Early Access Paris Notre Dame Cathedral Walking Tour
Gallery image 2
Gallery image 3
Gallery image 4
Gallery image 5

Early Access Paris Notre Dame Cathedral Walking Tour

Active
(708 reviews)
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

Experience the breathtaking beauty of Notre Dame Cathedral on this expertly guided tour, situated on the historic Île de la Cité—the heart of Paris. Be among the first to witness the stunning restoration of Notre Dame, one of the world's most celebrated Gothic masterpieces, now more radiant than ever. Embark on an unforgettable journey to the Île de la Cité, the historical heart of Paris. Few visitors realize that this famous island, cradled by the Seine River, is the very birthplace of Paris. Once the site of Lutetia, a muddy settlement of the Parisi tribes, it evolved into the bustling epicentre of one of the world's most beautiful cities. Today, it’s home to some of Paris’s most celebrated landmarks, including the majestic exterior of Notre Dame Cathedral and Sainte-Chapelle.

Available options

Semi Private Notre Dame Tour

Small Group with Expert Guide: Notre Dame and Ile de La Cite Walking Tour - Max 12 guests for a more intimate guided tour experience.

Paris Notre Dame Cathedral & lle de la Cite Walking Tour

Notre Dame Only: Without access to Bell Tower

Sainte-Chapelle Notre Dame

Saint Chapelle Upgrade(2.5hrs): Discover the Notre Dame and enjoy timed entry to Sainte-Chapelle on this fully guided tour. Duration: 2.5 hours

Express Fully Guided NotreDame

Fully Guided Notre Dame 90min: Enjoy a fully guided 90 min. Express interior visit to Notre Dame with reserved entry—covering all the must-see highlights<br/>Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Entry to Notre Dame Bell Tower

Notre Dame Bell Tower: Enjoy incredible views of Paris at 226 feet up, that was once the tallest structure of Paris back in 1889.

What's included

Interior visit to Notre Dame Cathedral
Notre Dame Cathedral and its breathtaking architecture
Guided tour with first-class expert local friendly guide
Optional upgrade to enter the Sainte-Chapelle, a 13th-century royal chapel built by King Louis IX
Panoramic Views of the breathtaking Île de la Cité and the Seine River

Detailed itinerary

1

Antic religious site where archaeological excavations discovered a pillar used for propaganda. Made by the Nautes (corporation of traders) How the Romans used les Nautes (economic and political power of Paris) to reconcile the Celtic and Greco-Roman pantheon of gods).
Great pictures of Notre Dame’s flying buttress.

2
Stop 2

Enjoy a walk along the Seine, the iconic river of Paris. The Seine and its banks belong to UNESCO World Heritage Sites in central Paris.

3
Stop 3

Discover Ile de la Cite, an island in central Paris and home of many landmarks like the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Sainte-Chapelle.

4
Stop 4

Inside Notre Dame: Enter the 12th and 13th-century Gothic monument. Discover more than 450,000 square feet of cream-colored limestone that has been meticulously stripped of ash, lead dust and centuries of accumulated grime, leaving its soaring vaults, thick columns and tall walls almost startlingly bright, calling out with celestial magnetism. Admire and enjoy the craftsmanship of over 2,000 workers and craftsmen from around France who contributed to the cathedral’s reconstruction. Discover the new liturgical furniture, like the altar; peered at delicately sculpted scenes from the life of Christ. Marvel at gold-leaf stars set across a deep blue ceiling in one of the painted side chapels; and look up at cherubs on the oculus, a ring of stone at the centre of the four vaults that form the cathedral’s transept crossing. Admire the cathedral’s central nave, that has been restored creating the foundation for one of the most spectacular architectural masterpieces ever constructed.

5

Where we measure the distance of Paris from other places. Step on it to come back to Paris. Where criminals used to repent before their execution.

6
Stop 6

Walk onto the plaza in front of the cathedral, which is also in the process of being redesigned to open it up toward the Seine River and to help millions of visitors flow through more easily and comfortably. Enjoy engaging narration from your expert-first class guide who will explain the history of the Square dating back to Roman Times. Today it is more commonly known as the Notre Dame Plaza. Guest will also see the Statue of Charlemagne and His Guards, a monumental bronze statue situated on the plaza (parvis) in front of Notre-Dame while they enjoy fascinating insights to this historical French historical figure.

7

Préfecture de Police 5 mins See the he Paris Police Prefecture, the unit of the French Ministry of the Interior that provides police, emergency services, and various administrative services to the population of the city of Paris and the surrounding three suburban départements of The Paris Police Prefecture supervises the Paris Police force, the Paris Fire Brigade, and various administrative departments in charge of issuing ID cards and driver licenses or monitoring alien residents. The Department is housed in a wonderful historical building clearly showing bullet impact on the building from WWII liberation of Paris from the Germans.

8

Visit the Flower Market of the Notre Dame Island Located on Place Louis Lépine between the Notre-Dame Cathedral and Sainte-Chapelle Chapel. The flower market has attracted avid gardeners and curious passersby since 1830. Both covered and open-air, the market is mainly formed by pavilions from the 1900s and when open is a wonderful sight to enjoy. * This market is not always open but groups will still walk through the area regardless.

9
Stop 9 Pass by

Courthouse of Paris 5 mins While the tour group are on the on the City Island of Paris “Ile de la Cité” they will see one of the oldest and most prestigious official buildings in Paris, the Palais de Justice law courts. As far back as Roman times the site was used as a place of government, and this example was followed by the succeeding Merovingian and Capetian dynasties, which their guide will give an overview of as well as time to take photos.

10
Stop 10

The Sainte-Chapelle is a royal chapel in the Gothic style, within the medieval Palais de la Cité, the residence of the Kings of France until the 14th century, on the Île de la Cité in the River Seine in Paris, France. Construction began sometime after 1238 and the chapel was consecrated on 26 April 1248. We enter later with the people who chose this option. Guests will have time to take photos and enjoy a brief introduction to this exquisite Gothic masterpiece’s exterior.
We enter later with the people who chose this option for a 60 minute interior visit.

11
Stop 11 Pass by

Guests will stop to take photos and enjoy a fascinating introduction to the Old prison of Paris where Marie Antoinette stayed 9 months. It is here that the famous Revolutionary Tribunal sentenced 2,639 people to be executed by guillotine in Paris during the Reign of Terror, which took place during the French Revolution.

12

Clock Tower 3 mins Guests will see and learn about out about this 650 year old clock, the first a watchtower for the security of the Royal Palace. It is rectangular, massive, 47 meters high. Its walls were nearly a meter thick. The Clock Tower has undergone extensive restorations. From 1840 to 1843 to consolidate the lower part and establish a guardhouse at its foot, between 1843 and 1848, then between 1860 and 1861, and restored it to its medieval appearance, especially in its upper parts. The vaulted room on the fourth floor, was completely restored, as was the upper level of the tower.

13
Stop 13 Pass by

Oldest square in Paris built by Henri IV for his 1st son. Where French people play a game very dear to them: la pétanque.

14
Stop 14

Oldest bridge in Paris. Stunning view of the Louvre, Seine River, Eiffel tower, French Academy and Monnaie de Paris.
End of tour for those without Sainte Chappelle tickets.

What's not included

Hotel Pick Up & Drop Off / Transportation / Food and Drink / Gratitude

Available languages

Guide guide
EN

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.4
500 reviews
5★
377
4★
43
3★
28
2★
19
1★
33
Tripadvisor 4.6
208 reviews
5★
178
4★
8
3★
6
2★
9
1★
7

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
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.
Participants should be in good health - consult first with your doctor if you have any medical condition or are not used to regular exercise.
Wheelchairs, motorised scooters or any other device to assist mobility are not recommended, as we cannot guarantee: that all footpaths/sidewalks/curbs will have suitable ramps.
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately.
Anybody under the age of 18 years must be accompanied by somebody aged 18 years or older.
Please bring: Photo ID, Comfortable shoes and water (we will be waiting in the sun), Church dress code: A scarf or jumper to cover your shoulders
Please be aware that due to the recent re opening of Notre Dame the Cathedral is extremely popular causing wait times to increase. This is completely out of our control.
Please wear comfortable shoes as this tour involves a fair amount of walking, including over uneven surfaces, cobblestones, hills, inclines, declines and stairs.
Not recommended for travellers with limited mobility
Guests who upgraded to enter to Sainte-Chappelle, please bring: Photo ID, Comfortable shoes and water (we will be waiting in the sun), Church dress code: A scarf or jumper to cover your shoulders

Meeting point

MEETING TIME: 15 minutes before the scheduled start time Or a little earlier if you want your guide to point you to the best ice cream shop of Paris
MEETING PLACE: Place Louis Aragon, Quai de Bourbon, 75004 Paris
MEETING POINT: Meet your guide at the benches under the trees

Important notes

You cannot enter the venue with this voucher.
- To participate in your tour, you must first check-in with the guide 15 MINUTES BEFORE DEPARTURE.
- You can only access the venues as part of your organised group tour. Late arrivals cannot be accommodated and missed tours or tickets cannot be refunded or rescheduled.
- Please check in with your guide on the day of your tour re acquiring entrance to the Notre Dame Cathedral

Health & Safety:
- This tour is not suitable for guests who require any device to assist with mobility.
- Participants should be in good health, consult first with your doctor if you have any medical condition or are not used to regular exercise.
- Wear comfortable shoes as this tour involves a fair amount of walking.
- Operates in all weather conditions.
- Anybody under the age of 18 years must be accompanied by somebody aged 18 years or older.
Please bring: Photo ID, Comfortable shoes and water (we will be waiting in the sun), Church dress code: A scarf or jumper to cover your shoulders. Short skirts are not allowed.
- 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.

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

Adults
Age 13-99
1
Childs
Age 4-12
0
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 8
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation

Similar Experiences

Similar on Klook