Historic Paris Walking Tours - Notre Dame, Sainte Chapelle and The Louvre
Active
3h - 4h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Explore historical Paris with these 4 immersive audio guides of the Notre Dame, Sainte Chapelle, the Louvre and an Instagram walk in the heart of Paris.
Join a local historian, who will guide you through the journey of the Louvre’s evolution, an adventure of discovering the secret stories behind the Gothic-style royal chapel of Sainte Chapelle, the history behind the iconic Notre Dame, as well as explore the top spots for photography and Instagrammable sights around Paris.
Along this walk, we’ll take you through every beautiful bend and curve of Paris’ trendiest neighbourhoods, the places with the most iconic food dishes, as well as the best spots to take Instagram photos.
As you learn about the history behind the sights and discover the key sightseeing spots of these neighbourhoods, we’ll uncover the true essence of Paris, and delve into the cultures that are a part of this must-see city.
Note: This is a self-guided audio walking tour and does not include entrance tickets
Available options
Historic Paris Walking Tours - Notre Dame, Sainte Chapelle and The Louvre
What's included
Offline Mode: Download tours in advance to listen without WiFi
Location Aware: GPS map allows you to enjoy sites, without getting lost
Access to your self-guided audio tour
Instagram Hotspots: We find the spot for your perfect picture
Audio tour provided by a local or historian
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
We start in front of Notre Dame’s facade as we trace the Ile de la Cité’s rich history.
The spiritual and scientific relevance of Point Zero to Paris.
We’ll look at the statues, murals, & paintings closely and the learn the legends behind them.
Observe the depictions on the central doorway as they tell us the story of the last judgement.
Do you see a row of 28 statues? There’s a quirky, but sad tale behind them!
Walk down the central aisle as we soak in the grandeur of Notre Dame’s architecture.
We look at the Rose Windows and understand the symbolisms they hold.
A place of reflection and full of stories that walk you through Jesus’s life.
Look closely at the splendour and genius of Notre Dame’s architecture.
2
Stop 2
Discover this breath-taking chapel with the world's largest collection of original stained-glass windows.
We'll discover the story of the King who build this chapel - Saint Louis.
Discover the upper chamber. We dare you to name a more beautiful sight in Paris.
A closer look at the architectural and artistic genius of the chapel.
Palais de la Cité - we trace the Roman lineage and the events that took place in this courtyard.
3
A little-known gem that was a gift for the people of Paris.
4
Stop 4
We finish the tour with a stunning view of the medieval remnants of the Palais de la Cité.
5
Learn how this overlooked masterpiece has influenced some of the world's most iconic architectural wonders.
6
Stop 6
Discover the oldest part of the Louvre, as we map its origins.
7
We'll trace the history of Grand Louvre Palace and the stories of its residents. Inspired by the pyramids of Giza, we'll explore the past while looking to the future.
8
Discover how the Sun King's rule (Louis XIV) shaped the course of history and learn about the rise and fall of Napoleon at the Arc du Carrousel, another important chapter in French history.
9
Stop 9
The (now destroyed) Tuileries have witnessed a lot and have their own story to tell.
10
Stop 10
We'll listen to some funny anecdotes about the weird and wonderful scenes the garden has seen.
11
Stop 11
We finish with the full story behind the world's most famous revolution!
12
Stop 12
We start at a little corner of medieval Paris, away from the bustle.
13
Stop 13
We pause at a famous & beloved bookstore of English language.
14
We discover an old church and a beautiful legend at this serene spot.
15
We discover old books, maps, art and the legacy of Notre Dame.
16
We pause at a magnificent view by the river.
17
Stop 17
We pause by a picturesque spot as we learn about all the bridges.
18
Stop 18
We stop at a lively square and get to know its past and present.
What's not included
Earphones
Mobile device
Available languages
Audio guide
EN
Important information
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.
Meeting point
This is a self-guided tour. Follow the instructions in your app
Important notes
This is not your ticket! You will receive a separate email with a link to your tour. From that email, please click 'Download Now', install the Vidi Guides app, create an account within the app and click 'GetMyTour'. The tour will then be ready for download within your profile section. You can start the tour whenever you like!
Bring a pair of headphones along with you so that you can truly immerse yourself in the experience! Download now and start at your convenience!
About Paris
Paris, the capital of France, is a city steeped in history, art, and romance. Known for its iconic landmarks, world-class museums, and charming neighborhoods, Paris offers a unique blend of timeless elegance and modern vibrancy. From the Eiffel Tower to the Louvre, the city is a treasure trove of cultural and historical gems.
