Paris Île de la Cité and Notre Dame Walking Tour With Crypt

A tour that focuses on the exterior of Notre Dame Cathedral and the historic Île de la Cité offers a compelling glimpse into Paris’s medieval architecture and history, especially since Notre Dame has been closed for restoration since 2019. Priced at $44.96 per person, this 1 hour 30-minute tour by ExperienceFirst combines an expert-led walk with entry to the archaeological crypt beneath Notre Dame. The tour is limited to 15 people, which helps keep the experience intimate and personalized, and you can choose from various time slots. For those interested in a broader experience, there is an optional Seine river cruise upgrade valid for a whole year after booking.

This tour particularly suits visitors eager to explore the outside of Notre Dame and the surrounding iconic sites of Île de la Cité without the inside visit, which remains restricted. The guide’s detailed commentary, along with the inclusion of crypt entry, makes it valuable even for those familiar with Paris or Notre Dame. However, note that entry inside Notre Dame itself is not included unless you opt for the upgrades to Sainte-Chapelle and Conciergerie.

Key Points

• Focuses on the exterior of Notre Dame and historic sites on Île de la Cité.
• Includes a ticket to the archaeological crypt beneath Notre Dame.
• Limited to 15 participants for a more personal experience.
• Optional Seine cruise upgrade is available, valid for a year.
• Walking tour lasts approximately 90 minutes with stops at several iconic landmarks.

Exploring Île de la Cité: The Heart of Paris

The walking tour begins at the equestrian statue of Henri IV, an emblem of stability after France’s Wars of Religion. The nearby Square du Vert-Galant offers peaceful views of the Seine River, providing a scenic start and a chance to appreciate the island’s natural beauty. Moving to Place Dauphine, the guide highlights this quiet, triangular square built by Henri IV, designed as a tranquil residential spot in the city’s center.

These initial stops set the tone for discovering the calm, historic atmosphere of Île de la Cité, showcasing its significance as Paris’s original core. Visitors gain insight into how these spaces were created for both royal and public use, and the guide shares stories that bring the surroundings to life.

Landmark Highlights: From the Middle Ages to Modern Times

The tour then passes the Court of Appeal of Paris, an essential part of the judicial system with an impressive facade, and the Tour de l’Horloge, a medieval clock tower dating back to 1370. These sites reflect Paris’s medieval importance and the evolution of timekeeping in the city.

Next, the Conciergerie stands out with its Gothic architecture, once a royal palace and later infamous as a prison during the French Revolution. Visitors can opt to upgrade their ticket for inside access, where they can explore this historic building’s dark corridors and storied past.

The Palais de Justice and the Sainte-Vincent-de-Paul Chapel follow, with the latter renowned for its Gothic architecture and stunning stained glass windows. Upgrading to inside Sainte-Chapelle and the Conciergerie is available, providing a deeper dive into Paris’s medieval past and religious architecture.

Notre Dame Exterior: Gargoyles, Towers, and Buttresses

The core of the tour involves an up-close look at Notre Dame’s exterior, which remains captivating despite the ongoing restoration. The guide points out the gargoyles, flying buttresses, and tower facades, explaining their architectural significance and the stories behind them.

This part of the experience is especially appreciated by those who want to understand Notre Dame’s design and symbolism without venturing inside, which is currently restricted. The guide discusses the cathedral’s history and the damage caused by the 2019 fire, providing context on the ongoing restoration efforts.

The Archaeological Crypt: Foundations of Paris

A highlight of this tour is the entry to the Archaeological Crypt beneath Notre Dame, included in the ticket. Visitors are free to explore the foundations and remains of Paris dating from ancient times, offering a fascinating perspective on the city’s historical layers.

The self-guided visit allows ample time to see the foundations of Roman Paris and other archaeological finds uncovered during excavations. This crypt provides a tangible connection to Paris’s early history, complementing the exterior views and stories shared earlier.

The Optional Seine River Cruise

For those seeking a more comprehensive Paris experience, the upgrade option offers a narrated Seine cruise, valid for one year from the tour date. This one-hour cruise provides scenic views of Paris’s landmarks along the river, like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and Pont Alexandre III.

The cruise is a popular add-on, especially for visitors wanting to combine walking and boat sightseeing in one day. The ticket flexibility allows travelers to choose their cruise time, making it an easy extension of the tour.

Tour Group Size and Guide Expertise

This small-group tour is limited to 15 people, ensuring a more engaging and less crowded experience. Multiple reviews praise the guides’ knowledge, with many mentioning guides like Tetiana, Matt, Sania, and Remi for their informative stories and friendly manner.

Guides actively explain architectural features, share stories about the restoration efforts after the 2019 fire, and provide interesting facts about Paris history. Reviewers consistently highlight the guides’ enthusiasm and ability to keep the group engaged.

Accessing Notre Dame and Other Upgrades

While the tour does not include inside access to Notre Dame, visitors are welcome to visit the cathedral on their own before or after the tour. Upgrades are available for inside Sainte-Chapelle and the Conciergerie, which require a reservation through the official Monuments Nationaux website.

It’s important to note that entrance to Notre Dame’s interior remains unavailable unless further reopening occurs. The tour’s focus on the exterior architecture and crypt still offers a rich experience, especially given the restoration work ongoing.

Practical Details: Meeting Point, Duration, and Cancellation

The tour departs from 15 Pl. du Pont Neuf, Paris, and ends outside the Archaeological Crypt at 7 Parvis Notre-Dame. The 90-minute walking experience is well-suited for most travelers, with most participants able to join comfortably.

Cancellation is straightforward and free up to 24 hours before the scheduled start, providing flexibility if plans change. The small group size, combined with detailed commentary, makes this tour a practical choice for those wanting an insightful yet manageable sightseeing experience.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Appreciate This Tour?

This outdoor-focused tour is ideal for visitors who want to explore Notre Dame’s exterior and surrounding landmarks without the need to enter the cathedral itself. It suits those interested in architecture, history, and archaeology, especially since the crypt visit provides a rare peek into early Paris.

The limited group size and knowledgeable guides make it a memorable experience, particularly for travelers who enjoy storytelling and detailed explanations. Those seeking inside Notre Dame or a full church tour should consider other options or upgrades, but for a well-rounded, affordable outdoor exploration of Île de la Cité, this tour offers solid value.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is entrance to Notre Dame included in this tour?
No, this tour focuses on the exterior of Notre Dame, and entrance inside the cathedral is not included unless you opt for the upgrade to Sainte-Chapelle and the Conciergerie.

Can I visit Notre Dame on my own after the tour?
Yes, visitors are welcome to visit the cathedral independently before or after the tour, but current restrictions mean interior access may be limited.

How long does the archaeological crypt visit take?
The crypt is a self-guided visit included in the ticket, offering plenty of time to explore the foundations of Paris and view archaeological remains.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, and the moderate pacing makes it suitable for a wide range of ages, though those with mobility issues should note the walking involved.

Can I upgrade to include inside visits?
Yes, upgrades for inside Sainte-Chapelle and the Conciergerie are available, but reservations through the official Monuments Nationaux website are required.

What is the group size?
The tour is limited to 15 participants, ensuring a more personal and less crowded experience.