Paris: Notre Dame Exterior Guided Tour With Expert Guide

Exploring the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris just got more engaging. Travelers can now experience the stunning exterior of this architectural marvel through a guided tour led by an expert. This one-hour experience promises insights into the cathedral’s captivating design, from its flying buttresses to the awe-inspiring rose windows. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Parisian, this tour offers a unique opportunity to uncover the secrets that lie within Notre Dame’s hallowed walls.

Key Points

• Explore the exterior of the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris with a knowledgeable live guide for 1 hour, with prices ranging from €19.50 to €30.95 per person.

• Discover the architectural highlights of the cathedral, including flying buttresses, rose windows, and the famous Emmanuel Bell, during a walking tour of the Île de la Cité.

• Benefit from a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now, pay later option for added flexibility.

• Enjoy an informative and engaging experience, with the guide providing expert insights on the cathedral’s history and architectural features, using visual aids to enhance the tour.

• The tour is not suitable for children under 12 or wheelchair users, and comfortable shoes are recommended due to the walking involved.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The exterior guided tour of Notre Dame Cathedral offers visitors a comprehensive introduction to the iconic structure and its surrounding Île de la Cité.

The 1-hour tour is priced from €19.50 to €30.95 per person, providing savings of up to 37%. Guests can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance and the reserve now, pay later option.

The tour allows guests to explore the cathedral’s exterior, including the flying buttresses, rose window, and three portals, while learning about its architectural features and historical significance from a knowledgeable live guide.

Itinerary and Highlights

Where does the tour begin? The tour starts at Café Panis, across from Notre Dame Cathedral.

The main stops are the cathedral and Île de la Cité. Highlights include historical insights about the island, architectural features like flying buttresses and rose windows, and the Emmanuel Bell and bell towers that survived the 2019 fire.

The tour concludes with free entry to explore the cathedral’s interior at your leisure. Participants can expect expert guidance from a live English-speaking guide, who’ll use visual aids to explain the cathedral’s architectural elements.

Comfortable shoes are recommended for this 1-hour walking tour.

Guided Experience

How does the guided experience work?

The tour is led by a live English-speaking guide who provides expert insights on Notre Dame Cathedral’s architectural features and history.

Visual aids are used to help explain the cathedral’s details, like the flying buttresses, rose window, and three portals.

Throughout the tour, the guide offers guidance on entering the cathedral and encourages participants to explore the interior at their own pace after the guided portion concludes.

The tour emphasizes an informative and engaging experience, allowing visitors to gain a deeper understanding of this iconic Parisian landmark.

Customer Feedback

Customers who’ve taken the Notre Dame Exterior Guided Tour generally rate it positively, with an overall 4.2 out of 5 stars based on 106 reviews.

Reviewers praise the knowledgeable and enthusiastic tour guides, who enhance the experience with their expert guidance and visual aids.

The tour’s value for money, however, receives a slightly lower rating of 3.6 out of 5. While the tour provides historical insights and highlights the cathedral’s architectural marvels, some customers feel the price could be more affordable.

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Important Information

Though the Notre Dame Exterior Guided Tour isn’t suitable for children under 12 years or wheelchair users, it offers valuable insights and experiences for participants.

The tour meets at Café Panis, where guests should look for a guide with a red and white One Journey sign. Comfortable shoes, a camera, water, and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended.

Participants should note that flash photography isn’t allowed inside the cathedral. Given the cathedral’s recent reopening, long lines are expected, and no timed reservation tickets are provided, so visitors should plan accordingly.

Exploring the Île De La Cité

The Île de la Cité is an island in the heart of Paris, situated in the middle of the Seine River. This historic site is home to several notable landmarks, including the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral. As part of the guided tour, visitors will explore the Île de la Cité and learn about its rich history.

| Île de la Cité Highlights |

| — | — | — |

| Notre Dame Cathedral | Conciergerie | Sainte-Chapelle |

| Birthplace of Paris | Former Royal Palace | Gothic Architectural Gem |

| Survived the 2019 Fire | Medieval Prison | Stunning Stained Glass |

Participants will gain insights into the architectural features and cultural significance of this remarkable island, providing a deeper appreciation for the history and resilience of the Notre Dame Cathedral.

Architectural Marvels of Notre Dame

The Notre Dame Cathedral is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, showcasing remarkable features that have captivated visitors for centuries.

From the iconic flying buttresses that support the structure to the intricate rose window that filters light, every element of the cathedral’s design is a testament to the ingenuity of its builders.

Participants on the guided tour will learn about the three grand portals adorning the façade, each depicting biblical scenes in stunning detail.

The tour also highlights the Emmanuel Bell, one of the few parts of the cathedral that survived the devastating 2019 fire, adding to the site’s rich history.

Surviving the 2019 Fire

Despite the devastating fire that ravaged Notre Dame Cathedral in 2019, several key architectural elements have miraculously survived the blaze.

The iconic bell towers, a testament to the cathedral’s strength, remain intact and await visitors to climb to the top for breathtaking views. The Emmanuel Bell, one of the cathedral’s most famous features, also survived the disaster.

The cathedral’s iconic bell towers, a testament to its strength, remain intact and await visitors atop for breathtaking views.

Plus, the rose window and three portals at the cathedral’s entrance have withstood the flames, preserving the building’s renowned Gothic architecture.

Though restoration efforts continue, these enduring elements offer a glimpse into Notre Dame’s resilience.

Ask Away

Can I Take a Guided Tour Inside Notre Dame Cathedral?

No, this tour only covers the exterior of Notre Dame Cathedral. To explore the interior, visitors must wait in line and purchase separate entry tickets, as no timed reservations are provided with this guided tour.

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

There’s no formal dress code, but comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing is recommended. Visitors should wear sensible shoes as the tour involves walking. Participants are advised to check the forecast and dress accordingly for the day’s conditions.

How Much Time Should I Allocate for the Tour?

The tour is designed to last 1 hour, according to the overview. Visitors should allocate additional time to explore the interior of Notre Dame Cathedral at their own pace once the guided portion concludes.

Are There Any Discounts or Promotions Available?

Yes, the tour offers discounts – you can save up to 37%, with prices ranging from €30.95 down to €19.50 per person. There’s also a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.

What Happens if I Need to Cancel or Reschedule the Tour?

There’s free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also choose the reserve now and pay later option if you need to reschedule the tour.

Final Words

The "Paris: Notre Dame Exterior Guided Tour With Expert Guide" offers a unique opportunity to explore the captivating history and architecture of the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral. With an engaging one-hour tour led by a knowledgeable guide, visitors can explore the cathedral’s stunning exterior features and learn about its remarkable survival after the 2019 fire. This tour provides an immersive experience, allowing guests to appreciate the cathedral’s enduring legacy and architectural marvels.

You can check availability for your dates here: