Paris: Notre Dame Cathedral Exterior Tour With Free Entry

Explore the captivating exterior of the Notre Dame Cathedral on this guided tour. You’ll uncover the secrets behind its iconic Gothic architecture, from the impressive flying buttresses to the enigmatic gargoyles. With flexible pricing options and free cancellation, it’s an opportunity that shouldn’t be missed. And once the tour concludes, you’ll gain complimentary access to the cathedral’s interior – a chance to delve deeper into the history and resilience of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Key Points

• The guided exterior tour of Notre Dame Cathedral lasts for 1 hour and provides access to the interior after completion.
• Ticket prices range from Kč 984 to Kč 836 per person, with up to 15% savings available.
• The tour highlights the Emmanuel Bell, bell towers, flying buttresses, gargoyles, and rose windows of the cathedral.
• The tour starts at Café Panis, where guests should arrive 15 minutes early, and concludes back at Notre Dame.
• Expert-led tours in English are available, but the tour is not suitable for individuals with mobility impairments or wheelchair users.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The guided exterior tour of Notre Dame Cathedral lasts for 1 hour and saves visitors up to 15% off the regular price, with tickets ranging from Kč 984 to Kč 836 per person.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, and guests can reserve their spot without paying upfront.

The tour focuses on the cathedral’s Gothic architecture and rich history, with access to the interior after the tour.

It’s not suitable for those with mobility issues, but it operates in all weather conditions, allowing visitors to explore the iconic landmark.

Tour Highlights

While exploring Notre Dame’s Gothic architecture and rich history, guests can gain insight into Île de la Cité, the island that anchors the iconic cathedral.

Exploring Notre Dame’s Gothic architecture and history offers insight into Île de la Cité, the island home of the iconic cathedral.

The tour highlights include:

• Viewing the Emmanuel Bell and bell towers that remarkably survived the 2019 fire

• Admiring the cathedral’s detailed exterior features, like flying buttresses and gargoyles

• Accessing the interior of Notre Dame after the tour, with general admission included

• Learning about the rich history and significance of this UNESCO World Heritage site

Itinerary and Meeting Point

The tour begins at Café Panis, where guests should arrive 15 minutes early to meet the guide holding a red and white sign labeled "One Journey." From there, the group heads to the main stop – the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral. The tour concludes back at Notre Dame.

| Starting Location | Main Stop | Finish |

| — | — | — |

| Café Panis | Notre Dame Cathedral | Notre Dame |

| Meet the guide | Explore the Gothic architecture | Conclude the tour |

| Arrive 15 minutes early | Gain insight into Île de la Cité | – |

Tour Details and Accessibility

Expert-led tours in English focus on the exterior details of Notre Dame Cathedral, such as the iconic flying buttresses and gargoyles.

The tour doesn’t offer skip-the-line access, allowing visitors to build anticipation for the interior. Unfortunately, the tour isn’t suitable for individuals with mobility impairments or wheelchair users.

However, the tour operates in all weather conditions, so visitors should dress appropriately.

Visitors should dress appropriately, as the tour operates in all weather conditions.

Key details:

• No skip-the-line option

• Not suitable for those with mobility issues

• Operates in all weather conditions

• Expert-led, English-language tours

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Customer Reviews and Feedback

Reviews of the Notre Dame Cathedral tour are generally positive, with an overall rating of 4.3 out of 5 based on 52 customer evaluations. Reviewers praised the knowledgeable and entertaining tour guide, who brought the cathedral’s history to life. Comments highlighted the guide’s ability to avoid long queues and provide valuable insights. Customers also appreciated the tour’s value for money.

| Guide Rating | Value for Money |

| :———-: | :————-: |

| 4.5/5 | 4.1/5 |

| Excellent| Very Good |

Exploring Notre Dame’s Gothic Architecture

Notre Dame Cathedral’s Gothic architecture is a captivating sight to behold.

The expert-led tour explores the intricate details that make this landmark so iconic.

Visitors can marvel at:

• The towering flying buttresses that support the structure

• The intricately carved gargoyles and grotesques perched atop the roofline

• The stunning rose windows that flood the interior with vibrant color

• The impressive bell towers that have stood the test of time, including the iconic Emmanuel Bell

This guided tour provides an engaging look at the cathedral’s rich history and architectural wonders, offering a truly immersive experience.

Discovering the History of Île De La Cité

As visitors explore the grounds of Notre Dame Cathedral, they’ll discover the rich history of Île de la Cité, the small island that has long anchored this iconic landmark.

This natural island in the Seine River has been inhabited since the 4th century BC and was home to an ancient Gallo-Roman settlement. Over the centuries, it has witnessed the rise and fall of empires, religious conflicts, and political turmoil.

Today, visitors can wander the island’s charming streets, visit the Conciergerie palace, and marvel at the architectural gem that’s Notre Dame, nestled at the heart of this historic district.

Experiencing the Resilience of the Cathedral

Amidst the island’s storied past, Notre Dame Cathedral stands as a testament to resilience.

Despite a devastating fire in 2019, the landmark has endured, its iconic spires and flying buttresses still captivating visitors.

The tour offers an insightful look at the cathedral’s architectural marvels, including:

• The Emmanuel Bell, which miraculously survived the blaze

• The bell towers, where visitors can glimpse the city’s panoramic views

• The intricate gargoyles and grotesques that adorn the façade

• The sheer scale and grandeur of the Gothic masterpiece

As the tour unfolds, guests gain a deeper appreciation for the cathedral’s unwavering spirit, a symbol of Paris’s resilience through the ages.

Ask Away

Can I Take Photos During the Tour?

Yes, visitors can take photos during the tour. The guide encourages capturing the cathedral’s stunning Gothic architecture and exterior details like the flying buttresses and gargoyles that bring the tour highlights to life.

Is the Tour Suitable for Children?

The tour is suitable for children, though they’ll need to be able to listen and walk for the 1-hour duration. Children under 18 receive a discounted rate. Parents should consider their child’s attention span and mobility when booking.

Do I Need to Bring Any Special Equipment?

You don’t need any special equipment for this tour. Just dress appropriately for the weather, as the tour operates in all conditions. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended to explore the cathedral’s exterior.

Is the Guided Tour Conducted in Other Languages?

The guided tour is conducted in English. While the tour doesn’t offer other language options, the knowledgeable guides deliver an engaging experience highlighting Notre Dame’s architecture and history.

Are There Any Additional Fees for the Cathedral Entry?

The cathedral entry is free after the guided tour. There are no additional fees to visit Notre Dame following the exterior tour, which provides general admission access to the cathedral.

Final Words

This guided tour offers an exceptional opportunity to explore the iconic exterior of the Notre Dame Cathedral, providing insights into its remarkable Gothic architecture. With ticket prices ranging from Kč 984 to Kč 836, guests can enjoy up to 15% savings and free cancellation. After the tour, participants gain complimentary access to the cathedral’s interior, making it a perfect way to experience this UNESCO World Heritage site.

You can check availability for your dates here: