Medieval Paris: Notre Dame, Sainte Chapelle and Conciergerie
Active
3h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
This is where Paris all began, at its historic heart: Île de la Cité. Your expert guide will lead you through a journey starting with the grandeur of the royal Sainte Chapelle, followed by the fascinating Conciergerie, and concluding with the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral, the birthplace of Gothic art.
In 2026, the Conciergerie will go through major renovation works. We'll visit the recently reopened Middle Ages Museum, Cluny.
This experience is a must for anyone eager to discover the true cradle of Paris.
Available options
Medieval Paris: Notre Dame, Sainte Chapelle and Conciergerie
What's included
Stories of the Concergerie - a former Palace turned Prison
A detailed look at the beautiful Sainte Chapelle
Access to Notre Dame Cathedral
Detailed itinerary
1
Often called the cradle of Paris, the Île de la Cité was adopted as home by the Parisii tribe over 2,000 years ago and is thought of as the historical centre of Paris. Your tour begins on the island in front of Notre Dame Cathedral, where you’ll be deciphering the intricate details of the stone façade of this gothic masterpiece and learning the difference between a gargoyle and a grotesque. Despite the recent 2019 fire that partially destroyed its roof and spire, your guide will present Our Lady of Paris from the outside and its rich sculpted facade.
2
Stop 2
Finally the dazzling Sainte Chapelle, a masterpiece of medieval engineering with walls made entirely of stained glass. You’ll learn about the king behind this ambitious and costly project, and the high-profile relic for which the chapel was built.
3
Stop 3
Conciergerie, a former royal palace and infamous prison that struck fear into the hearts of its detainees. You’ll see the sprawling vaulted ceilings of the Salle des Gens d’Armes, the world’s largest gothic hall and discover old prison cells, offering different levels of comfort according to the social status of the prisoner. The French Revolution also comes to life as you retrace Marie Antoinette’s fateful trip to the guillotine.
4
Stop 4
Enjoy the view as your expert guide explains all about the gargoyles and the fascinating blend of ancient and modern architectural techniques. Then, step inside the newly renovated Notre Dame Cathedral to marvel at its breathtaking restoration and timeless beauty!
What's not included
Gratuities
Available languages
Guide guide
DE
PT
EN
IT
FR
ES
Reviews breakdown
Viator
5.0
15 reviews
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Tripadvisor
5.0
5 reviews
5★
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Important information
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
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.
To access the cathedral, you have the option to book a free time slot on the cathedral’s official website. You may also walk in without a booking; however, please be aware that queues can be long during peak times and seasons.
Meeting point
Meet your guide outside the "Cité" métro station on line 4. There is only one exit when leaving the station. The exact address of the station is "Place Louis-Lépine" on rue de Luctèce. Your guide will be wearing a special badge with the Toorers logo, you can't miss it!
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
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