the Olympics, and engage with customer service promptly if any issues arise during the tour.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Paris
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Guided Tour Highlights

While the Notre-Dame Cathedral itself is currently closed to the public due to the 2019 fire, the guided walking tour still provides an immersive experience exploring the history and architecture of the surrounding area.
The tour highlights include:
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Visiting the iconic Gothic façade of Notre-Dame and learning about its remarkable construction and cultural significance.
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Exploring the charming medieval streets and squares of the Île de la Cité, the historical heart of Paris.
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Skipping the line to enter the stunning Sainte-Chapelle, a 13th-century royal chapel renowned for its breathtaking stained-glass windows.
Throughout the tour, the knowledgeable guide offers insights into the rich history and artistic treasures of this captivating Parisian neighborhood.
Exploring Sainte-Chapelle

The tour culminates with a visit to the stunning Sainte-Chapelle, a true architectural gem of the Middle Ages.
Travelers are granted skip-the-line access to this breathtaking Gothic chapel, known for its vibrant stained-glass windows that bathe the interior in a kaleidoscope of color.
As the guide shares the chapel’s rich history, visitors are free to explore its ornate details and marvel at the stunning craftsmanship on display.
The tour provides the perfect opportunity to appreciate the beauty and significance of this medieval masterpiece before concluding the exploration of Paris’s iconic landmarks.
Despite the 2019 fire that has closed Notre-Dame Cathedral to public access, the walking tour focuses on exploring the monument’s history and architecture from the outside.
The guide provides an in-depth overview of the cathedral’s iconic Gothic design, including:
- The intricate façade and its famous rose windows.
- The impressive flying buttresses that support the structure.
- The cathedral’s significance in French history and its role as a cultural landmark.
While visitors can’t enter the cathedral, the tour allows them to appreciate the grand scale and beauty of this world-renowned monument.
The guide’s expertise ensures an informative and engaging experience, despite the current visitor restrictions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Photography Allowed During the Walking Tour?
The tour overview does not explicitly state whether photography is allowed during the walking tour. Travelers should check with the tour provider or guide for any specific photography policies or restrictions prior to the tour.
Can I Bring My Own Audio Guide or Headset?
Passengers can bring their own audio guides or headsets for the walking tour. However, the tour provider may not be able to provide assistance or ensure compatibility with the group’s audio system. It’s best to check with the company beforehand.
Are There Any Restrictions on Food and Drinks During the Tour?
There are typically no restrictions on bringing small snacks and non-alcoholic drinks during walking tours. However, it’s best to avoid consuming large meals or messy foods that could distract from the tour experience or damage historic sites.
Can I Join the Tour Late or Leave Early?
Travelers can generally join the tour late or leave early, but they may miss key parts of the guided experience. It’s best to arrive on time and stay for the full tour if possible to get the most value.
How Much Time Is Allocated for Exploring Sainte-Chapelle on My Own?
The tour includes entry to Sainte-Chapelle, allowing guests to explore the medieval church on their own after the guided portion. The amount of time allocated for independent exploration at Sainte-Chapelle is not specified in the tour details.
The Sum Up
Guests can’t miss this captivating tour through Paris’s medieval heart. Starting at the iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral, the journey concludes with a skip-the-line visit to the stunning Sainte-Chapelle, renowned for its breathtaking stained-glass windows. Though Notre-Dame is closed for restoration, this tour offers an enriching exploration of the area’s rich history and architectural marvels.
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