Notre Dame Island Guided Tour with Sainte-Chapelle Entry
Marvel at Paris Cathedral and follow your guide’s lead to Place Dauphine, the Conciergerie, and more
While exploring l’Ile de la Cité (Notre Dame Island) independently promises to delight, have you considered how much more you could learn about its rich history and hidden gems with an expert guide by your side? That’s why we’ve crafted this immersive walking tour, which takes you past the Notre Dame Cathedral, Place Dauphine, and the Conciergerie. Additionally, stand before the ever-so-charming Shakespeare and Company and enjoy the ease of pre-arranged tickets to the majestic Sainte Chapelle.
- Meet your guide at Pont Neuf
- Pont-Neuf
- Ile de la Cité
- Place Dauphine
- Notre Dame
- Restoration of Notre Dame
- Shakespeare and Company bookstore
- End your tour visiting Sainte Chapelle
Your two-hour tour kicks off at the delightful Pont Neuf, a historic bridge spanning the River Seine, where you’ll meet your guide and fellow travel companions. Together, embark on a delightful stroll around Ile de la Cité, pausing amid the tree-dotted Place Dauphine and before the stoic Conciergerie, which once held Marie Antoinette within its imposing walls.
Soon, you’ll be gazing up at the grand Notre Dame, whose intricate façade and magnificent interior are in the final stages of a five-year restoration process following a tragic fire in 2019. Then, cross the river to immerse yourself in the literary sanctuary of Shakespeare and Company Bookstore before concluding your journey with a self-guided exploration of the stunningly beautiful Sainte Chapelle.
Notre Dame Island Guided Tour with Sainte-Chapelle Entry Description
Your 2-hour tour includes:
Walking tour of Ile de la Cité
Entry tickets to Sainte Chapelle
Admire the exteriors of Notre Dame, Shakespeare and Company, and the Conciergerie
Personalized experience
Professional English-speaking guide
Headsets when appropriate
Meet at Pont Neuf
At a convenient time in the morning meet your guide and fellow travelers at Pont Neuf—the oldest existing bridge in Paris spanning the Seine. Completed in 1607 during the reign of King Henry IV and stretching across the westernmost point of Île de la Cité, this historic setting offers breathtaking city views and stunning architecture. It’s the perfect starting point for your exploration, with the promise of even more remarkable sights ahead!
Explore Ile de la Cité
Leaving the architectural beauty of Pont Neuf behind, your next steps bring you deeper into the heart of Parisian history on the Île de la Cité. This Seine River island is deemed the birthplace of Paris, and thanks to your expert guide, you’ll soon be happening upon landmarks dating back to its origins as a Roman settlement and medieval city.
One of these famous landmarks is Place Dauphine, a tranquil square—-although triangle-shaped— that was commissioned by King Henry IV in 1607. Still today it remains one of the most serene spots in Paris, shaded by mature trees and lined with elegant buildings. Next, stand before the imposing Conciergerie, a former royal palace turned revolutionary prison. Its medieval towers overlooking the Seine are a stark reminder of its grim past, having once held Queen Marie Antoinette before her execution.
Learn about the Restoration of Notre Dame
You’ve seen its towering spires cloaked in scaffolding from afar, and now it's time to take a closer look at the magnificent Notre Dame Cathedral. Although heading inside is not currently an option, witnessing the restoration efforts from the devastating fire of April 2019 promises to leave its own special mark on your memory.
As you stroll past an elongated informational board, donned with insightful photos of the interior work, your guide will detail the cathedral’s long history. Constructed from the 12th to the 14th centuries, it’s witnessed numerous coronations, including that of Napoleon Bonaparte, and survived the turbulences of French history, from the French Revolution to World War II. The current stone-by-stone assessment and revival marking yet another chapter in its Parisian legacy.
Shakespeare and Company
Next, your tour leads you across the river to the south bank of the Seine. Pause for a moment to savor the postcard-perfect view of Notre Dame before you follow your guide to Shakespeare and Company. This legendary English-language bookstore has been a meeting point for some of the most influential writers of the twentieth century, including Ernest Hemingway, James Joyce, and F. Scott Fitzgerald. Inside, you'll find shelves packed with an extensive collection of first editions and rare books. While time may limit a thorough exploration during this visit, make sure to remember its location for a return trip—you could easily spend hours immersed in its literary treasures.
Self-Guided Tour of Sainte Chapelle
Last, but certainly not least on your tour is a step inside the magnificent Sainte Chapelle. This Gothic chapel, commissioned by King Louis IX in the 13th century, was designed to house precious Christian relics, including Christ's Crown of Thorns. With pre-arranged tickets, you’ll head right in to discover a kaleidoscope of colors, cast by 15 towering panels of stained glass.
As your guided portion of the tour concludes here, you are free to linger and explore this historic chapel at your own pace. Wander through the nave, take a closer look at the exquisite details of each window panel, or simply sit and reflect on the beauty surrounding you. Thanks for joining and au revoir!
What you get with this tour
Frequently Asked Questions
What to bring?
It's always smart to wear comfortable shoes since you'll be on your feet for most of the tour. A good camera or smartphone with a camera is also recommended.
Is this tour run by The Tour Guy?
This tour is operated by one of our trusted and vetted partners in Paris.
What to bring?
It's always smart to wear comfortable shoes since you'll be on your feet for most of the tour. A good camera or smartphone with a camera is also recommended.
What if I have concerns about my mobility on this tour?
While the majority of Notre Dame Island and Sainte-Chapelle are wheelchair accessible, some areas can be difficult to navigate. If you have any doubts about your mobility, please let us know beforehand. We also recommend to take our Paris in a day private tour that can better suit your needs
What happens if it rains?
We run our Notre Dame Island Guided Tour with Sainte-Chapelle Entry rain or shine. If the weather is extremely bad and will affect the tour, we'll inform you as soon as possible.
Is there any chance my tour might be canceled?
On the rare occasions the tour is canceled, we'll inform you as soon as possible.
Is it possible The Tour Guy will change this Notre Dame Island Guided Tour with Sainte-Chapelle Entry time?
On the rate occasions your tour time changes, we'll inform you as soon as possible.
Is there a dress code to enter Sainte-Chapelle?
Yes, there is a dress code to enter Sainte-Chapelle. Knees, shoulders, and backs must be covered
Is lunch or dinner included in the price of the tour?
Lunch or dinner are not included in this tour but our knowledgeable guides will happily point out excellent places to eat after your tour.
Are drinks included in the price of the tour?
Drinks are not included in this tour but our knowledgeable guides will happily point out excellent places to grab a drink after your tour.
Can I bring my kids, and do I have to pay for them?
All ages are welcome on our Notre Dame Island Guided Tour with Sainte-Chapelle Entry. We offer a slightly discounted rate for children ages 4 to 14 and infants 3 and under are free.
Does this tour include hotel pickup?
Hotel pickup is not included on this tour. You'll meet your guide at Pont Neuf.
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