Notre Dame Paris Exterior Guided Tour & Interior Self-Guided

Paris , France

Notre Dame Paris Exterior Guided Tour & Interior Self-Guided

Active

1h - 2h

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

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Our tour is designed to be the perfect start to your day in Paris. It begins with two unique advantages: privileged 8 AM access to Notre Dame's interior to avoid the crowds, and a semi-private group of just 5 people for a truly personal experience. But the value doesn't stop there. You can then customize your day by choosing one of our tour options: add a quick entry ticket to Sainte-Chapelle, or choose to discover the unique Grand Mosque, or choose to explore the whole city with a 1-day Big Bus pass. This is more than a tour; it's a flexible, intelligent way to experience Paris.

Available options

Base Tour + Sainte Chapelle

+Sainte Chapelle: This option gives you quick entry to Sainte Chapelle after finishing the base tour.

Base Option + Grand Mosque

Base Option + Grand Mosque: After finishing ND guide will take you to Grand Mosque. Talk about it outside (10m) and than get you inside(self guided)

Base + Big Bus

Notre Dame Tour + Big Bus Pass: If Selected- Your guide will hand you (after Notre Dame exerior) with 1 Day Big Bus hop-on-hop-off Pass.

Notre Dame: 8AM Interior Access & Exterior Guided Tour

Tour is only exterior.: You are only paying for exterior tour. Notre Dame is completely free and at 8 am you can just walk inside.

What's included

8 AM interior access to Notre Dame (self-guided)

If Selected: Quick entry ticket to Sainte-Chapelle

Semi-Private Tour (Max 5 Guests)

If Selected: Grand Mosque entry, guided exterior intro & transport ticket

Expert-guided walking tour of Notre Dame's exterior

If Selected: A 1-Day Pass for the Big Bus Paris hop-on-hop-off tour

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

our tour begins at 7:45 AM. After meeting your expert guide for an introduction, you will be one of the first visitors to enter the magnificent Notre Dame Cathedral right as it opens at 8:00 AM. Enjoy a serene, 30-40 minute self-guided visit inside, experiencing its sacred atmosphere without the crowds. Afterward, rejoin your guide for a 1-hour guided tour of the stunning exterior, where you'll uncover the secrets of its Gothic architecture, gargoyles, and history.

As part of your exterior guided tour of Notre Dame, you will explore parts of the historic Île de la Cité, the island where Paris was born. Your guide will point out key landmarks and share stories of the kings, revolutionaries, and artists who shaped this beautiful area.

What's not included

Audio headsets.

A guided tour inside Notre Dame Cathedral (the interior visit is self-guided).

Hotel pickup and drop-off.

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

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.

Meeting point

Meeting Point: At the Charlemagne statue. You’ll find your guide wearing a black cap with the Scenic Zest Logo. Check-in will start 15 minutes before the start time.

Important notes

If you book Sainte Chapelle or Grand Mosque - your guide will have your tickets and he will scan them for you.

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