Notre Dame Cathedral: Exterior Guided Tour & Unscheduled Access

Paris , France

Notre Dame Cathedral: Exterior Guided Tour & Unscheduled Access

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(405 reviews)

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

Experience the majestic Notre Dame Cathedral like never before with this expert-led walking tour of its iconic exterior, followed by free entry to explore the interior at your own pace.

Begin your tour with an insightful walk around the cathedral’s breathtaking façade. Admire soaring Gothic architecture, flying buttresses, legendary gargoyles, and the powerful symbolism carved into every detail. Your local guide brings centuries of history to life.

After the guided portion, you'll be able to enter the cathederial in the general admission line ( this is free ), allowing you to step inside and explore independently. Be captivated by the vibrant stained-glass rose windows, sacred relics including the Crown of Thorns, and the awe-inspiring interior — all with the context and stories shared during your tour.

Why Choose Us?
-Expert-guided tour highlighting Notre Dame’s exterior.
-Expert-led stories that bring the cathedral’s history to life.
-Explore Notre Dame's Interior at your Leisure

Available options

Notre Dame Exterior Tour

Duration: 1 hour: The guided portion of this tour is 50 minutes

Notre Dame Cathedral Exterior Guided Walking Tour

Notre Dame in French Language

What's included

Free Entry- Use the General Admission - There is no charge for this

Expert Tour Guide

Guided tour of the exterior of Notre Dame

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Step into history as you enter the awe-inspiring Notre Dame Cathedral, reborn after the devastating fire. Marvel at the breathtaking nave, radiant rose windows, and sacred relics like the revered Crown of Thorns. Gain powerful insights from your guide during the exterior tour, then explore the cathedral's interior on a self-guided journey that promises to leave you deeply moved.

Feel the anticipation as you join visitors from around the world to witness the rebirth of this global icon. Entry is through the general admission line, where the wait (sometime long) becomes part of the story—a testament to the significance of this moment. With our expertly guided insights, your visit to Notre Dame will be both rich and unforgettable.

What's not included

Private transportation

Guided Tour inside of Notre Dame - This is self guided

Available languages

Guide guide

EN FR

Reviews breakdown

Viator 3.7

55 reviews

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4★

3★

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1★

Tripadvisor 4.6

350 reviews

5★

299

4★

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1★

Important information

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

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.

* Please note that exceptional closures of Notre-Dame may occur at the last minute. We invite you to plan your visit in advance and check the official website of Notre-Dame to check if your date is likely to be affected by a closure at the following address: https://www.notredamedeparis.fr/en/. No refunds will be given in the event of the cathedral closing. If the interior is closed, an enhanced exterior tour will be offered for one hour. *

Meeting point

Please meet your guide on the side of Notre Dame Pharmacy, directly Infront of the small tree at 11 Rue Lagrange, 75005 Paris, France. Your Guide will be holding a red and white, One Journey sign.

Important notes

-No Tickets are needed to Enter Notre Dame
-Wait times to enter Norte Dame will vary ,your guide will share advice for the fastest way to enter the 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