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

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4:30 p.m. daily • 1 hour
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21 Quai de Montebello, 75005 Paris, France
Free cancellation 48 hours prior to tour start time

Tour Highlights

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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.
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Architectural Masterpiece
Gain a deeper understanding of Gothic architecture, its innovative design elements like flying buttresses, and their cultural impact.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Notre Dame Cathedral's famous rose window with vibrant stained glass
View of Notre Dame Cathedral from across the Seine River

Plan your trip

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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.
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What to Bring
Comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and a reusable water bottle are recommended for this walking tour.
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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.
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Flexible Cancellation
Cancel up to 48 hours before your tour for a full refund, offering you peace of mind for your travel plans.
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Accessibility
Some uneven walking paths may be involved. Please contact us if you have mobility concerns so we can accommodate your needs.

Reviews

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Awesome tour!
Denise did an outstanding job! So much information and very personable!!! She was very knowledgeable. Would highly recommend.
- Judy C
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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

Clock icon
4:30 p.m. daily • 1 hour
Location icon
21 Quai de Montebello, 75005 Paris, France
Free cancellation 48 hours prior to tour start time
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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.
Map showing 21 Quai de Montebello meeting point across from Notre Dame Cathedral
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