3 (6)
Paris
Notre-Dame & Île de la Cité: Audio Tour & Guided Walk
60
Overview
Discover the Fascinating History of Paris on a Guided Walking Tour of the Iconic Notre-Dame District.
This walking tour explores the heart of Paris, focusing on the Notre-Dame area and Île de la Cité. It's perfect for anyone who wants to learn about the city's history and see famous landmarks. Expect a journey through time, uncovering the stories behind iconic sites like the Palais de Justice & Sainte-Chapelle and the Conciergerie Clock.
The tour includes an audio guide for exploring the inside of Notre-Dame Cathedral after its restoration. Walk along the Rue de la Colombe, see the Hôtel de Ville, and view Notre-Dame Cathedral (Rear View). It excludes transport to the meeting point, food, drinks, and a headset. The tour also includes entrance to Notre-Dame crypt (if option selected). See the Great Organ of Notre-Dame and other important stops. With a passionate guide, visitors gain insights into the cultural and historical heritage of Paris. This small-group experience offers an intimate look at the city's most iconic landmarks. The tour also features sites such as the Ancient Parisii Settlement, Pont au Change, Friday the 13th & the Templars, and Pont d'Arcole. 
Highlights
Explore Notre-Dame's Interior: Use an audio guide to discover the beauty inside the newly renovated Notre-Dame Cathedral.
Guided Walk of Île de la Cité: Follow a knowledgeable guide through the historic Île de la Cité.
See Iconic Landmarks: Admire famous sites like Sainte-Chapelle and the Conciergerie Clock.
Learn Paris History: Hear captivating stories about Paris's rich cultural heritage.
Flexible Exploration: Explore the cathedral at the pace that suits each person.
Small Group Tour: Enjoy a more personal experience.
Sentiment Analysis
Customers generally enjoyed the tour, especially the guide's stories and the chance to learn about the history of the Notre-Dame area. The audio guide for the cathedral was also a plus. Some people wished they could have entered the cathedral with the guide and that construction did not cause hearing problems.
Many people loved hearing stories from the guide and learning about the area's history.
Visitors really liked exploring the neighborhood and seeing where important events happened.
The audio guide inside the Notre-Dame was very helpful and gave lots of good information.
Tour guides were great at communicating information about locations.
Some visitors wished they could have gone inside the cathedral with the guide.
Some parts of the tour were hard to hear due to construction.
The Journey
Île de la Cité
Begin your Parisian adventure on the Île de la Cité, the historic heart of Paris and one of two natural islands in the Seine. This island, cradling iconic landmarks and steeped in centuries of history, offers a compelling glimpse into the city's origins. From its Roman roots to its role as a medieval power center, the Île de la Cité invites you to wander through time, experiencing the essence of Paris in every cobblestone.
Ancient Parisii Settlement
Delve into the ancient roots of Paris, tracing its origins back to the Parisii tribe and their settlement, Lutetia. Discover how this early community, known for their wealth, commerce, and spirituality, laid the foundations for the modern city. Explore the enduring legacy of the Parisii and Nautes, whose contributions are still visible in Paris today, bridging the ancient past with the vibrant present.
Palais de Justice & Sainte-Chapelle
Immerse yourself in the grandeur of the Palais de Justice and the breathtaking beauty of Sainte-Chapelle. Once a royal palace, the Palais de Justice now houses the city's law courts. Prepare to be amazed by Sainte-Chapelle, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture famed for its stunning stained-glass windows and unique acoustics, often hosting classical music concerts within its hallowed halls. Built in a record-breaking 7 years, this chapel offers a glimpse into medieval craftsmanship and royal splendor.
Conciergerie Clock
Witness the historic Conciergerie clock, the first public clock in Paris, installed in 1370. This venerable timepiece, framed by golden statues representing Law and Justice, stands as a symbolic representation of order, rules, and impartiality. Admire the clock's intricate details and reflect on its enduring presence as a witness to centuries of Parisian history.
Pont au Change
Cross the Pont au Change, a bridge steeped in history, named after the money changers who once conducted their business here in the Middle Ages. This strategic location served as a vital hub for the Parisian economy, where merchants exchanged coins and currencies. Reflect on the bridge's historical significance as a center for commerce and finance in medieval Paris.
Friday the 13th & the Templars
Unravel the dark mystery surrounding Friday the 13th and its connection to the Île de la Cité. Discover the dramatic events of Friday, October 13, 1307, when King Philip the Fair ordered the arrest of the Knights Templar, marking the beginning of the end for this once-powerful order. Explore the historical context of this pivotal moment and its lasting impact on the Île de la Cité.
Hôtel de Ville
Discover the Hôtel de Ville, Paris's city hall, an institution with roots dating back to 1357. Explore its historical significance as the seat of municipal governance and witness its evolution from managing public works and trade to its modern role as the center of Parisian administration. The Hôtel de Ville stands as a testament to the city's enduring civic identity.
Pont d'Arcole
Admire the innovative Pont d'Arcole, famous as the first metal bridge in Paris without intermediate pillars, a feat of engineering from 1854. Reflect on its historical significance as a site for popular demonstrations, including those of the Revolution of 1848. This bridge not only connects the city but also symbolizes Parisian innovation and resilience.
