Ile De La Cite & Notre Dame Exterior | Guided Tour | 1h

The Île de la Cité is a captivating island in the heart of Paris, home to the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral. This guided tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich medieval history and impressive Gothic architecture of this landmark. Led by an English-speaking guide, visitors will explore the cultural significance and ongoing restoration efforts that have shaped this enduring Parisian masterpiece. With insights into Victor Hugo’s influence, the tour promises an immersive and enlightening experience for all who embark on this journey.

Key Points

• The tour includes a guided exploration of Île de la Cité’s medieval landmarks and a 30-minute exterior tour of the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral.
• The tour duration is 1 hour, with 30 minutes dedicated to each location.
• The tour is led by an English-speaking guide and priced at $12.22 per person.
• The tour allows guests to enter Notre Dame independently after the guided portion.
• The tour highlights the cathedral’s Gothic architecture, its cultural significance, and the ongoing restoration efforts.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

This guided tour offers visitors a comprehensive exploration of Île de la Cité and the exterior of Notre Dame Cathedral.

The 1-hour activity includes 30 minutes exploring the island’s medieval landmarks and 30 minutes admiring Notre Dame’s stunning Gothic facade. Priced at $12.22 per person, the tour is led by an English-speaking guide.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance allows flexibility. Meeting at the Cité metro station, the tour starts at Place Louis Lépine and concludes outside Notre Dame, giving guests the option to enter independently.

Tour inclusions cover sightseeing, guiding, and commentary on the cathedral’s history and restoration.

Itinerary

The guided tour begins at Place Louis Lépine on Île de la Cité, where visitors explore the island’s medieval roots and landmarks for 30 minutes. Next, the tour moves to the exterior of Notre Dame Cathedral, where guests spend 30 minutes admiring the building’s stunning Gothic architecture and intricate facade. The tour concludes outside Notre Dame, allowing guests to enter independently if desired.

| Sightseeing on Tour | Duration |

| — | — |

| Île de la Cité | 30 minutes |

| Notre Dame Cathedral Exterior | 30 minutes |

| Finish Location | Outside Notre Dame |

Highlights

Strolling through the historic Île de la Cité, visitors can explore Paris’ medieval roots and landmarks.

They’ll admire Notre Dame’s intricate Gothic facade, marveling at its architectural significance. The tour guide will share stories about Victor Hugo’s influence on the cathedral’s preservation, particularly after the devastating fire.

Guests will learn about Notre Dame’s restoration efforts and the cathedral’s enduring cultural importance.

This guided tour provides an engaging introduction to Île de la Cité and Notre Dame’s exterior, whetting visitors’ appetites to potentially explore the cathedral’s interior independently after the tour concludes.

Tour Inclusions

The guided tour includes a walking exploration of Île de la Cité and the exterior of Notre Dame Cathedral. Guests will be led by an English-speaking guide who will share stories and insights about the area’s medieval history and the iconic cathedral’s architecture. The tour also provides the option to enter Notre Dame independently after the tour, though the entry ticket is not included. Gratuities and hotel pick-up/drop-off are also not part of the tour.

| Included | Not Included |

| — | — |

| Walking tour of Île de la Cité | Notre Dame entry ticket |

| Exterior tour of Notre Dame Cathedral | Gratuities |

| English-speaking tour guide | Hotel pick-up/drop-off |

| Option to enter Notre Dame after the tour | |

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Important Information

Guests should note that the Notre Dame entry ticket or guided tour inside the cathedral isn’t included in the price of this tour.

However, the exterior tour allows visitors to admire the stunning Gothic architecture and learn about the cathedral’s history and restoration.

The tour concludes outside Notre Dame, giving guests the option to enter independently if desired.

Guests should check availability for starting times before booking, as the tour operates at select times.

While gratuities aren’t included, the English-speaking guide provides an informative and engaging experience exploring Île de la Cité and the Notre Dame exterior.

Guided Tour Details

This guided tour begins at Place Louis Lépine on Île de la Cité, where visitors spend the first 30 minutes exploring the island’s medieval roots and landmarks.

Next, the tour moves to the exterior of Notre Dame Cathedral, allowing guests 30 minutes to admire its stunning Gothic facade.

Along the way, the English-speaking guide shares stories about Victor Hugo’s influence on the cathedral’s preservation and the architectural significance of its design.

The tour concludes outside Notre Dame, giving guests the option to enter independently if desired. An entry ticket or guided tour inside the cathedral isn’t included.

Exploring Île De La Cité

Île de la Cité is the heart of historic Paris, home to some of the city’s most iconic medieval landmarks. During the tour, guests explore this small island, learning about its rich past.

They’ll see the Palais de Justice, a grand 19th-century courthouse, and the Conciergerie, a former royal palace and prison. Venturing further, they’ll encounter Saint-Chapelle, a magnificent Gothic chapel famous for its stained-glass windows.

The tour also covers the island’s medieval roots, mentioning how it served as the political and religious center of France during the Middle Ages. With each step, guests gain a deeper appreciation for Île de la Cité‘s enduring significance.

Admiring Notre Dame’s Facade

As the tour leads visitors from the charming Île de la Cité, their eyes are drawn to the towering presence of Notre Dame Cathedral.

The guide points out the cathedral’s stunning Gothic facade, with its intricate details and imposing grandeur. Ornate arches, gargoyles, and spires adorn the exterior, showcasing the skill and artistry of its medieval builders.

The towering Gothic facade of Notre Dame Cathedral impresses with its intricate details and imposing grandeur, showcasing the skill of its medieval builders.

The guide explains the significance of the cathedral’s architectural elements, highlighting Victor Hugo’s influence on its preservation.

Visitors marvel at the sheer scale and craftsmanship of this iconic Parisian landmark, eager to explore its interior after the tour concludes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Wheelchair Accessible?

The tour is not explicitly stated as wheelchair accessible. Visitors with mobility concerns should check with the tour provider for specific accessibility information before booking.

Can I Take Photos Inside Notre Dame Cathedral?

Photography is not allowed inside Notre Dame Cathedral. The tour only covers the exterior of the cathedral, so guests can take photos outside but not during the guided portion of the experience.

What Should I Bring on the Tour?

You’ll want to bring comfortable walking shoes, as the tour involves some walking. A camera is also recommended to capture the stunning architecture of Notre Dame Cathedral’s exterior. Be sure to check the weather and dress accordingly.

Is There a Discount for Students or Seniors?

The tour does not offer any discounts for students or seniors. The price is a flat rate of $12.22 per person, with no special pricing available.

Can I Join the Tour if I’m Running Late?

The tour has a set start time and the guide won’t wait for late arrivals. If you’re running late, you’ll miss the tour and won’t be able to join once it’s started. Refunds aren’t available for missed tours.

Recap

Discover the captivating history and iconic architecture of Île de la Cité and Notre Dame Cathedral on this one-hour guided tour. Led by an English-speaking expert, you’ll explore the island’s landmarks, marvel at Notre Dame’s intricate Gothic design, and gain insights into its cultural significance and ongoing restoration. An immersive experience not to be missed for visitors to Paris.

You can check if your dates are available here: