For such a tiny island, Île de la Cité has a lot of stories to tell. See the site of Notre Dame from the courtyard, which still stands proud after the recent fire. Stroll through the narrow streets and hidden corners of the Latin Quarter. Marvel at St. Louis' phenomenal private chapel with skip-the-line Sainte-Chapelle tickets. Then experience Paris from a different vantage point on an idyllic Seine River Cruise.
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 tranquil, leafy Place Dauphine that offers breathing space and calm for its residents, you’ll see Paris from several entirely different perspectives, and discover exactly what makes it such a special place.
Your day starts with a stroll along the banks of the Seine, where you’ll hear all about the hidden history of this intriguing city, taking in its romantic sights along the way.
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 taken as close to the majestic landmark as the ongoing restoration will permit you to give you the best views possible.
After crossing the river into the historic Latin Quarter, you’ll stroll down meandering, cobbled, streets where you'll hear the stories and learn of the characters - poets, philosophers, artists - that made Paris the City of Light. Following this, it's time for a short wander through the street of Île Saint-Louis, where you'll get a stunning view of your next stop.
You’ll head to the city’s most beautiful chapel - Sainte Chapelle. This royal chapel was originally built to house relics and today it’s still one of the most jaw-dropping rooms in Paris. It’s also one of the city’s most popular attractions. Luckily, you’ll have skip-the-line tickets, so you can spend more time enjoying the chapel and less waiting around!
The guided part of your tour ends here but your guide will leave you with a special treat - a river cruise along the Seine where you can experience and view Paris and it’s many magnificent buildings from a new vantage point. The cruise will last one hour and has also a live guide on board.
Sites Visited:
- Notre Dame Cathedral (exterior)
- Île de la Cité
- Sainte Chapelle
- River Seine
- Place Dauphine
- Latin Quarter
- Île Saint-Louis
Guide: English