Île de la Cité, the Old Town of Paris Private Guided Tour
Active
2h - 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 the heart of Paris’s Old Town, the historic Ile de la Cité. See the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral! Extended options: visit Marie Antoinette's prison in the Conciergerie and the beautiful Sainte-Chapelle with timed tickets.
Choose one of our excellent tour options tailored to your needs and interests:
2-hour: Ile de la Cité Highlights
Join this walking tour of Ile de la Cité to see highlights such as the Notre Dame Cathedral, Saint-Jacques Tower and the Conciergerie (exterior only).
3-hour: Ile de la Cité & Conciergerie
Join this walking tour of Ile de la Cité to visit the Conciergerie and see highlights such as the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Saint-Jacques Tower.
4-hour: Ile de la Cité, Concierge & Sainte-Chapelle
Join this walking tour of Ile de la Cité to visit the Sainte-Chapelle and the Concierge, and see highlights such as the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Saint-Jacques Tower.
Available options
4H:la Cité,Concierge&Sainte-Ch
Duration: 4 hours: Join this walking tour of Ile de la Cité to visit the Sainte-Chapelle and the Concierge, and see highlights such as the<br/>,: Notre Dame Cathedral and the Saint-Jacques Tower.<br/>Expert-Guide: Official 5-Stars Guide who is an Expert in this kind of tours. Guide speaks fluently in chosen language. FRPA018
3H:Ile de la Cité & Concierger
Duration: 3 hours: Join this walking tour of Ile de la Cité to visit the Conciergerie and see highlights such as the Notre Dame Cathedral and<br/>,: the Saint-Jacques Tower.<br/>Expert-Guide: Official 5-Stars Guide who is an Expert in this kind of tours. Guide speaks fluently in chosen language. FRPA018
2H: Ile de la Cité Highlights
Duration: 2 hours: Join this walking tour of Ile de la Cité to see highlights such as the Notre Dame Cathedral, Saint-Jacques Tower and<br/>,: the Conciergerie (exterior only).<br/>Expert-Guide: Official 5-Stars Guide who is an Expert in this kind of tours. Guide speaks fluently in chosen language. FRPA018
What's included
Private Walking Tour of Ile de la Cité (number of attractions depends on the selected option)
5-Star Licensed Guide who is fluent in the language of your choice
Skip-the-line tickets to Conciergerie (only in 3 and 4-hour options)
Timed tickets to Sainte-Chapelle (only in 4-hour option)
Historical facts and legends of Paris
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Meet your guide in front of the Britannique Hotel - Paris Centre, 20 Av. Victoria, 75001 Paris, France. Please do not enter the hotel, it is only a meeting point.
2
Stop 2
Your amazing tour begins on the bank of the Seine River with a story of Bonaparte’s victory, which is commemorated by the Fontaine du Châtelet.
3
Stop 3
Nearby you can also see Saint-Jacques Tower, which is the only remaining part of a 16th-century church that was demolished during the French Revolution and the historic city hall Hôtel de Ville, which witnessed the proclamation of French Third Republic in 1870 and the Liberation of Paris in 1944.
4
Enjoy the picturesque views as you walk across Pont d'Arcole to enter Ile de la Cité. Here, you will find traces of the darker days in the city’s history.
5
See the Deportation Martyrs Memorial to the people deported to concentration camps and the famed Notre Dame Cathedral, which almost completely burned down in 2019. Nevertheless, Notre Dame’s architecture, history and cultural value still make it one of the most beloved monuments of Paris.
6
Stop 6
Another point of interest will be the mighty Conciergerie, a medieval palace and the last prison of Marie Antoinette.
Visit the Conciergerie with skip-the-line tickets and learn more about its role as the medieval residence of the kings of France and a prison during the French Revolution.
Visit the Hall of the Men-at-Arms, which is the largest non-religious Gothic hall in Europe, the Prisoners’ Corridor, and Memorial chapel to Marie-Antoinette dedicated to the Queen who was imprisoned, tried and sentenced at Conciergerie.
7
Stop 7
The tour will end at the charming Place Dauphine, where you can admire Pont Neuf and the equine statue of King Henri IV.
8
Stop 8
Discover the secrets of the oldest vestige of the Palais de la Cité.
9
Stop 9
Visit the Sainte-Chapelle, the royal chapel of Palais de la Cité. We provide timed tickets to this attraction as well so you can avoid the waiting lines. This opulent Gothic chapel was built in the 13th century for King Louis IX and no expense was spared to decorate its interiors. Marvel at the extensive, original stained glass windows that depict biblical scenes, colorfully painted walls and ceilings, and numerous statues of the Apostles. During this tour you will also have a chance to take a closer look at the Louvre Palace, which now houses the popular museum of art.
10
Stop 10
During this tour you will also have a chance to take a closer look at the Louvre Palace, which now houses the popular museum of art.
What's not included
Skip-the-line tickets to Conciergerie (in 2-hour option)
Timed tickets to Sainte-Chapelle (in 2 and 3-hour options)
Available languages
Guide guide
AR
DE
RU
PT
CMN
JA
EN
IT
PL
FR
ES
Reviews breakdown
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Important information
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Please check your email the day before the tour for important information.
Please note that the number of attractions depends on the selected option. Tickets to Conciergerie and Sainte-Chapelle are not included in a 2-hour tour.
Skip-the-line tickets include a reserved time slot for entry. You can skip the line to the ticket office but not for ticket validation and security checks.
3- and 4-hour tours: due to museum regulations, 1 licensed guide can lead a group of 1-7 people, so the price will be higher if you need more than 1 guide.
Meeting point
Meet your guide In front of the Britannique Hotel - Paris Centre, 20 Av. Victoria, 75001 Paris, France. Please do not enter the hotel, it is only a meeting point
Important notes
Know before you Go:
- Please check your email the day before the tour for important information.
- Please note that the number of attractions depends on the selected option. Tickets to Conciergerie and Sainte-Chapelle are not included in a 2-hour tour.
- Skip-the-line tickets include a reserved time slot for entry. You can skip the line to the ticket office but not for ticket validation and security checks.
- 3- and 4-hour tours: due to museum regulations, 1 licensed guide can lead a group of 1-7 people, so the price will be higher if you need more than 1 guide.
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
