Early Access Paris Notre Dame Cathedral Walking Tour
Description
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Notre Dame Cathedral on this expertly guided tour, situated on the historic Île de la Cité—the heart of Paris. Be among the first to witness the stunning restoration of Notre Dame, one of the world's most celebrated Gothic masterpieces, now more radiant than ever. Embark on an unforgettable journey to the Île de la Cité, the historical heart of Paris. Few visitors realize that this famous island, cradled by the Seine River, is the very birthplace of Paris. Once the site of Lutetia, a muddy settlement of the Parisi tribes, it evolved into the bustling epicentre of one of the world's most beautiful cities. Today, it’s home to some of Paris’s most celebrated landmarks, including the majestic exterior of Notre Dame Cathedral and Sainte-Chapelle.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Antic religious site where archaeological excavations discovered a pillar used for propaganda. Made by the Nautes (corporation of traders) How the Romans used les Nautes (economic and political power of Paris) to reconcile the Celtic and Greco-Roman pantheon of gods). Great pictures of Notre Dame’s flying buttress.
Enjoy a walk along the Seine, the iconic river of Paris. The Seine and its banks belong to UNESCO World Heritage Sites in central Paris.
Discover Ile de la Cite, an island in central Paris and home of many landmarks like the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Sainte-Chapelle.
Inside Notre Dame: Enter the 12th and 13th-century Gothic monument. Discover more than 450,000 square feet of cream-colored limestone that has been meticulously stripped of ash, lead dust and centuries of accumulated grime, leaving its soaring vaults, thick columns and tall walls almost startlingly bright, calling out with celestial magnetism. Admire and enjoy the craftsmanship of over 2,000 workers and craftsmen from around France who contributed to the cathedral’s reconstruction. Discover the new liturgical furniture, like the altar; peered at delicately sculpted scenes from the life of Christ. Marvel at gold-leaf stars set across a deep blue ceiling in one of the painted side chapels; and look up at cherubs on the oculus, a ring of stone at the centre of the four vaults that form the cathedral’s transept crossing. Admire the cathedral’s central nave, that has been restored creating the foundation for one of the most spectacular architectural masterpieces ever constructed.
Where we measure the distance of Paris from other places. Step on it to come back to Paris. Where criminals used to repent before their execution.
Walk onto the plaza in front of the cathedral, which is also in the process of being redesigned to open it up toward the Seine River and to help millions of visitors flow through more easily and comfortably. Enjoy engaging narration from your expert-first class guide who will explain the history of the Square dating back to Roman Times. Today it is more commonly known as the Notre Dame Plaza. Guest will also see the Statue of Charlemagne and His Guards, a monumental bronze statue situated on the plaza (parvis) in front of Notre-Dame while they enjoy fascinating insights to this historical French historical figure.
Préfecture de Police 5 mins See the he Paris Police Prefecture, the unit of the French Ministry of the Interior that provides police, emergency services, and various administrative services to the population of the city of Paris and the surrounding three suburban départements of The Paris Police Prefecture supervises the Paris Police force, the Paris Fire Brigade, and various administrative departments in charge of issuing ID cards and driver licenses or monitoring alien residents. The Department is housed in a wonderful historical building clearly showing bullet impact on the building from WWII liberation of Paris from the Germans.
Visit the Flower Market of the Notre Dame Island Located on Place Louis Lépine between the Notre-Dame Cathedral and Sainte-Chapelle Chapel. The flower market has attracted avid gardeners and curious passersby since 1830. Both covered and open-air, the market is mainly formed by pavilions from the 1900s and when open is a wonderful sight to enjoy. * This market is not always open but groups will still walk through the area regardless.
Courthouse of Paris 5 mins While the tour group are on the on the City Island of Paris “Ile de la Cité” they will see one of the oldest and most prestigious official buildings in Paris, the Palais de Justice law courts. As far back as Roman times the site was used as a place of government, and this example was followed by the succeeding Merovingian and Capetian dynasties, which their guide will give an overview of as well as time to take photos.
The Sainte-Chapelle is a royal chapel in the Gothic style, within the medieval Palais de la Cité, the residence of the Kings of France until the 14th century, on the Île de la Cité in the River Seine in Paris, France. Construction began sometime after 1238 and the chapel was consecrated on 26 April 1248. We enter later with the people who chose this option. Guests will have time to take photos and enjoy a brief introduction to this exquisite Gothic masterpiece’s exterior. We enter later with the people who chose this option for a 60 minute interior visit.
Guests will stop to take photos and enjoy a fascinating introduction to the Old prison of Paris where Marie Antoinette stayed 9 months. It is here that the famous Revolutionary Tribunal sentenced 2,639 people to be executed by guillotine in Paris during the Reign of Terror, which took place during the French Revolution.
