Paris: Notre Dame Cathedral Tour & Seine River Cruise

Discover Notre Dame from the Outside and Cruise the Seine in One Short Tour

This 1-hour tour offers a focused look at Notre Dame Cathedral’s exterior architecture in Paris, combined with a relaxing Seine river cruise. Starting at 61 Quai de la Tournelle, the tour begins with a guided walk around Notre Dame’s façade, where an enthusiastic guide shares insights into its gothic details and historical significance. Afterward, visitors collect their cruise tickets at a different location and enjoy a one-hour boat ride along the Seine, passing iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and the Musée d’Orsay.

While the tour does not include interior access to the cathedral, it caters well to those seeking an accessible, quick overview of Notre Dame’s famed exterior and scenic views of Paris. A notable limitation is that the cruise departs from a different location than the starting point, which requires some planning. This tour suits visitors looking for a short, scenic immersion with a mix of architecture storytelling and city views.

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Key Points

• Focus on Notre Dame’s exterior architecture with a passionate guide
• Includes a 1-hour Seine river cruise passing Paris’s major landmarks
• Starts at 61 Quai de la Tournelle, with ticket pickup at 33 avenue de la Bourdonnais
• Tour duration is approximately 1 hour, not including cruise time
• Wheelchair accessible and conducted in English
• No interior access to Notre Dame Cathedral is included

Exploring Notre Dame’s Exterior Highlights

The tour begins at 61 Quai de la Tournelle, where the guide greets visitors next to the “BOZ souvenirs” shop. From there, the guide leads a walk around Notre Dame, focusing on its spires, gargoyles, rose windows, and façade sculptures. This exterior-focused experience highlights the Gothic architecture’s intricate details and shares stories of its construction and repair efforts, especially the ongoing work following the fire.

While interior access isn’t part of this tour, the exterior view allows visitors to appreciate the scale and craftsmanship that make Notre Dame a symbol of resilience and artistry. The guide’s passion helps illuminate why Notre Dame remains a universal symbol of faith and cultural endurance.

Collecting Your Seine Cruise Tickets and Departure Details

After the cathedral walk, visitors are instructed to collect their cruise tickets at 33 avenue de la Bourdonnais, located in 75007 Paris. This separate location is a short walk away, near the Port de la Bourdonnais, where the Bateaux Parisiens depart. The one-hour cruise is fully separate from the guided tour and can be taken at any time during the day.

This setup means travelers should plan their timeline accordingly, especially if they want to maximize their sightseeing. The separate ticketing process is noted in reviews as a point of inconvenience, since it involves additional travel from the Notre Dame area.

The Seine River Cruise: Scenic Views and Landmarks

The cruise departs from the Port de la Bourdonnais, offering a relaxing hour on the river Seine. Passengers glide past notable landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, and Musée d’Orsay. The cruise provides a unique perspective of these attractions, with water views that reveal both historic and modern Paris architecture.

Reviewers mention that the scenery is beautiful, and the cruise offers an excellent way to see Paris’s skyline without much walking. The boat is operated by Bateaux Parisiens, and tickets can be used anytime during the day, adding flexibility.

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Practicalities of the Tour Setup

The meeting point for the guided walk is in front of “BOZ souvenirs”, a boutique shop. The tour is conducted in English and is wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for a variety of visitors. The duration is approximately 1 hour, which makes it ideal for those with limited time.

Participants are advised to wear comfortable shoes and bring a camera for photos. However, flash photography is not allowed during the tour, especially for the cathedral’s exterior details.

Limitations and Considerations for Visitors

A point to keep in mind is that entry to Notre Dame Cathedral is free, and this tour does not include interior access. Visitors interested in exploring inside will need a different tour. Plus, the cruise departs from a different location from where the tour ends, which could involve extra travel, such as a short taxi ride if the public transport options are unavailable.

Some reviews highlight that the ticket pickup process and the distance between the tour start and cruise departure points can add to the overall experience, making it less seamless than hoped. Also, during weekends, when masses are held, access to the cathedral might involve longer waiting times.

Comparing This Tour to Other Options

This guided exterior walk combined with a separate Seine cruise offers a compact way to experience Notre Dame and scenic Paris in a short time. Other similar experiences may include interior visits or guided entry, but this tour stands out for its simplicity and focus on exterior architecture and river views.

The price point makes it an accessible option for those wanting a quick overview, but travelers wanting more in-depth access might explore other tours that include interior entry or guided commentary inside.

Final Thoughts on the Notre Dame & Seine Tour

This 1-hour guided exterior tour of Notre Dame combined with a Seine river cruise offers a concise yet scenic way to appreciate Paris’s architectural beauty. The enthusiastic guide helps bring Notre Dame’s features to life, despite the limited duration. The cruise adds a relaxing element and a breathtaking view of Paris’s skyline.

While the separate ticketing process and location changes require some planning, this tour can be a great option for visitors short on time or those who prefer outdoor views and city panoramas. It works especially well for travelers who want to see Notre Dame’s exterior up close and enjoy a scenic boat ride without extensive walking or interior visits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this tour include interior access to Notre Dame?
No, this tour focuses on the exterior architecture of Notre Dame. Interior entry is not included.

Where do I meet the guide for the Notre Dame walk?
The meeting point is in front of the “BOZ souvenirs” shop at 61 Quai de la Tournelle.

Can I take the Seine cruise later in the day?
Yes, you can collect your cruise tickets at 33 avenue de la Bourdonnais and choose any time that suits during the day.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible.

How long does the Seine cruise last?
The cruise lasts approximately 1 hour.

What should I bring on this tour?
Comfortable shoes and a camera are recommended; flash photography is not allowed.

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