Exploring the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral is a must-do activity for many visitors to Paris. The Notre Dame Outdoor Tour offers an engaging opportunity to uncover the rich history and architectural grandeur of this beloved landmark. From uncovering the insights shared by expert guides to the optional self-guided tour of the nearby Sainte-Chapelle and Archaeological Crypt, this experience promises an immersive journey through the heart of the city. With picturesque views and a limited group setting, the tour provides an intimate way to appreciate the enduring legacy of this Parisian masterpiece.

Key Points

Paris: Notre Dame Outdoor Tour With Sainte-Chapelle / Crypt. - Key Points

  • The Notre Dame Outdoor Tour provides a 1.5-2 hour guided exploration of the cathedral’s history and restoration efforts, with optional access to the Archaeological Crypt and Sainte-Chapelle.
  • The tour starts at 21 Quai de Montebello, opposite Café Panis, and includes a 5-minute walk to the iconic Shakespeare & Company bookshop.
  • The knowledgeable live guide offers in-depth insights into Notre Dame’s architectural significance, hidden gems, and the impact of the 2019 fire.
  • Customers can enhance the cultural experience with additional site visits, such as the Conciergerie, and opportunities for strategic photo-taking around the cathedral.
  • The tour has an overall rating of 4.7 out of 5 based on 259 reviews, with the guide’s exceptional knowledge and storytelling being highly praised.
You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

Paris: Notre Dame Outdoor Tour With Sainte-Chapelle / Crypt. - Tour Overview

This Notre Dame Outdoor Tour offers visitors an intimate, guided experience exploring the iconic Cathedral and its surrounding areas.

Priced at $42.41 per person, the 1.5-2 hour tour is conducted in English by a live guide for groups of up to 15 people. Guests can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance.

The tour includes a 30-minute guided exploration of Notre Dame, an optional 20-minute self-guided visit to the Archaeological Crypt, and access to Sainte-Chapelle if selected.

The tour includes a 30-minute guided exploration of Notre Dame, an optional 20-minute self-guided visit to the Archaeological Crypt, and access to Sainte-Chapelle if selected.

Visitors will learn about the Cathedral’s history, restoration efforts, and uncover hidden gems on Île de la Cité.

Itinerary Highlights

Paris: Notre Dame Outdoor Tour With Sainte-Chapelle / Crypt. - Itinerary Highlights

The tour begins at 21 Quai de Montebello, opposite Café Panis, where guests will embark on a guided exploration of the Notre Dame Cathedral.

The guided tour covers:

  1. The cathedral’s history and the restoration efforts following the 2019 fire.

  2. A 5-minute walk to the iconic Shakespeare & Company bookshop, a literary landmark.

  3. A self-guided tour of the Archaeological Crypt of Ile de la Cité, revealing the city’s rich past beneath the cathedral.

At the end of the tour, visitors are dropped off at the Crypt, Sainte-Chapelle, or the starting point at 21 Quai de Montebello.

Guided Insights

Paris: Notre Dame Outdoor Tour With Sainte-Chapelle / Crypt. - Guided Insights

As part of the Notre Dame Outdoor Tour, guests gain valuable insights from the knowledgeable live guide.

The guide provides an in-depth exploration of Notre Dame’s rich history, including details about the recent restoration efforts following the 2019 fire. Visitors learn about the cathedral’s architectural significance and discover hidden gems on Notre Dame Island.

The guide’s engaging storytelling brings the site’s past to life, offering a deeper understanding of this iconic Parisian landmark.

With their expert commentary, guests leave the tour with a newfound appreciation for the cathedral’s enduring legacy.

Additional Options

Visitors looking to extend their Notre Dame experience can explore additional options during the tour. The tour offers several enhancements to optimize the cultural experience:

  1. Discover the Conciergerie, a former royal palace and prison, located nearby on Île de la Cité. This striking Gothic building provides an insightful glimpse into France’s tumultuous history.

  2. Enjoy picturesque views of the Seine River and Île de la Cité from strategic vantage points around the cathedral, offering the perfect photo opportunities.

  3. Venture into the Archaeological Crypt beneath Notre Dame to uncover the city’s ancient foundations and delve deeper into the history of this iconic landmark.