Clock Tower 3 mins Guests will see and learn about out about this 650 year old clock, the first a watchtower for the security of the Royal Palace. It is rectangular, massive, 47 meters high. Its walls were nearly a meter thick. The Clock Tower has undergone extensive restorations. From 1840 to 1843 to consolidate the lower part and establish a guardhouse at its foot, between 1843 and 1848, then between 1860 and 1861, and restored it to its medieval appearance, especially in its upper parts. The vaulted room on the fourth floor, was completely restored, as was the upper level of the tower.
Oldest square in Paris built by Henri IV for his 1st son. Where French people play a game very dear to them: la pétanque.
Oldest bridge in Paris. Stunning view of the Louvre, Seine River, Eiffel tower, French Academy and Monnaie de Paris. End of tour for those without Sainte Chappelle tickets.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- The entrance to Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris is free and open to all. The services offered are independent of access to the interior of the building.
- Participants should be in good health - consult first with your doctor if you have any medical condition or are not used to regular exercise.
- Wheelchairs, motorised scooters or any other device to assist mobility are not recommended, as we cannot guarantee: that all footpaths/sidewalks/curbs will have suitable ramps.
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately.
- Anybody under the age of 18 years must be accompanied by somebody aged 18 years or older.
- Please bring: Photo ID, Comfortable shoes and water (we will be waiting in the sun), Church dress code: A scarf or jumper to cover your shoulders
- Please be aware that due to the recent re opening of Notre Dame the Cathedral is extremely popular causing wait times to increase. This is completely out of our control.
- Please wear comfortable shoes as this tour involves a fair amount of walking, including over uneven surfaces, cobblestones, hills, inclines, declines and stairs.
- Not recommended for travellers with limited mobility
- Guests who upgraded to enter to Sainte-Chappelle, please bring: Photo ID, Comfortable shoes and water (we will be waiting in the sun), Church dress code: A scarf or jumper to cover your shoulders
Reviews(1,181)
Maybe I didn't read the description thoroughly, but for a 3-hour tour, @ almost $200 pp, the guide (who was good) was with us for less than 1 hour. She walked us to Notre Dame, said go inside meet me back here in an hour. Then we walked to Saint Chapelle (on the way she pointed out a few things), then left us in our timed entry que (30 mins prior to timed entry) and said goodbye. We waited 45 mins and entered. She did not tell us what to expect at all, including a steep, long, winding staircase to access the chapel. I understand Notre Dame is SILENT, but she could have used whisper boxes like many other guides in there. She could have used our time to tell us about Paris history while we waited in chapel que for 45 mins. tickets to Saint Chapelle were provided (value of $20pp), Notre Dame is free ofcourse. I just don't see the value. Perhaps it's the markup....as it was a local tour company that was booked through tripadvisor then Viator.
DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY ON A VIATOR TOUR. We were told to arrive at 9:15 for our 9:30 tour of notre dame and saint chapelle. Our tour guide did not arrive, and when a guide finally arrived at 9:45, there was a lot of confusion as there were many people waiting. Our tour finally started at 10:15. The company “upgraded” us to a fully guided tour of the inside of notre dame. This meant we walked quickly through notre with no time to stop and see ANYTHING. we spent a total of 20 minutes inside notre dame. We were rushed to get to saint chapelle on time and when we got there, we learned it was closed due to the heat! The tour company claimed they did not need to compensate us for the very fast notre dame tour inside thanks to the upgrade of the guided tour. I feel like I haven’t even visited the inside of notre dame. This was the worst experience I have ever had on a tour.
Tour operator arbitrarily changed the time of the tour to an earlier time, which I could not attend. I showed up at my booked time, no one was there at all. They refused to offer a refund. Never use this Tour.
Our tour guide was lovely but for the amount of money we spent we expected more. She walked us to Norte Dame, guided us which line to stand in and directed us to meet her outside after we walked around Norte Dame on our own. She did share some interesting historical facts prior to us going in. When we met here after, she shared more facts then said goodbye. What happened to the city walking tour that is advertised with this tour? Complete waste of money. The friends that were with us felt the same way.
