Notre-Dame Cathedral Exterior Tour: History & Secrets
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Overview
Discover the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, a symbol of French history and Gothic architecture. This walking tour guides visitors around the outside of this iconic cathedral. See the impressive spires, gargoyles, and rosette windows. Uncover the cathedral's rich past and its important place in Parisian culture.
Visitors will learn about the fire of 2019 and the six-year restoration project. The guide will show how the roof and spire were rebuilt, sharing the difficulties and triumphs of the restoration. Admire the work that brought Notre-Dame back to its original beauty.
After the tour, the guide will lead visitors to the cathedral's entrance. Visitors can then explore the newly restored interior on their own. This includes the bright, vaulted ceiling and the renewed stained glass windows. This tour includes a walking tour in English around the outside of the cathedral. Entrance to the cathedral (which can be prebooked for free on the Notre Dame website) and a guided tour inside are not included. Book a tour to experience the beauty and history of Notre-Dame.




Highlights
See Notre-Dame's famous outside.: Walk around the outside of Notre-Dame Cathedral with a guide.
Hear about the cathedral's past.: Learn about the history and importance of this famous church.
Discover the restoration after the fire.: Find out how the cathedral is being rebuilt after the 2019 fire.
Get ready to explore inside.: The guide will show the entrance to explore yourself after the tour.
Sentiment Analysis
Customers generally enjoyed the outside tour of Notre-Dame, appreciating the guide's knowledge and the insights into the cathedral's history and restoration. The lack of an interior tour was a minor point of concern for some.

Customers enjoyed learning about the history and architecture of Notre-Dame.
Many visitors found the guide to be knowledgeable and engaging.
Some people were happy to see the progress of the restoration after the fire.
Several reviewers liked that the tour provided context before entering the cathedral.
Some visitors noted that the tour is entirely outside.
A few people wished there was a guided tour inside the cathedral.
The Journey
Notre-Dame Cathedral
Explore the exterior of Notre-Dame Cathedral, a masterpiece of French Gothic architecture, and delve into its captivating history dating back to the 12th century. Learn about the devastating 2019 fire and witness the remarkable restoration efforts underway to revive this symbol of Paris. While interior access may be limited, the exterior views offer a powerful testament to the cathedral's enduring legacy. Admire its intricate facade, soaring spires (currently under reconstruction), and the iconic gargoyles that have watched over the city for centuries, promising a moving encounter with Parisian history and resilience.
Know Before You Go
This walking tour in English focuses on the exterior of Notre-Dame Cathedral. Entrance to the cathedral is not included, but you can book your free tickets on the Notre Dame website. There is no guided tour inside the cathedral. The tour starts outside the cathedral, where you will meet your guide.
Hot Tip
Many visitors suggest booking your free entrance to Notre-Dame Cathedral well in advance to avoid long queues and make the most of your visit after the guided exterior tour.