Paris: Île De La Cité and Notre Dame Walking Tour With Crypt

Explore the historic heart of Paris on this captivating walking tour. Discover the Île de la Cité, home to iconic landmarks like the Statue Equestre d’Henri IV and the breathtaking Notre Dame Cathedral. Along the way, you’ll explore the city’s rich past, uncovering hidden gems and learning about the cultural significance of each site. With an expert local guide by your side, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the city’s enduring legacy. Don’t miss the opportunity to venture into the Archaeological Crypt and uncover the secrets that lie beneath the surface.

Key Points

• This 1.5-hour walking tour explores the historic Île de la Cité and the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral, including entry to the Archaeological Crypt.
• Led by an expert local guide, the tour visits key landmarks such as the Square du Vert-Galant, Palais de Justice, and Clock Tower.
• Upgrade options are available for entry to Sainte-Chapelle and the Conciergerie, providing a more comprehensive experience.
• The tour is available in both English and Spanish, and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• Customer reviews highlight the knowledgeable guides, informative commentary, and excellent value for money, with an overall satisfaction rating of 4.3 out of 5.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

This walking tour of Île de la Cité and Notre Dame offers a comprehensive exploration of the historical heart of Paris.

Priced at $42.41 per person, the 1.5-hour tour is available in English and Spanish. With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, the experience can be reserved now and paid for later.

The tour takes visitors to key landmarks like the Square du Vert-Galant, Palais de Justice, and the Archaeological Crypt. An expert local guide leads the way, providing historical insights.

An expert local guide leads visitors to landmarks like the Square du Vert-Galant, Palais de Justice, and the Archaeological Crypt, providing historical insights.

Upgrades for entry to Sainte-Chapelle and Conciergerie are available, along with an optional Seine river cruise.

Itinerary Highlights

The walking tour begins at the Statue Equestre d’Henri IV on the Place du Pont Neuf, where visitors gather to embark on their journey through the historic Île de la Cité.

The tour explores the Square du Vert-Galant, the picturesque Place Dauphine, and the Court of Appeal of Paris.

Next, guests visit the iconic Clock Tower and the Conciergerie, before reaching the grand Palais de Justice.

An optional upgrade allows entry to Sainte-Chapelle.

The tour concludes at the Notre Dame Cathedral, where visitors can capture photos, and the Archaeological Crypt of Île de la Cité, for a self-guided exploration.

Tour Features

An expert local guide leads the walking tour, providing insightful commentary and historical context throughout the journey.

The tour includes a ticket to the Archaeological Crypt, allowing visitors to explore the ancient ruins beneath the Île de la Cité.

Upgrade options are available for entry to Sainte-Chapelle and the Conciergerie, two iconic landmarks along the tour route.

The tour also offers the opportunity to take a narrated Seine river cruise, providing a unique perspective of the city’s landmarks.

Tips are provided to enhance the Notre Dame Cathedral visit, ensuring a comprehensive and enriching experience.

Visitor Information

Visitors meet the tour guide at the statue of Henri IV on Pont Neuf bridge, recognizable by the orange "ExperienceFirst" sign.

The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users due to the historic nature of the sites. Comfortable shoes are recommended, as the tour involves walking.

Visitors should note that the Archaeological Crypt may close for maintenance, and group visits to Notre Dame aren’t allowed – individual entry can be arranged.

Despite these potential challenges, the tour provides an immersive experience exploring the iconic Île de la Cité and the renowned Notre Dame Cathedral, with optional upgrades to visit additional landmarks.

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Customer Reviews

Travelers’ reviews of this walking tour showcase a high level of satisfaction, with an overall rating of 4.3 out of 5 based on 539 evaluations.

Guests praised the knowledgeable and engaging guides, rating them 4.5 out of 5. The tour’s transportation logistics also received positive feedback, scoring 4.3 out of 5.

Reviewers highlighted the excellent value for money, with a 4.1 out of 5 rating. Standout feedback included Denise’s praise for guide Remi’s captivating storytelling, Marjorie’s enjoyment of Matt’s lively explanations, and Annie’s recommendation of Jenna’s welcoming and informative approach.

Start Point: Statue Equestre D’henri IV

The tour starts at the Statue Equestre d’Henri IV, a bronze equestrian statue located on the Pont Neuf bridge. Travelers meet their guide, identified by an orange "ExperienceFirst" sign, at this central meeting point.

| Meeting Time | Meeting Location | Additional Details |

| — | — | — |

| Varies | Pont Neuf, in front of the Statue Equestre d’Henri IV | Look for guide with orange "ExperienceFirst" sign |

The guide leads the group across the bridge, providing historical context about the iconic statue and the Île de la Cité before delving into the walking tour’s highlights. From this strategic vantage point, participants gain an overview of the island’s key landmarks.

Key Stops Along the Way

From the starting point on the Pont Neuf, the walking tour makes several key stops across Île de la Cité.

Highlights include the charming Square du Vert-Galant, the historic Place Dauphine, and the monumental Court of Appeal of Paris.

The tour highlights the charming Square du Vert-Galant, the historic Place Dauphine, and the monumental Court of Appeal of Paris.

Next, visitors explore the iconic Clock Tower and the Conciergerie, once a royal palace and prison.

The tour also includes a photo stop at the famous Notre Dame Cathedral, prior to visiting the fascinating Archaeological Crypt beneath the island.

Finally, the tour concludes at the Crypt’s entrance, allowing guests to further discover the site’s ancient ruins.

The Archaeological Crypt of Île De La Cité

After exploring the aboveground sites of Île de la Cité, the walking tour culminates with a visit to the Archaeological Crypt beneath the island.

This underground museum showcases the site’s Roman and medieval past, with remains of buildings, roads, and artifacts unearthed over the centuries.

Visitors can wander through the crypt’s dimly lit passageways, learning about the island’s rich history from informative displays.

The crypt provides a fascinating glimpse into Île de la Cité’s evolution, complementing the architectural splendor seen above ground during the walking tour.

Ask Away

What Are the COVID-19 Safety Measures Taken During the Tour?

The tour adheres to local COVID-19 safety guidelines. Guides wear masks, groups are limited in size, and social distancing is encouraged. Hand sanitizer is provided, and participants must follow any venue-specific protocols.

Can the Tour Be Modified to Accommodate Dietary Restrictions?

The tour doesn’t include any meal service, so dietary restrictions can’t be accommodated during the walking tour itself. However, guests are free to make their own arrangements for food before or after the tour as needed.

Are Audio Headsets Provided for Easier Hearing of the Guide?

The tour doesn’t provide audio headsets, but the guide uses a microphone to ensure all participants can easily hear the commentary. Visitors are encouraged to let the guide know if they have any hearing difficulties.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration or Add Extra Stops?

The tour doesn’t offer an option to extend the duration or add extra stops. It’s a set 1.5-hour itinerary focused on the highlights of Île de la Cité and Notre Dame Cathedral. Upgrade options are available for select attractions.

What Is the Policy for Bringing Children on the Tour?

The tour welcomes children, but recommends checking the minimum age requirement. Parents should note the tour may not be suitable for young kids due to the length and content. Strollers are allowed, but accessibility is limited.

Final Words

This captivating tour through Île de la Cité and Notre Dame Cathedral offers an immersive exploration of Paris’s rich history. With an expert local guide, visitors can uncover iconic landmarks, explore the Archaeological Crypt, and marvel at the breathtaking Notre Dame. Whether upgrading to visit Sainte-Chapelle or not, this tour provides a compelling glimpse into the city’s enchanting past, perfect for those seeking an engaging and informative experience.

You can check availability for your dates here: