Île De La Cité, the Old Town of Paris Private Guided Tour

Discover the enchanting heart of Paris on this guided tour of Île de la Cité, the historic old town. Explore the city’s origins and iconic landmarks with a 5-star licensed guide, enjoying the rich history and architecture of this captivating island. Whether it’s a 2-hour or 4-hour excursion, you’ll have the chance to skip the lines and uncover the secrets of the Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Conciergerie, and the stunning Sainte-Chapelle. With tour options in multiple languages, this private guided experience promises an in-depth and personalized exploration of Paris’s historic heart. Prepare to be enthralled by the tales that lie within these hallowed streets.

Key Points

• This private guided tour explores the historic island of Île de la Cité, the origins of Paris, with a 5-star licensed guide in multiple languages.
• The tour covers iconic landmarks like Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Conciergerie, and the option to visit the stunning Sainte-Chapelle with skip-the-line access.
• Depending on the tour duration, visitors can choose from 2-hour, 3-hour, or 4-hour options with varying inclusions.
• The tour provides an in-depth look at the rich history, architecture, and captivating legends of Île de la Cité.
• The meeting point is conveniently located at the Britannique Hotel, a short walk from the historic island.

Tour Overview

This private guided tour of Île de la Cité, the historic old town of Paris, offers a 2-4 hour exploration of the city’s origins and highlights with a 5-star local guide.

The tour is available in multiple languages, including English, French, German, Italian, Polish, Russian, and Spanish, ensuring a personalized experience for your private group.

Whether you choose the 2-hour, 3-hour, or 4-hour option, you’ll discover the iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral, learn about the French Revolution at the Conciergerie, and have the opportunity to skip the line and visit the stunning Sainte-Chapelle.

This comprehensive tour provides an in-depth look at the rich history and architecture of Île de la Cité.

Highlights of the Tour

A knowledgeable local guide leads visitors through the highlights of Île de la Cité, uncovering the origins of Paris and its captivating history.

The tour’s centerpiece is the iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral, a remarkable Gothic masterpiece. Guests also visit the Conciergerie, where they learn about the French Revolution’s dramatic events.

On the 4-hour tour, participants skip the lines to explore the breathtaking Sainte-Chapelle, renowned for its stunning stained-glass windows. Throughout the experience, the guide shares fascinating historical facts and legends, immersing participants in the rich tapestry of Île de la Cité’s past.

The private tour format ensures a personalized and in-depth exploration of this iconic Parisian district.

Tour Options and Durations

The tour offers three options, each varying in duration and inclusions to suit visitors’ preferences.

The 2-hour tour focuses on the highlights of Île de la Cité from the outside, without any entrance tickets.

The 3-hour tour adds a visit to the Conciergerie with skip-the-line tickets.

For the most comprehensive experience, the 4-hour tour includes a visit to the iconic Sainte-Chapelle, also with skip-the-line tickets.

Regardless of the chosen option, all tours provide a private walking experience led by a 5-star licensed guide who can share the rich history and captivating legends of this historic Parisian island in the language of your choice.

Inclusions in the Tour

Each private walking tour of Île de la Cité includes a knowledgeable 5-star licensed guide who can share the rich history and captivating legends of this historic Parisian island in the language of your choice.

Depending on the tour option selected, visitors will also receive skip-the-line tickets to explore the impressive Conciergerie, a former royal palace and prison during the French Revolution, as well as the stunning Sainte-Chapelle with its breathtaking stained-glass windows.

Throughout the tour, your guide will provide fascinating insights and context, ensuring you come away with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the unique heritage of Île de la Cité, the cradle of the city of Paris.

Meeting Point and Location

Your private guided tour of Île de la Cité begins at the Britannique Hotel – Paris Centre, located at 20 Av. Victoria, 75001 Paris, France.

This centrally-located meeting point is just a short walk from the historic island in the heart of Paris.

Your tour guide will be waiting for you in front of the hotel, ready to embark on a journey through the origins and history of the city.

Make sure to arrive on time, as your guide will lead you through the highlights of Île de la Cité, including the iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Conciergerie, and the Sainte-Chapelle, depending on the tour option you have selected.

Explore the Historic Isle

Once your guide leads you from the meeting point, they’ll immerse you in the rich history and captivating landmarks of the historic île de la Cité.

This small island, often referred to as the birthplace of Paris, holds a treasure trove of architectural and cultural wonders waiting to be explored.

Your guide will point out the iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral, a masterpiece of French Gothic architecture that has stood as the heart of Paris for centuries.

You’ll also learn about the Conciergerie, a former royal palace that played a pivotal role during the French Revolution.

Plus, you may have the chance to visit the Sainte-Chapelle, a stunning 13th-century royal chapel known for its breathtaking stained glass windows.

Discover Paris’s Origins

The historic Île de la Cité, often called the birthplace of Paris, traces its origins back to a small Celtic settlement on the Seine River. This island has been the center of political and religious power in France for centuries, with the construction of iconic landmarks like Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Conciergerie. Visitors can explore the island’s rich history and learn about the evolution of Paris from its humble beginnings to the vibrant metropolis it is today.

Key Dates	Historical Event	Significance
3rd century BCE	Celtic settlement founded	Earliest known settlement on the island
52 BCE	Conquered by Julius Caesar	Became part of the Roman Empire
6th century CE	Cathedral of Notre-Dame built	Transformed into a center of Christianity
1789	French Revolution began	The Conciergerie played a key role
19th century	Major renovations and expansions	Shaped the island’s current appearance

Guided Tour Experience

On a private guided tour of Île de la Cité, guests can explore the historic heart of Paris alongside an expert local guide fluent in their chosen language.

The tour covers 2-4 hours, offering three options to suit different interests and time constraints:

1. The 2-hour tour showcases the highlights of Île de la Cité from the outside, without any admission tickets.

2. The 3-hour tour also includes a visit to the Conciergerie with skip-the-line tickets.

3. The 4-hour tour adds a visit to the stunning Sainte-Chapelle, also with skip-the-line access.

Regardless of the duration, guests can expect to uncover the origins of Paris and learn about its captivating history from a knowledgeable and passionate guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Restroom Facilities Available During the Tour?

While the tour does not include scheduled restroom breaks, there are public facilities available along the route. Guests are encouraged to use the restroom before or after the tour as needed.

Can I Take Photos During the Tour?

Yes, guests are generally allowed to take photos during the tour. However, some sites may have restrictions, so it’s best to check with the guide before taking photos. The guide can provide guidance on the appropriate times and locations for taking photos.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

Yes, there is typically an option to extend the tour duration. Guests can often add additional time to explore further or delve deeper into specific sites, allowing for a more personalized experience.

Do I Need to Bring Any Special Equipment or Clothing?

For the tour, comfortable walking shoes are recommended. No special equipment is required. Dress appropriately for the weather, as the tour involves walking outdoors. The tour guide will provide any necessary materials.

Can I Request a Specific Tour Guide?

Yes, you can typically request a specific tour guide for private guided tours. However, this is subject to guide availability and the tour operator’s policies. Checking with the tour provider beforehand is recommended to ensure your preferred guide is available.

Recap

The private guided tour of Île de la Cité, the historic old town of Paris, offers an immersive experience that uncovers the rich history and architecture of this captivating Parisian island.

Visitors can choose from 2-4 hour tours led by 5-star licensed guides, exploring iconic landmarks like Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Conciergerie.

This tour provides an in-depth exploration of the city’s origins and highlights, allowing visitors to skip the lines and explore the heart of old Paris.