Secrets of Notre Dame Cathedral Tour with History Highlights

Paris , France

Secrets of Notre Dame Cathedral Tour with History Highlights

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For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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About this experience

Discover the rich history and architectural brilliance of Notre Dame Cathedral on this engaging 60-minute walking tour. Begin your journey at the Île de la Cité, where you'll explore the cathedral's stunning exterior, including its iconic flying buttresses and intricate gargoyles. Delve into its historical significance from 1163 to the present, and enjoy a guided visit inside the cathedral with your expert art history guide, who will show you the hidden treasures and tell you the secrets of the fire, the restauration and much more.

- 60-minute guided walking tour featuring Notre Dame Cathedral and Île de la Cité
- Explore Gothic architectural elements and their cultural significance
- Visit the cathedral's interior with your expert guide
- Learn about the historical importance of Place Jean-Paul II and the bell towers
- Hear about the fire, the restauration, and the special efforts at keeping Notre Dame's legacy alive

Available options

Secrets of Notre Dame : History & Architectural Highlights

Guided Tour in Italian

Guided Tour in Spanish

Private Tour of Notre Dame

Guided Tour in French

What's included

Guided Tour of Notre Dame Cathedral (exterior and interior)

Insights into the Architecture and Culture

Official Guide and History Expert

Secrets about the Fire and Restauration

Detailed itinerary

Introduction to Île de la Cité
Meet your guide at 1 Quai Saint Michel, near Cafe La Crème de Paris. Learn about the island's role as the cradle of Parisian history, its strategic importance, and how it transformed over centuries to become the heart of Paris.

The South Side Facades and Flying Buttresses :
Stroll along the Seine to admire the cathedral's structural and artistic innovations. Explore the engineering genius of the flying buttresses and learn how they revolutionized Gothic architecture, allowing for taller, more open cathedral designs.

The South Side and Bell Towers :
View the towering structures that house the famous Emmanuel Bell and discuss their history. Discover the cultural importance of the bell towers and learn about their symbolic survival during the devastating 2019 fire.

Notre Dame's West Facade : Discover the intricate details of the cathedral's three portals, the central rose window, and its iconic gargoyles and chimera statues. Learn how these elements told biblical stories for a medieval audience, and the incredible craftsmanship behind the 13th-century construction.

Stop 6 Pass by

Self-Guided Visit Inside Notre Dame : After the guided tour, explore the cathedral's interior at your own pace. See the nave and choir with intricate Gothic carvings, admire the North and South rose windows with vibrant stained glass artistry, and visit the altar with its notable relics, including the Crown of Thorns.

What's not included

Gratuities

Water and Beverages

Available languages

Guide guide

EN IT FR ES

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

The entrance to Notre-Dame Cathedral is open to all, and is included in your tour. Please note that there is a mandatory security line at the entrance which usually takes an average of 15 minutes, but may be longer, depending on affluence. Your guide will escort you through the queue and into the church, providing historical commentary and insight into the church's history, and its cultural context. Please note that it is not possible to skip this queue.

Notre-Dame Cathedral is a functioning place of worship, and mass goes on inside the church several times a day.To accommodate the schedule of celebrations, the rector may sometimes close the church without notice. If the Cathedral is closed unexpectedly during our tour time, our tour will take place on the exterior of the basilica. No refunds will be issued in the event of cathedral closures or other events beyond our control.

Visitors to the interior of the cathedral must dress appropriately, covering shoulders and knees.

Meeting point

At 1 quai de Montebello, in front of the restaurant Le Montebello, on the green bench outside, just across the Seine from Notre-Dame Cathedral.

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