Notre-Dame Cathedral & Île de la Cité Walking Tour
From€59
2h 30m
Paris, France
About this activity
Join a 2.5-hour guided walking tour exploring Notre-Dame Cathedral and Île de la Cité's historic sites, led by an expert English-speaking guide.
Highlights
- Explore Notre-Dame Cathedral's stunning architecture
- Discover the rich history of Île de la Cité
- Learn about Paris's medieval past
- Admire the Seine River's picturesque views
- Experience Paris with an expert guide
Full description
Immerse yourself in Paris's rich history with a 2.5-hour guided walking tour of Notre-Dame Cathedral and Île de la Cité. Led by an expert English-speaking guide, you'll explore the cathedral's stunning architecture and delve into the island's medieval past. Stroll along the Seine River, taking in picturesque views and learning about the city's evolution. This tour offers a unique opportunity to experience Paris's iconic landmarks up close, providing insights and stories that bring the city's history to life. Don't miss this chance to connect with Paris's heritage in an engaging and informative way.
Included / Excluded
- Guided walking tour of Notre-Dame Cathedral
- Visit to Île de la Cité's historic sites
- Expert English-speaking tour guide
- Food and drinks
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.
Duration: 5 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
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.
Duration: 5 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
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.
Duration: 10 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
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.
Duration: 45 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
5
Pass by: 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.
Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
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.
Duration: 5 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
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.
Duration: 5 minAdmission: NO
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.
Duration: 5 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
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.
Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
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.
Duration: 5 minAdmission: NO
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.
Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
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.
Duration: 3 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
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.
Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
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.
Duration: 5 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
Important information
Know before you book
- Tour is conducted in English
- Photography is allowed inside the cathedral
- Tour operates rain or shine
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes for the tour
- Bring a bottle of water to stay hydrated
- Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to 1 days before the activity starts
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Easy Public Transport
Good to know
- 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.
Traveler reviews
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Paris highlights
Walking tour of the oldest portion of Paris including Notre Dame, the oldest flower market, the first hospital in Paris and St Chapel. Benedict , our guide, was fantastic.
Jason_WMay 25, 2026VIATOR
Notre Dame chapel tour
History behind it and the fire was interesting but a little drawn out making us behind on 2nd chapel so we cut out early to make another tour.
Linda_TMay 25, 2026VIATOR
not very organized.
Our guide showed up 40 minutes late. Our "early entry didn't happen as by the time we reached the Cathedral it was packed with people. We told our guide at 1140 we were leaving the Cathedral to attend noon mass, and turned in our voice boxes and ear phones. We were told by another couple that the outside tour guide wanted 15 minutes for us to show up?... I'd look for a more organized tour next time1.
ed_lMay 25, 2026VIATOR
Not worth it!! Long wait in line!!
Waited 30 minutes in line in the sun, for Notre Dame. This is not a “skip the line” tour, and you’re not paying for any sort of special ticket. In fact, Notre Dame is actually free. The tour guide did not come inside with us and only spoke to us briefly outside the cathedral. The tour company did not warn us that we had to have our shoulders covered before the tour. They made several of us go buy scarves to cover up with. Had they told us ahead of time we would’ve been prepared. This was a major scam.
Emily_GMay 25, 2026VIATOR
Great experience
Great tour guide. She was extremely knowledgeable. The tour guide gave us a lot of information and helped with all the logistics. She gave clear information and was very accommodating
Larry_CMay 25, 2026VIATOR
Additional information
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.