Paris Notre-Dame Interior or Exterior Walking Tour
Description
Explore the heart of Paris on this tour of Île de la Cité, starting at the equestrian statue of Henri IV. We’ll explore the scenic Place Dauphine and admire the medieval grandeur of the Tour de l’Horloge and the Conciergerie, once home to royalty and revolutionaries alike. Your guide will share local culture, from the rich legal history of the Palais de Justice to the bustling Marché aux Fleurs (flower market). See the stunning Sainte-Chapelle and Notre Dame Cathedral as your guide points out the interesting details to notice in their Gothic facades. If you choose to upgrade, enjoy a self-guided visit to the Archeological Crypt below Notre Dame, where you’ll discover the foundations of the original Paris. You can also upgrade to include a guided tour of the interior otherwise it’s free to visit, and you’re welcome to enter on your own after the tour, and your guide can share tips on what to look for inside.
Tour Options
Itinerary
You’ll start your tour at the iconic equestrian statue of Henri IV, known as the “Good King.” It symbolizes the king’s achievements in bringing stability to France after the Wars of Religion.
This peaceful green oasis sits at the tip of Île de la Cité and offers you scenic views of the Seine River. It’s named after King Henri IV who was known as the “Vert Galant” for his romantic escapades.
Next, you’ll visit this triangular square hidden in the heart of Île de la Cité, one of Paris’s most charming and quiet spots. Built by Henri IV, it was designed to create a peaceful residential area.
You will then pass by the Court of Appeal, an essential part of the French judicial system, where key legal appeals are heard. Here, you’ll be able to admire its impressive façade from the outside.
Your guide will show you this clock tower, one of the oldest in Paris, installed in 1370 to symbolize royal power and justice. It’s a reminder of the medieval importance of timekeeping in city life.
You’ll be able to admire the grand exterior of the Conciergerie, once a royal palace and later a notorious prison during the French Revolution. Its Gothic architecture hints at its dark history. Upgrade your ticket to include a post-tour visit inside this unusual medieval building.
You will also discover the classical exterior of the Palace of Justice, which has been the center of judicial power for centuries, housing the country’s highest courts.
Your guide will take you by the exterior of the Sainte-Chapelle church, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture famous for its stunning stained glass windows.
Before you reach the end of the guided tour, you’ll discover this historic flower market located on Île de la Cité. Named in honor of Queen Elizabeth II, it’s a picturesque spot to explore nature in the heart of the city.
Here you can admire the Gothic architecture that has captivated visitors for centuries. You will see its iconic façade, intricate sculptures, and towering spires. (Entry not included.)
Your walking tour ends outside the entrance to the Archeological Crypt. You will then enjoy a self-guided visit (ticket included) to see the foundations of Paris below Notre Dame.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- It is possible that the crypt can be closed at times for construction or maintenance. In this case you will receive an hour-long guided walking tour around Notre Dame but you will not be able to enter the Crypt.
- This is a guided walking tour of the area around and outside of the Notre Dame Cathedral followed by a self-guided visit of the Archeological Crypt. You are welcome to enter the cathedral on your own before or after the tour.