694 reviews
Notre-Dame Exterior-Only Guided Tour with Free Entry
A one-hour deep dive into Paris' most enchanting landmark — before you step inside to explore at your own pace. Notre Dame has reopened after its historic restoration — and tens of thousands are flocking to see it. This tour gives you something most visitors miss: a guided storytelling walk around the exterior, where every statue, carving, and architectural line has meaning. Your guide brings the cathedral's soul to life — the drama, the legends, the fire, the rebirth — before you make your independent entrance into the newly restored interior. This is the perfect way to experience Notre Dame with context, emotion, and insider detail, then enjoy the interior completely on your own schedule.
$42 per adult
30 minutes
11 Rue La Grange, Paris France
Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance
Tour Highlights
A guided storytelling walk that makes Notre Dame come alive
Explore gargoyles, kings, devils, angels, flying buttresses, centuries of symbolism with a
passionate guide.
Walk the same ground as medieval pilgrims, kings, and revolutionaries
Learn how Notre Dame shaped the identity of Paris — and why it remains the heart of the city.
See the restored façade and the towers that survived the 2019 fire
Hear how firefighters saved the cathedral minute-by-minute.
Perfect pair: expert exterior tour + flexible self-guided interior
Enjoy the best of both worlds: depth from your guide, freedom inside the cathedral.
Ideal for first-timers and history lovers
Architecture, legends, medieval stories, Victor Hugo, and the cathedral's rebirth — all in one
experience.
Itinerary
-
1. Meet Your Guide at Île de la Cité
Next to the Notre Dame Pharmacy (beside the only tree), your guide welcomes you with a red-and-white One Journey sign. -
2. The Western Façade & The Portals of Judgment
Study the dramatic carvings: angels weighing souls, demons dragging sinners, kings watching over Paris. Your guide reveals hidden meanings most visitors walk past. -
3. Walk Along the Flying Buttresses
See the engineering that saved the cathedral from collapse — long before the fire ever threatened it. -
4. The Bell Towers & the Survivor Bell
Hear the extraordinary story of the Emmanuel Bell, still hanging in the south tower and still ringing out over Paris. -
5. Entry to the Interior (Self-Guided)
Your guide escorts you to the public general-admission line, the only entry point for all visitors. Wait times typically range 15–30 minutes from April to October. -
6. Explore the Interior at Your Own Pace
Admire the reborn vaults, chapels, stained-glass rose windows, and restored stonework — taking as much time as you like.
Plan your trip
Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours before the tour.
Tour duration
1-hour guided exterior + flexible self-guided interior.
Included
– Live English/French guide
– Exterior walking tour
– Guidance to the public entrance line
Not included
– Guided interior experience
– Skip-the-line access (no such option exists at Notre Dame)
Accessibility
Not ideal for wheelchairs due to uneven medieval stone paths.
Weather
Runs in all conditions — Notre Dame is beautiful even in the rain.
Closures
Notre Dame may close unexpectedly. Refunds are not offered for interior closures. Note: Groups
of 5 or more will be split. We reserve the right to divide groups of any size without notice.
Reviews
"Such a perfect morning!"
"Notre Dame was stunning! Thank you so much!"
— Ricky, United States
"Informative and professional"
"Our guide (girl with the long nails) was amazing. Definitely joining her again!"
— Luis Fernando, United States
$42 per adult
30 minutes
11 Rue La Grange, Paris France
Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance
Journey meeting point
48.85220° N, 2.34841° E
11 Rue La Grange, Paris France
Finding Your Guide:
Meet beside the Notre Dame Pharmacy, next to the only tree in the area. Your guide will be holding a
red and white One Journey sign.