Rue de la Colombe
Wander along the Rue de la Colombe, a charming street with a heartwarming legend of devotion and solidarity. Discover the tale of two doves who nested in a house that collapsed, trapping the female under the rubble. Be moved by the male's unwavering loyalty as he tirelessly cared for his companion, inspiring the community to rescue her, symbolizing love and fidelity in the heart of Paris.
Rue Chanoinesse
Explore Rue Chanoinesse, a street steeped in history and mystery, home to one of Paris's oldest buildings. Uncover the stories of the charming house built in 1512, once belonging to a canon of Notre-Dame and rumored to have hosted Pope Clement VIII. Imagine its transformation from a religious residence to a wine bar, preserving the echoes of centuries past.
Notre-Dame Cathedral (Rear View)
Reflect on the resilience of Notre-Dame Cathedral, especially poignant when viewing the back, which reveals the scars of the devastating 2019 fire. Witness the ongoing reconstruction efforts and the debates surrounding the renovation, a testament to the city's determination to restore this iconic landmark. The contrast between the intact facade and the damaged rear offers a powerful reminder of the cathedral's history and its enduring spirit.
Notre-Dame Cathedral
Delve into the epic history of Notre-Dame Cathedral, from its monumental construction spanning generations to its miraculous survival through centuries of turmoil. Contemplate the colossal effort involved in building this masterpiece, a project that took so long that a worker would have needed to live for generations to see its completion. Reflect on how a few hours of fire nearly erased 800 years of history, underscoring the fragility and enduring legacy of this iconic landmark.
Great Organ of Notre-Dame
Discover the meticulous restoration of the Great Organ of Notre-Dame, a complex project undertaken within the larger cathedral reconstruction. Learn about the careful dusting and restoration of its 8,000 pipes, a task entrusted to expert organ builders. This 'construction site within a construction site' showcases the dedication and skill required to revive this musical treasure, ensuring its harmonious return to Notre-Dame.
Know Before You Go
This tour includes a web app based audio guide of the Notre-Dame interior and a guided exterior tour where you can admire its façade and towers. You'll also get a guided tour of Île de la Cité, where you'll discover landmarks like Sainte-Chapelle. If you choose the crypt option, entrance to the Notre-Dame crypt is included. The tour does not include transport to or from the meeting point, food and drinks, or a headset. Cathedral entrance is not included, but options are available to enter the monument by walk-in or online ticket booking.
Hot Tip
Wear comfortable shoes for lots of walking. Consider bringing your own headphones for the audio guide to make listening easier. Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly.
4
90
Paris
Discover Montmartre's Charm: A Self-Guided Audio Adventure
Private Self-Guided Walking Tour in Montmartre offers an immersive exploration of Paris's artistic heart. Discover iconic landmarks like Moulin Rouge and Sacré-Coeur at your own pace, aided by captivating audio commentary and offline GPS navigation. Uncover the hidden gems where Picasso and Amelie once roamed. Perfect for history buffs and Instagram enthusiasts.
From
€ 7
Book Now
0
180
Paris
Paris Photo Safari: Capture Your Parisian Adventure!
Paris Private Self-Guided Safari transforms sightseeing into a personal photobook creation. Explore iconic landmarks using a provided map, capturing memories with your smartphone. The digital photobook template includes professional images and placeholders for your photos, culminating in a unique keepsake of your Parisian journey. A fun way to see the city!
From
€ 3
Book Now
5
2880
Paris
Unlock Paris: Your Pocket-Sized Digital Adventure
The Paris Digital Guide offers a self-guided, two-day exploration of Paris. Discover restaurants, monuments, and hidden gems at your own pace with detailed descriptions, offline accessibility and integrated GPS. Perfect for all travelers, this guide ensures you won't miss a thing while saving time and enhancing your adventure.
From
€ 6
Book Now
4
60
Paris
Notre-Dame Champagne Cruise: Seine River Sparkle!
Evening Champagne Cruise from Notre-Dame by Bateaux Parisiens celebrates the heart of Paris with a touch of luxury. This tour invites guests to enjoy a relaxing cruise along the Seine River, complete with a glass of Pommery champagne and a delicate sweet biscuit. What can people expect? As the boat gently glides along the water, passengers are treated to live commentary in both French and English, sharing stories and facts about Notre-Dame Cathedral and other famous sights. The cruise offers unique views of iconic landmarks such as Ile Saint-Louis, Ile de la Cité, Hôtel de Ville, La Conciergerie, The Louvre Museum, Place de la Concorde, Grand Palais, Palais de Chaillot, Eiffel Tower, Les Invalides, Musée d'Orsay, and Institut de France. This makes it a special way to see Paris. This experience includes a one-hour cruise, departing from the foot of Notre-Dame Cathedral, as well as live commentary, and a glass of champagne with a biscuit. This experience excludes hotel pickup and drop-off, extra food and drinks and souvenir photos.
From
€ 44
Book Now