Dear Guest, Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. After carefully reviewing your comments, we believe there may have been some confusion on the day and that you may possibly have checked in with a different tour operator by mistake, as the experience you have described does not match the tour operated by LetzGo City Tours. Our Paris Notre Dame experience is much more than simply a visit to the Cathedral. The tour includes a fully guided approximately 90-minute walking tour of the historic Île de la Cité — the island at the very heart of Paris where the city was born. During this guided experience, our expert local guide brings to life many of the area’s most important landmarks, including the history of Notre Dame Cathedral, its remarkable restoration following the 2019 fire, the medieval streets surrounding the Cathedral, the River Seine, and the incredible stories connected to this historic centre of Paris. Guests then have the opportunity to experience the beautifully restored interior of Notre Dame Cathedral, with our guide ensuring everyone has the historical context needed to fully appreciate one of the world’s most iconic monuments. The experience you described does not reflect our itinerary, our meeting process, or the tour delivered by our guide team on the day. For this reason, we kindly suggest double-checking your booking confirmation and the operator listed, as it appears you may have accidentally joined another group. We would, of course, be very happy to assist further if you can provide any additional details. Kind regards, Ciaran LetzGo City Tours
Benedicte was great. So high energy and clearly loves the city. She was so knowledgable about Notre Dame. She even provided additional recommendations regarding where I could buy a lovely silk scarf. I would love to take a tour with her again
Hannah, Thank you so much for your wonderful 5-star review! We are absolutely delighted to hear how much you enjoyed your Notre Dame experience with Benedicte. She truly represents what we love most about our guides — incredible knowledge, genuine passion, and the ability to make the history and spirit of Paris come alive. Notre Dame is not just a monument; it is the heart of Paris, with almost 900 years of extraordinary stories, and we are so happy that Benedicte’s enthusiasm and expertise helped make your visit so memorable. We especially loved hearing that she went beyond the history of Notre Dame and shared her own personal Paris recommendations — including helping you find the perfect place for a beautiful silk scarf! Those little local touches are exactly what we believe turn a great tour into an unforgettable experience. We will be sure to share your kind words with Benedicte. She will be thrilled to know that you would love to join another tour with her again. Thank you for choosing LetzGo City Tours, and we hope to welcome you back soon for another extraordinary experience with us in Paris, Ireland, Italy, the UK, or one of our other amazing destinations around the world. Warm regards, The LetzGo City Tours Team
Learned so much about these iconic spots in Paris. Nina was very knowledgeable and made the experience so much more enjoyable! Hvala Nina!
Dear Guest, Thank you so much for your wonderful 5-star review! We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed exploring some of Paris’ most iconic landmarks with Nina. She is an incredible guide who combines deep knowledge, great storytelling, and a genuine passion for sharing the history and beauty of this amazing city. Notre Dame and the historic Île de la Cité have so many fascinating stories — from centuries of Parisian history to the remarkable restoration of the Cathedral — and we are thrilled that Nina helped bring these extraordinary places to life and made your experience even more enjoyable. We especially loved your “Hvala Nina!” — we know she will really appreciate your kind words and recognition. Thank you for choosing LetzGo City Tours. We hope to welcome you back again soon for another unforgettable experience in Paris or on one of our award-winning tours across Europe and the USA. Warm regards, The LetzGo City Tours Team
The tour was much more than just the cathedral, our guide provided historical information on the area and construction. She also did a good job of keeping the group together.
Make sure to pay attention to the starting point as I did not which caused me to end up waiting at the Notre Dame entrance. Once the tour begin all went smoothly we learned a lot of information on the city as a whole as well as the Notre Dame. Benedict was a good tour guide with lots of valuable information for first time visitors.
The tour was great. No complaints at all. The tour guide was humorous. I thought it was going to be an explanation inside the church but it wasn't.
Not at all the “guided tour” we expected. The guide’s knowledge both told some stories outside each church and then sent us inside on our own. TERRIBLE for the price they charged! I could have done the same with Google Maps and ChatGPT
Tamara, Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We are, however, genuinely disappointed to read your comments and must respectfully disagree. We believe that the best tour experience is achieved by walking through the historic heart of Paris with a passionate local guide who brings the city’s stories, people, architecture, characters, and hidden details to life. The magic of exploring Paris is not simply knowing where a building is located — it is understanding the extraordinary stories behind what you are seeing. This experience is also much more than simply visiting the interiors of Notre Dame and Sainte-Chapelle. Your tour includes a 90-minute guided walking tour of Île de la Cité — the very birthplace of Paris and the historic heart of the City of Light. Along the way, our guides reveal the remarkable history of this island, from medieval Paris and royal power to revolution, restoration, and the events that shaped one of the world’s greatest cities. Our guides also share the extraordinary story of Notre Dame Cathedral, from its medieval construction and almost 900 years of history to the devastating fire of 2019 and the incredible restoration that allowed this masterpiece to reopen to the world. Before entering these sacred and historic spaces, your guide provides the stories, context, and highlights so you understand exactly what you are seeing rather than simply walking through without appreciating their significance. Regarding the interior visits, our tour description clearly explains the structure of the experience. Your guide provides a comprehensive introduction before entry, allowing guests to explore and appreciate these magnificent monuments at their own pace. Thousands of guests from around the world have rated this experience 5 stars because of our incredible local guides, their storytelling, and their ability to bring the history of Paris to life in a way no map or online search can recreate. We appreciate that every traveller has different expectations, but we truly believe the value of travel comes from connecting with the people, stories, and history behind the places we visit — and that is exactly what our guides are passionate about sharing every day. We wish you all the best and hope you enjoyed your time in beautiful Paris.