More Great Tours Nearby

Self-Guided Tour

Paris: Notre Dame Outdoor Tour With Sainte-Chapelle / Crypt. - Self-Guided Tour

What sets the self-guided tour apart is the unique opportunity to access the ancient foundations beneath Notre Dame Cathedral.

Visitors can explore the Archaeological Crypt of Île de la Cité, which provides a glimpse into the city’s rich past. The crypt houses the remains of early Parisian settlements, giving guests a chance to discover the foundations that supported the iconic cathedral.

This self-guided exploration allows travelers to uncover the history at their own pace, seeing the captivating stories that lie beneath the cathedral’s hallowed grounds.

Customer Reviews

The Notre Dame Outdoor Tour has earned an impressive overall rating of 4.7 out of 5 based on 259 reviews.

Travelers have consistently praised the tour guide, with a 4.8/5 rating. Many noted the guide’s exceptional knowledge and ability to bring the history of Notre Dame to life.

The value for money was also highly regarded, with a 4.5/5 rating.

Key highlights from customer reviews include:

  1. "Our tour was amazing, but our guide was even more so." – Christopher

  2. "Loved hearing the stories of Notre Dame history. Nick was wonderful." – Nancy

  3. "Nic was incredible and shared lots of great information!" – Michael

Important Information

Paris: Notre Dame Outdoor Tour With Sainte-Chapelle / Crypt. - Important Information

Individuals over 95 years old won’t find this tour suitable.

The tour has a few prohibited items, including oversize luggage, red wine, alcohol, drugs, and explosive substances.

When joining the tour, look for the guide wearing a red cap with the perfect vacation logo at the specified meeting point – 21 Quai de Montebello, opposite Café Panis.

The guide will provide key insights into Notre Dame’s history and restoration efforts post-2019 fire.

Plus, participants can opt for a self-guided tour of the Archaeological Crypt of Ile de la Cité to discover the city’s rich past.

Tour Booking Details

This tour offers convenient booking options for visitors.

The tour can be reserved now and paid for later, providing flexibility for travelers. Plus, the tour has a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance, allowing for hassle-free changes.

The tour also accommodates intimate group sizes of 15 people or less, ensuring a personalized experience.

The booking process is designed to be straightforward and stress-free, allowing customers to focus on the exciting highlights of the Notre Dame Outdoor Tour.

  1. Reserve now & pay later option available

  2. Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance

  3. Intimate group size of 15 people or less

Ask Away

What Time Does the Tour Start?

The tour does not specify an exact start time. However, it states the starting location is 21 Quai de Montebello, opposite Café Panis, so participants should plan to arrive at this meeting point at the scheduled tour time.

Can I Bring My Pet on the Tour?

No, pets are not allowed on the tour. The tour details specifically prohibit bringing any oversize luggage, red wine, alcohol, drugs, or explosive substances. Participants must adhere to these guidelines for the safety and enjoyment of all guests.

How Much Walking Is Involved During the Tour?

The tour involves a moderate amount of walking, with about a 30-minute guided tour of Notre Dame Cathedral and an optional 20-minute self-guided tour of the Crypt. Visitors should be prepared for some light walking during the experience.

Is the Tour Wheelchair Accessible?

The tour is not wheelchair accessible. It involves navigating uneven ground, stairs, and narrow passages that may be difficult for individuals with mobility challenges. However, the option to visit the Crypt and Sainte-Chapelle can be skipped if needed.

Can I Take Photos Inside Notre Dame Cathedral?

Visitors are generally allowed to take photos inside Notre Dame Cathedral, except during religious services or if specifically prohibited. However, the use of flash photography is typically not permitted to preserve the cathedral’s ambiance.

Final Words

This guided tour of Notre Dame Cathedral and its surroundings offers an enriching cultural experience. Visitors will gain valuable insights from an expert guide, explore the architectural marvels of Notre Dame and Sainte-Chapelle, and have the option to visit the Archaeological Crypt. With limited group sizes, this tour provides an intimate setting to take in the rich history and restoration of this iconic Parisian landmark.

You can check availability for your dates here: