Inside Notre Dame Tour with Optional Seine River Cruise

Paris , France

Inside Notre Dame Tour with Optional Seine River Cruise

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(9 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

This 90-minute tour offers a detailed exploration of Notre-Dame led by an expert licensed guide. The tour begins with a guided walk around the exterior, where your guide will provide historical context for the building's magnificent architecture. They'll explain the significance of its famous gargoyles and discuss the impact and progress of the post-2019 fire restoration.

The second part of the tour is a full hour inside the cathedral. With audio headsets, you will be able to clearly hear your guide.

This guided experience inside is designed to highlight the details you might miss on your own. You'll learn about the architecture, see the scale of the stained-glass windows up close, and hear stories about the art and historical events that have unfolded within these walls.

You can also add on a scenic Seine river cruise to see Notre-Dame and many more Parisian landmarks. The boat tour is narrated in both English and French and can be taken anytime during your trip.

Available options

Guided Tour + River Cruise

Seine River Cruise Upgrade: Tour Notre-Dame with a guide. Includes boat ride ticket. Max group of 24.

Notre-Dame Guided Tour

Tour the cathedral inside and out with your licensed guide. Max group of 24.

What's included

90-minute guided tour led by an expert licensed guide

Audio headset inside

Explore the exterior and interior of Notre-Dame Cathedral

Maximum group size of 24 travellers

Optional Seine river cruise available for a unique perspective

Learn about the restoration process post-2019 fire

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Your tour begins outside this iconic church. Your guide will walk you around the cathedral as you discover it from different sides: the facade, flying buttresses, and many sculptures. Here, you'll gain an appreciation for the medieval engineering and design before heading inside.

Enter the cathedral with your guide. Using audio headsets so you don’t miss a word, you'll explore the nave, chapels, and rose windows. Your guide will highlight architectural features and tell stories that bring the building's 850-year history to life.

What's not included

Tips aren’t included but are always appreciated by our guides. If you think your guide did an outstanding job, a tip is a great way to show that.

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 4.9

9 reviews

5★

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3★

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1★

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

All areas and surfaces 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. The ticket you purchase with us is for a guided tour. If you want to access the cathedral without a guided tour, 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 lines can be long during peak times and seasons.

The Seine river cruise is an optional add-on. Your ticket is good for a one-hour cruise on the Seine up to a year from the date of your tour. Make sure to arrive on time for your tour to receive your ticket — if you miss your tour, you won’t be able to pick up your cruise ticket. Reservations aren’t required for the cruise. Just show up 20 minutes early with your ticket. The boat ride is roundtrip, starting and ending near the Eiffel Tower.

Meeting point

Meet your guide in front of the statue of Charlemagne. Your guide will be holding an orange sign that says ExperienceFirst.

Important notes

Meet your guide in front of the statue of Charlemagne. Your guide will be holding an orange sign that says ExperienceFirst. Plan to show up 15 minutes early. The tour starts promptly, and you may not be able to catch up if you arrive late.

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