For such a tiny island, Île de la Cité has a fascinating history. On this guided walking tour, your expert local guide will introduce you to the landmarks and legends that shaped Paris. With skip-the-line access to the breathtaking Sainte-Chapelle and a visit to the historic Conciergerie—where Marie Antoinette was imprisoned—you'll step into the past. Admire the iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral from the outside and learn about its incredible restoration efforts. Complete your experience with a scenic Seine River cruise, offering a new perspective on the City of Light.
This in-depth exploration of the histories, myths, legends, and lore hidden behind the stones of Paris’ most interesting neighborhood takes you to the historic Île de la Cité in the heart of the city. From the gothic splendor of the bell towers of Notre-Dame that inspired Victor Hugo to create his hunchback bell-ringer, to the dazzling stained glass windows in Sainte-Chapelle, you’ll see Paris from several entirely different perspectives, and discover exactly what makes it such a special place.
Your walking tour starts along the Seine at the oldest bridge across the river. From there you're off to the Conciergerie, a former royal palace that became infamous during the French Revolution as a prison—most famously for Marie-Antoinette. Walk through the historic halls, hear the chilling tales of its past, and learn about the dark days of the Reign of Terror.
Your next stop: the breathtaking Sainte-Chapelle. Skip the long lines and step inside to marvel at its stunning stained glass windows. Depicting over 1,000 biblical scenes, these windows are a masterpiece of Gothic architecture and a true Paris hidden gem. You'll enjoy a more peaceful experience visiting in the afternoon after the crowds have left. Your guide will share fascinating insights into the chapel's history and the significance of the artwork, making this an unforgettable moment on your tour.
From there, you'll stroll down meandering cobblestone streets where you'll hear the stories and learn of the characters—poets, philosophers, artists—that made Paris the City of Light. One of the highlights on your walking tour is the Shakespeare and Company bookshop featured in many films.
Finally, as you approach the iconic Notre-Dame, your guide will take you back in time hundreds of years to when the mighty cathedral (the distance from which all points in France are measured) was first built and Paris looked very different than it does today. You'll be among the first to see Notre-Dame since reopening after the 2019 fire. This tour visits the cathedral's exterior, but your guide will share how you can visit on your own.
Before saying goodbye to your guide, they will leave you with a special treat: a river cruise along the Seine where you can drink in Paris's magnificent buildings from a new vantage point. The cruise will last one hour and offers live commentary on board.
Please Note: Group visits inside Notre-Dame will resume in June 2025. To visit Notre-Dame on your own, access is available via walk-in or free pre-booked time slots on the official Notre-Dame website.
Sites Visited: • Notre Dame Cathedral (exterior) • Île de la Cité • Sainte-Chapelle • Conciergerie • River Seine • Shakespeare & Company bookstore • Pont Neuf • Saint-Michel Fountain
Guide: English