Notre-Dame Outdoor Tour with Pastry & Sainte-Chapelle Entry

Discover Paris’ Medieval Charm on a 75-Minute Outdoor Tour

This 75-minute guided outdoor tour offers an engaging exploration of the medieval heart of Paris, starting with the exterior of Notre-Dame Cathedral. Priced at $82 per person, it combines sightseeing, storytelling, and a sweet treat in one compact experience. The tour is perfect for those interested in history, architecture, and local tastes without the need for inside visits, making it suitable for visitors who want a rich overview with minimal time commitment.

The tour includes stops at famous landmarks like Shakespeare and Company, the Saint-Julien-le-Pauvre church, and Saint-Severin, along with a cream puff tasting at Odette and entry to the Unesco World Heritage site of Sainte-Chapelle. It’s a well-rounded way to experience some of Paris’ most iconic and lesser-known sights, especially for visitors who appreciate guided storytelling combined with cultural highlights.

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Key Points

• 75-minute outdoor guided tour focusing on Paris’ medieval sites and history
• Price of $82 includes a cream puff tasting and entry to Sainte-Chapelle
• Starts at Parvis Notre Dame, with a guide holding a pink flag
• Emphasizes the exterior of Notre-Dame and its restoration, not interior access
• Includes visits to Shakespeare and Company and Saint-Julien-le-Pauvre
• Concludes with a self-guided exploration of Sainte-Chapelle’s stained glass windows

Starting Point at Notre-Dame’s Exterior and the Historic Significance

The tour begins right in front of Notre-Dame Cathedral at the Parvis Notre Dame, where the guide points out the western façade sculptures, including kings, saints, gargoyles, and the Last Judgment scene. The guide provides insights into the damage caused by the 2019 fire and the restoration efforts underway, giving visitors context about the iconography and significance of this iconic building.

Nearby, the Hôtel-Dieu, Paris’ oldest hospital, reveals how religion, medicine, and charity shaped the city’s daily life for centuries. This outdoor segment offers a solid start for understanding Notre-Dame’s architectural details and its role in Parisian history.

Exploring the Left Bank and Shakespeare and Company

Crossing into the Left Bank, the tour visits Shakespeare and Company, the legendary English-language bookshop that has attracted writers like Hemingway and Joyce. The guide shares stories of its expat literary scene and explains how it remains a cultural landmark today.

This stop lasts about 10 minutes, giving enough time to appreciate the shop’s literary atmosphere and learn about its historical importance. It’s an essential stop for book lovers or those interested in Paris’ expatriate history.

Discovering Saint-Julien-le-Pauvre and the Oldest Tree

Next, the group visits Saint-Julien-le-Pauvre, one of Paris’ oldest churches. Standing beside Square René Viviani, the site features the city’s oldest living tree, planted in 1601. These two sites form a medieval pocket of Paris that has remained largely untouched, offering a rare glimpse into pre-modern Paris.

The short 5-minute visit allows for a quick look at the architecture and historical ambiance of this quiet, historic spot.

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Sweet Pause at Odette: Cream Puffs and Parisian Flavors

A highlight of the tour is the pause at Odette, a charming Parisian pastry shop famed for its cream puffs. Visitors get to taste one of the shop’s signature cream puffs, adding a modern, sweet flavor to the historical exploration.

This 10-minute food tasting brings a delightful contrast to the outdoor sightseeing, showcasing Parisian culinary craftsmanship and offering a chance to savor a local pastry. It’s a perfect way to enjoy a modern treat during a historical walk.

Gothic Beauty of Saint-Séverin Church

The tour then visits Église Saint-Séverin, a Gothic masterpiece known for its twisting columns and vibrant stained glass windows. Inside, visitors briefly admire the architecture and artistic evolution of this historic church.

The visit takes about 15 minutes, providing a glimpse into medieval Gothic architecture and the church’s artistic significance. It’s a highlight for those interested in church design and Gothic art.

Self-Guided Exploration of Sainte-Chapelle and Its Stained Glass

The tour concludes with a self-guided visit to Sainte-Chapelle, built in the 13th century to house Relics of the Passion of Christ. With an included ticket, visitors can explore at their own pace, marveling at over 1,000 stained-glass panels that depict biblical scenes with vivid color and intricate detail.