Top Attractions
Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower is Paris's most iconic landmark and a symbol of France. Built in 1889 for the World's Fair, it offers breathtaking views of the city.
Architecture
2-3 hours
€17.10-€26.80 (depending on the level)
Louvre Museum
The Louvre is the world's largest art museum and a historic monument in Paris. It houses thousands of works of art, including the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo.
Museum
3-4 hours
€17 (full price), free for under 18s and EU residents under 26
Notre-Dame Cathedral
Notre-Dame is a masterpiece of French Gothic architecture and one of the most famous cathedrals in the world. It has been undergoing restoration since the 2019 fire.
Historical/Religious
1-2 hours
Free (towers and crypts may have reopening fees in the future)
Montmartre
Montmartre is a historic and artistic district known for its bohemian past, charming streets, and the stunning Sacré-Cœur Basilica.
Cultural
Half-day
Free to explore (Sacré-Cœur dome visit €6)
Palace of Versailles
The Palace of Versailles is a grand royal château and garden located just outside of Paris. It was the principal royal residence of France from 1682 to 1790.
Historical
Full day
€18-€28 (depending on the pass)
Must-Try Local Dishes
Croissant
A buttery, flaky pastry made from laminated dough. Best enjoyed fresh from a local bakery.
Breakfast
Contains gluten and dairy
Baguette
A long, thin loaf of French bread with a crispy crust and soft interior. Often served with cheese or ham.
Breakfast/Lunch
Contains gluten
Steak Frites
A classic French dish consisting of steak and French fries, usually served with a side of salad and béarnaise sauce.
Lunch/Dinner
Contains gluten (if served with fries) and meat
Crêpes
Thin pancakes that can be filled with a variety of sweet or savory ingredients, such as Nutella, cheese, or ham.
Snack/Dessert
Can be made gluten-free and vegetarian/vegan options available
Popular Activities
Hot air balloon rides
Rock climbing in Fontainebleau forest
Kayaking on the Seine
Picnicking in the Luxembourg Garden
Boat tours on the Seine
Spa day at a luxury hotel
Visiting museums and galleries
Attending a cabaret show
Best Time to Visit
June to August
Summer is the peak tourist season in Paris, with warm weather and long daylight hours. This is the best time to enjoy outdoor activities and festivals. However, it's also the busiest and most expensive time to visit.
15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F)
59°F to 77°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: French
- Widely spoken: English, Spanish, Arabic, Portuguese
- English: Moderately spoken
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Time Zone
GMT+1 (Central European Time, CET), GMT+2 (Central European Summer Time, CEST) during daylight saving time
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Paris is generally safe for travelers, but pickpocketing and petty theft can be a problem in tourist areas. Be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect your belongings.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
- • Be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas and on public transport
- • Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services
Getting there
By air
- Charles de Gaulle Airport • 25 km (15.5 miles) from city center
- Orly Airport • 14 km (8.7 miles) from city center
By train
Gare du Nord, Gare de Lyon
By bus
Bercy Seine, Porte Maillot
Getting around
Public transport
The Paris Metro is one of the most efficient and extensive subway systems in the world, covering all major attractions and neighborhoods.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, G7
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Le Marais
Montmartre
Latin Quarter
Saint-Germain-des-Prés
Champs-Élysées
Day trips
Versailles
17 km (10.5 miles) from Paris • Full day
The Palace of Versailles is a grand royal château and garden located just outside of Paris. It was the principal royal residence of France from 1682 to 1790 and is famous for its opulent interiors and vast gardens.
Giverny
75 km (47 miles) from Paris • Half day to full day
Giverny is a charming village known as the home of the famous impressionist painter Claude Monet. The village is home to Monet's House and Gardens, which inspired many of his most famous works.
Château de Fontainebleau
55 km (34 miles) from Paris • Full day
The Château de Fontainebleau is a grand royal château and park located just outside of Paris. It was a residence of the French monarchs from Louis VII to Napoleon III and is known for its beautiful architecture and vast forests.
Festivals
Fête de la Musique • June 21st (annual)
Paris Fashion Week • February and September (annual)
Nuit Blanche • First Saturday in October (annual)
Pro tips
- Learn a few basic French phrases to enhance your experience and show respect for the local culture
- Use public transport, walk, or bike to get around the city and avoid traffic and parking issues
- Consider purchasing a Paris Museum Pass or a multi-day public transport pass to save money on attractions and transport
- Explore the city's many neighborhoods and hidden gems, not just the major tourist attractions
- Try local specialties and enjoy the dining experience slowly and leisurely
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
