For such a tiny island, Île de la Cité has a lot of stories to tell. This walking tour delves into the city's medieval roots to reveal a fascinating side of the City of Lights. See stunning Notre Dame up close, either from the courtyard or by skipping the line to head inside the iconic cathedral (available from December 2024), which still stands proud after the recent fire. Stroll through the narrow streets and hidden corners of the Latin Quarter. Explore two historic monuments, the prison that once held Marie Antoinette and Paris' most beautiful church, Sainte Chapelle, on a guided tour. Then experience Paris from a different vantage point on an idyllic Seine River Cruise.
Inclusions & Exclusions
✔ Skip the line ticket to Sainte-Chapelle
✔ Local English-speaking guide
✔ Ticket for Seine River cruise
✔ From Dec 2024: Skip the line ticket for Notre Dame
✔ Small groups of 20 people or fewer
✔ Headset
✔ Skip the line ticket for Conciergerie
✖ Gratuities
✖ Hotel Pick-Up/Drop-Off
Departure & Return
Departure:
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Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of your tour, your guide will be holding a green Walks sign. This tour meets in front of Cité metro entrance, 1 rue Aubé, 75004 Paris.
Itinerary
1
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 skip the long lines and walk straight into this remarkable monument.
Duration: 45 minutes
2
Conciergerie
Next, you'll visit the Conciergerie, the oldest remaining part of the Palais de la Cité. This former royal residence of the kings of France became a prison during the French Revolution, with its most famous inmate being Marie Antoinette. Enter with pre-reserved tickets for a guided tour of this incredible piece of French history.
Duration: 45 minutes
3
Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Paris
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. Through November 2024, you’ll get as close to the majestic landmark as the ongoing restoration will permit you to give you the best views possible. If you visit from mid-December 2024, the highlight of your tour will be the opportunity to step inside Notre-Dame itself. After years of restoration following the devastating fire, you'll be among the first to experience its reopening—a true once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Duration: 30 minutes
4
Ile de la Cite
Wander through Île de la Cité, the historic heart of Paris. Your guide will reveal the island’s rich history and its role as the birthplace of the city.
Duration: 30 minutes
5
Quartier Latin
Cross the river into the historic Latin Quarter and 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.
Duration: 20 minutes
6
Pont Neuf
Wrap up your tour at the equestrian statue of Henri IV, located on the Pont Neuf. From here, your guide will point you to the departure point for the Seine River cruise, which offers a perfect end to your exploration.
Duration: 10 minutes
Additional info
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Unfortunately due to the nature of this tour it is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments or with wheelchairs, or strollers.
• Some galleries of the Île de la Cité monuments may close without prior notice, or select pieces may be removed for restoration or loan. In this case, your guide will make an appropriate substitution.
• This tour is in English.
• This is a walking tour. Guests should be able to walk at a moderate pace without difficulty.