The guide’s introduction explains how to read the biblical imagery, enriching the experience. The 20-minute self-guided period allows visitors to absorb the stained glass artistry and the spiritual atmosphere of this UNESCO heritage site.

Practical Details: Meeting Point and Accessibility

The tour departs from the wooden steps in front of Notre-Dame. The guide carries a pink flag for easy identification. It is accessible via Metro Line 4 at Cité (about 6-minute walk) or Line 1 at Hôtel de Ville (about 9-minute walk).

The group size is not specified but is designed to include a small, manageable number of participants, ensuring an engaging experience with the English-speaking guide. The tour operates rain or shine, so visitors should dress appropriately and bring comfortable shoes, an umbrella, and water.

Included and Not Included in the Price

The $82 price covers the guided outdoor tour of Notre-Dame’s exterior and the Ile de la Cité, the cream puff tasting at Odette, and entry to Sainte-Chapelle for a self-guided visit. It also includes an English-speaking, knowledgeable guide and discovery of hidden gems.

Entry to Notre-Dame interior is not included, so visitors interested in going inside the cathedral must purchase separate tickets or join other tours offering interior access.

Logistics, Timing, and Physical Requirements

The tour lasts 75 minutes, involving moderate walking over several stops. It is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. Travelers should wear comfortable shoes, bring weather-appropriate clothing, and prepare for outdoor conditions. A water bottle is recommended for hydration, especially in warm weather.

The timing is flexible, with different starting times available, and cancellation is free if canceled up to 24 hours in advance. You can reserve now and pay later, offering flexibility in planning.

How This Tour Compares to Similar Experiences

This tour is focused on outdoor sightseeing with a self-guided entry to Sainte-Chapelle, making it a flexible and efficient option for visitors with limited time or those who prefer a guided overview with a personal exploration element.

Other tours might include interior visits of Notre-Dame or more extensive access, but this option stands out for its outdoor focus and the inclusion of a local pastry. Its combination of historic sites, literary landmarks, and a sweet treat creates a well-rounded cultural snapshot of Paris’ medieval core.

Final Thoughts on the Notre-Dame Outdoor Tour with Pastry & Sainte-Chapelle Entry

This 75-minute outdoor experience offers a cost-effective, engaging way to explore some of Paris’ most iconic medieval sites. The guided storytelling enhances understanding of Notre-Dame’s architecture, restoration, and history, while stops at Shakespeare and Company and Saint-Julien-le-Pauvre deepen the cultural context.

The cream puff tasting at Odette adds a delicious modern touch, and the self-guided Sainte-Chapelle visit allows for personal admiration of its famous stained glass windows. The meeting point and logistics are straightforward, making it an accessible option for most visitors.

While it doesn’t include interior access to Notre-Dame, the outdoor focus paired with entry to Sainte-Chapelle makes it a compact yet comprehensive tour of Paris’ medieval heart. Ideal for those wanting an informative, taste-filled, and visual journey without the need for long or complex arrangements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this tour include inside Notre-Dame Cathedral?
No, entry to Notre-Dame’s interior is not included. The focus is on the exterior of Notre-Dame and surrounding sites.

How long is the self-guided visit to Sainte-Chapelle?
The self-guided exploration typically lasts around 20 minutes, allowing ample time to admire the stained-glass windows and read the biblical imagery.

Is this tour suitable for children or families?
The tour involves moderate walking and outdoor sightseeing, making it suitable for families with children who enjoy history and architecture. However, very young children may need additional supervision.

Can I cancel my reservation?
Yes, full refunds are available if you cancel up to 24 hours in advance.

What should I bring on the tour?
Visitors should bring comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, an umbrella, and water for outdoor comfort.

Is there any food included other than the cream puff?
No, the only food tasting is the cream puff at Odette included in the tour price.

Are there any restrictions or items I cannot bring?
Yes, large bags, sharp objects, smoking, and other items listed in the restrictions are not allowed to ensure safety and preservation.

Who is the activity provider?
The tour is operated by Paris Fun Tours, known for creating engaging Parisian experiences.

How do I meet the guide?
The guide will hold a pink flag at the wooden steps in front of Notre-Dame for easy identification.

Is this tour available in languages other than English?
This experience is offered in English only, according to the available information.

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