24 reviews
Notre Dame: History, Architecture, and Cultural Insights
This 60-minute walking tour around Notre Dame and the Île de la Cité is perfect for history and
architecture enthusiasts. Combine a guided exploration of the cathedral's exterior, cultural
significance, and enjoy a self-guided visit to the interior at
your own pace.
$62 per adult
4:30 p.m. daily • 1 hour
21 Quai de Montebello, 75005 Paris, France
Free cancellation 48 hours prior to tour start time
Tour Highlights
Rich Historical Context
Delve into Notre Dame's history from its foundation
in 1163 to its modern-day restoration, highlighting
its significance throughout the ages.
Architectural Masterpiece
Gain a deeper understanding of Gothic architecture,
its innovative design elements like flying
buttresses, and their cultural impact.
Self-Guided Visit Opportunity
After the guided portion, explore Notre Dame's
iconic interior at your own pace, equipped with the
historical context provided by your guide.
Story of Île de la Cité
Learn about the island's role as the cradle of
Parisian history, from its Roman roots to the
present day and its central importance to French
culture.
Detailed Exterior Exploration
Explore the cathedral's intricate west facade, the
three portals, rose window, and discover the
symbolic gargoyles and chimera statues.
Itinerary
-
1. Introduction to Île de la Cité
Meet your guide at 21 Quai de Montebello, near Cafe Panis. Learn about the island's role as the cradle of Parisian history, its strategic importance, and how it transformed over centuries to become the heart of Paris. -
2. The South Side Facades and Flying Buttresses
Stroll along the Seine to admire the cathedral's structural and artistic innovations. Explore the engineering genius of the flying buttresses and learn how they revolutionized Gothic architecture, allowing for taller, more open cathedral designs. -
3. The South Side and Bell Towers
View the towering structures that house the famous Emmanuel Bell and discuss their history. Discover the cultural importance of the bell towers and learn about their symbolic survival during the devastating 2019 fire. -
4. Notre Dame's West Facade
Discover the intricate details of the cathedral's three portals, the central rose window, and its iconic gargoyles and chimera statues. Learn how these elements told biblical stories for a medieval audience, and the incredible craftsmanship behind the 13th-century construction. -
5. The Square in Front of Notre Dame
Learn about the historical significance of Place Jean-Paul II and its use over centuries. Understand the square's role as a medieval marketplace, its significance as Point Zéro (the starting point of all French road distances), and its connection to Notre Dame's history. -
6. Self-Guided Visit Inside Notre Dame
After the guided tour, explore the cathedral's interior at your own pace. See the nave and choir with intricate Gothic carvings, admire the North and South rose windows with vibrant stained glass artistry, and visit the altar with its notable relics, including the Crown of Thorns.
Plan your trip
Dress Code
Modest attire is required to enter the cathedral. We
recommend clothing that covers shoulders and knees
out of respect for this religious site.
What to Bring
Comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate
clothing, and a reusable water bottle are
recommended for this walking tour.
Special Events Information
This tour may not run during special events or
religious services unless we have advance notice and
special permissions. Please check for possible
schedule changes.
Flexible Cancellation
Cancel up to 48 hours before your tour for a full
refund, offering you peace of mind for your travel
plans.
Accessibility
Some uneven walking paths may be involved. Please
contact us if you have mobility concerns so we can
accommodate your needs.
Reviews
Awesome tour!
Denise did an outstanding job! So much information and very personable!!! She was very
knowledgeable. Would highly recommend.
- Judy C
The Notre Dame tour was wonderful!
We did the Notre Dame exterior walking tour and it was a wonderful experience, our guide Denise
did a great job explaining the history, construction and restoration; we learned a lot and very
much enjoyed the experience!!
- Michael H
$62 per adult
4:30 p.m. daily • 1 hour
21 Quai de Montebello, 75005 Paris, France
Free cancellation 48 hours prior to tour start time
Journey meeting point
48.85220° N, 2.34841° E
21 Quai de Montebello, 75005 Paris, France
Finding Your Guide:
Your guide will be waiting for you at 21 Quai de
Montebello, directly across the river from Notre Dame
Cathedral.
Look for the corner next to Cafe Panis, which provides an
excellent first view of the cathedral across the Seine.
Your guide will be wearing One Journey identification and
will have materials to enhance your understanding of Notre
Dame's historical and architectural significance.
